Iron Does Not “Jiggle Free” in Mitochondria: Is Mitoferrin the Only Answer?.

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. sci-27-sci-27
Author(s):  
Barry H. Paw
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Iron Homeostasis ◽  
Reduced Form ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Inner Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Conventional Models ◽  
Definitive Erythropoiesis ◽  
Yeast Mutants

The developing erythron requires tremendous amounts of iron (Fe) for the synthesis of heme for hemoproteins, such as hemoglobin, and iron-sulfur (Fe/S) clusters of proteins, which are required to catalyze redox reactions and regulate Fe uptake and storage. The uptake of Fe from transferrin (Tf) involves the binding of Tf to its cognate receptor (TfR), followed by the endocytosis of the Tf-TfR complex.1,2 In the late endosome, the release of Fe3+ from TfR is achieved by acidification of the vesicle by the v-ATPase H+-pump. Steap3 reduces the liberated Fe3+ prior to its transport out of the endosome by the DMT1 transporter. In contrast to previous conventional models for a cytosolic intermediate state, new data have emerged showing the direct interorganellar transfer of Fe from the endosome to the mitochondria.3 Although it is assumed that the exported Fe is targeted to the mitochondria for eventual incorporation into heme and Fe/S clusters, our understanding of the precise mechanism of how Fe traverses the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes remains poorly understood. Work in yeast mutants have implicated the role of solute carriers, Mrs3/4p, in mitochondrial iron homeostasis and revealed that it is the reduced form of iron, Fe2+, that is imported into the mitochondria. Subsequent studies of the zebrafish mutant, frascati, led to the discovery of mitoferrin 1 (Mfrn1, slc25a37), the vertebrate ortholog of Mrs3/4, as the major iron importer across the inner mitochondrial membrane in developing erythroblasts.4 A structurally related paralog, mitoferrin 2 (Mfrn2, slc