scholarly journals Mitochondrial calcium uptake regulates tumour progression in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reshma Taneja ◽  
Hsin Yao Chiu ◽  
Amos Hong Pheng Loh
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Homeostasis ◽  
Calcium Uptake ◽  
Cellular Proliferation ◽  
Myogenic Differentiation ◽  
Tumour Progression ◽  
Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma ◽  
Mitochondrial Calcium ◽  
Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) is characterized by a failure of cells to complete skeletal muscle differentiation. Although ERMS cells are vulnerable to oxidative stress, the relevance of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis in oncogenesis is unclear. Here, we show that ERMS cell lines as well as primary tumours exhibit elevated expression of the Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter (MCU). MCU knockdown resulted in impaired mitochondrial calcium uptake and a reduction in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) levels. Phenotypically, MCU knockdown cells exhibited reduced cellular proliferation and motility, with an increased propensity to differentiate in vitro and in vivo. RNA-sequencing of MCU knockdown cells revealed a significant reduction in genes involved in TGF? signalling that play prominent roles in oncogenesis and inhibition of myogenic differentiation. Interestingly, modulation of mROS production impacted TGF? signalling. Our study elucidates mechanisms by which mitochondrial calcium dysregulation promotes tumour progression and suggests that targeting the MCU complex to restore mitochondrial calcium homeostasis could be a therapeutic avenue in ERMS.

Abstract P401: The Anti-arrhythmic Effects Of VDAC Isoforms Are Mediated By Glutamate 73 Through Regulation Of Mitochondrial Calcium Transport

2021 ◽  
Vol 129 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Crisman ◽  
Hirohito Shimizu ◽  
Adam Langenbacher ◽  
Jie Huang ◽  
Kevin Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Transport ◽  
Calcium Uptake ◽  
Calcium Overload ◽  
Mitochondrial Calcium ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Excess Calcium ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake

Mitochondria critically regulate cellular processes such as bioenergetics, metabolism, calcium homeostasis and apoptosis. VDAC proteins are abundant proteins that control the passage of ions and metabolites across the outer mitochondrial membrane. We have previously shown that activation of VDAC2, is able to buffer excess calcium and thereby suppress calcium overload induced arrhythmogenic events in vitro and in vivo. However, the mechanism by which VDAC2 regulates calcium transport and cardiac contractions remained unclear. It is also unclear whether all three VDAC isoforms (VDAC1,2 and 3) possess similar cardioprotective activity. The zebrafish tremblor/ncx1 mutant lacks functional NCX1 in cardiomyocytes leading to calcium overload, and the manifestation of fibrillation-like phenotypes. Using the tremblor/ncx1 mutant as a model, we observed isoform-specific differences between the VDAC family members. VDAC1 and VDAC2 enhanced mitochondrial calcium trafficking and restore rhythmic contraction in tremblor mutants, whereas, VDAC3 did not. We found that the differing rescue capabilities of VDAC proteins were dependent upon residues in their N-terminal halves. Phylogenetic analysis further revealed the presence of an evolutionarily conserved glutamate at position 73 (E73) within VDAC1 and VDAC2, but a glutamine (Q73) in VDAC3. Excitingly, we showed that replacing VDAC2 E73 with Q73 ablated its calcium transporting activity. Conversely, substituting the Q73 with E73 allows VDAC3 to gain calcium trafficking and cardioprotective abilities. Overall, our study demonstrates an essential role for the evolutionarily conserved glutamate-73 in determining the anti-arrhythmic effect of VDAC isoforms through their regulation of mitochondrial calcium uptake.

scholarly journals EHMT2 epigenetically suppresses Wnt signaling and is a potential target in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma

eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ananya Pal ◽  
Jia Yu Leung ◽  
Gareth Chin Khye Ang ◽  
Vinay Kumar Rao ◽  
Luca Pignata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Myogenic Differentiation ◽  
Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma ◽  
Differentiation Therapy ◽  
Canonical Wnt Signaling ◽  
Therapeutic Modalities ◽  
Xenograft Models ◽  
Canonical Wnt

Wnt signaling is downregulated in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) and contributes to the block of differentiation. Epigenetic mechanisms leading to its suppression are unknown and could pave the way toward novel therapeutic modalities. We demonstrate that EHMT2 suppresses canonical Wnt signaling by activating expression of the Wnt antagonist DKK1. Inhibition of EHMT2 expression or activity in human ERMS cell lines reduced DKK1 expression and elevated canonical Wnt signaling resulting in myogenic differentiation in vitro and in mouse xenograft models in vivo. Mechanistically, EHMT2 impacted Sp1 and p300 enrichment at the DKK1 promoter. The reduced tumor growth upon EHMT2 deficiency was reversed by recombinant DKK1 or LGK974, which also inhibits Wnt signaling. Consistently, among 13 drugs targeting chromatin modifiers, EHMT2 inhibitors were highly effective in reducing ERMS cell viability. Our study demonstrates that ERMS cells are vulnerable to EHMT2 inhibitors and suggest that targeting the EHMT2-DKK1-β-catenin node holds promise for differentiation therapy.

scholarly journals Improved Tetanic Force and Mitochondrial Calcium Homeostasis by Astaxanthin Treatment in Mouse Skeletal Muscle

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sztretye ◽  
Singlár ◽  
Szabó ◽  
Angyal ◽  
Balogh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Calcium Homeostasis ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Calcium Transients ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mitochondrial Calcium ◽  
Tetanic Force

Background: Astaxanthin (AX) a marine carotenoid is a powerful natural antioxidant which protects against oxidative stress and improves muscle performance. Retinol and its derivatives were described to affect lipid and energy metabolism. Up to date, the effects of AX and retinol on excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) in skeletal muscle are poorly described. Methods: 18 C57Bl6 mice were divided into two groups: Control and AX supplemented in rodent chow for 4 weeks (AstaReal A1010). In vivo and in vitro force and intracellular calcium homeostasis was studied. In some experiments acute treatment with retinol was employed. Results: The voltage activation of calcium transients (V50) were investigated in single flexor digitorum brevis isolated fibers under patch clamp and no significant changes were found following AX supplementation. Retinol shifted V50 towards more positive values and decreased the peak F/F0 of the calcium transients. The amplitude of tetani in the extensor digitorum longus was significantly higher in AX than in control group. Lastly, the mitochondrial calcium uptake was found to be less prominent in AX. Conclusion: AX supplementation increases in vitro tetanic force without affecting ECC and exerts a protecting effect on the mitochondria. Retinol treatment has an inhibitory effect on ECC in skeletal muscle.

Abstract P467: Cardiac-specific Deletion Of Voltage Dependent Anion Channel 2 Leads To Dilated Cardiomyopathy By Altering Calcium Homeostasis

2021 ◽  
Vol 129 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thirupura S Shankar ◽  
Dinesh Kumar Anandamurugan Ramadurai ◽  
Kira Steinhorst ◽  
Salah Sommakia ◽  
Rachit Badolia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Dilated Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Calcium Signaling ◽  
Calcium Homeostasis ◽  
Calcium Uptake ◽  
Mitochondrial Calcium ◽  
Voltage Dependent Anion Channel ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Cellular Calcium ◽  
Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake

Voltage dependent anion channel 2 (VDAC2) is a mitochondrial outer membrane porin known to play a significant role in apoptosis and calcium signaling. Abnormalities in cellular calcium homeostasis often leads to electrical and contractile dysfunction and can cause dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Previous literature suggests that improving mitochondrial calcium uptake via VDAC2 rescues arrhythmia phenotypes in genetic models of impaired cellular calcium signaling. However, the direct role of VDAC2 in intracellular calcium signaling and cardiac function is not well understood. To elucidate the role of VDAC2 in calcium homeostasis, we generated a cardiac-specific deletion of Vdac2 in mice. Our results indicate that loss of VDAC2 in the myocardium during development causes severe impairment in excitation-contraction coupling by reducing mitochondrial calcium uptake (n=3, p<0.05) and thereby impairing intracellular calcium signaling. VDAC2 knock-out mice showed a significant reduction in RYR-mediated calcium release (F/F 0 ) and rate of calcium uptake by SERCA2a [tau(msec)] compared to control mice (N=3, WT=54, KO=38, p<0.0001 (F/F 0 ) and p<0.05 (tau)). We also observed adverse cardiac remodeling which progressed to severe dilated cardiomyopathy and death (N=6, p<0.0001). Reintroducing VDAC2 in 6-week-old knock-out mice partially rescued the cardiomyopathy phenotype evident from improvement in ejection fraction and fractional shortening (n=3, p<0.05). Improving mitochondrial calcium uptake via VDAC2 using a VDAC2 agonist efsevin, increased cardiac contractile force in a mouse model of pressure-overload induced heart failure (N=8, n=22, p<0.05). In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that VDAC2 plays a crucial role in cardiac function by influencing mitochondrial and cellular calcium signaling. Through this role in cellular calcium dynamics and excitation-contraction coupling VDAC2 emerges as a plausible therapeutic target for heart failure.

scholarly journals Deregulation of the histone H3K9 di-methylation landscape suppresses canonical Wnt signaling in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ananya Pal ◽  
Jia Yu Leung ◽  
Gareth Chin Khye Ang ◽  
Vinay Kumar Rao ◽  
Luca Pignata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Myogenic Differentiation ◽  
Wnt Signaling Pathway ◽  
Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Canonical Wnt Signaling ◽  
Therapeutic Modalities ◽  
Canonical Wnt

AbstractThe Wnt signaling pathway is down-regulated in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) and contributes to the block of myogenic differentiation. Epigenetic mechanisms leading to its suppression are unknown and could pave the way towards novel therapeutic modalities. In this study, we demonstrate that the H3K9 lysine methyltransferase G9a suppresses canonical Wnt signaling by activating expression of the Wnt antagonist DKK1. Inhibition of G9a expression or activity reduced DKK1 expression and elevated canonical Wnt signaling resulting in myogenic differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, G9a impacted Sp1 and p300 enrichment at the DKK1 promoter in a methylation-dependent manner. The reduced tumor growth upon G9a deficiency was reversed by recombinant DKK1 or LGK974, which also inhibits Wnt signaling. Consistently, among thirteen drugs targeting chromatin modifiers, G9a inhibitors were highly effective in reducing ERMS cell viability. Together, our study demonstrates that ERMS cells are vulnerable to G9a inhibitors and suggest that targeting the G9a-DKK1-β-catenin node holds promise for differentiation therapy.

scholarly journals The mitochondrial calcium uniporter promotes arrhythmias caused by high-fat diet

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leroy C. Joseph ◽  
Michael V. Reyes ◽  
Edwin A. Homan ◽  
Blake Gowen ◽  
Uma Mahesh R. Avula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Dysfunction ◽  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Calcium Uptake ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Calcium Handling ◽  
Mitochondrial Calcium ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Calcium Uniporter ◽  
Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake

AbstractObesity and diabetes increase the risk of arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. However, the molecular mechanisms of arrhythmia caused by metabolic abnormalities are not well understood. We hypothesized that mitochondrial dysfunction caused by high fat diet (HFD) promotes ventricular arrhythmia. Based on our previous work showing that saturated fat causes calcium handling abnormalities in cardiomyocytes, we hypothesized that mitochondrial calcium uptake contributes to HFD-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and arrhythmic events. For experiments, we used mice with conditional cardiac-specific deletion of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (Mcu), which is required for mitochondrial calcium uptake, and littermate controls. Mice were used for in vivo heart rhythm monitoring, perfused heart experiments, and isolated cardiomyocyte experiments. MCU KO mice are protected from HFD-induced long QT, inducible ventricular tachycardia, and abnormal ventricular repolarization. Abnormal repolarization may be due, at least in part, to a reduction in protein levels of voltage gated potassium channels. Furthermore, isolated cardiomyocytes from MCU KO mice exposed to saturated fat are protected from increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and abnormal calcium handling. Activation of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) corresponds with the increase in arrhythmias in vivo. Additional experiments showed that CaMKII inhibition protects cardiomyocytes from the mitochondrial dysfunction caused by saturated fat. Hearts from transgenic CaMKII inhibitor mice were protected from inducible ventricular tachycardia after HFD. These studies identify mitochondrial dysfunction caused by calcium overload as a key mechanism of arrhythmia during HFD. This work indicates that MCU and CaMKII could be therapeutic targets for arrhythmia caused by metabolic abnormalities.

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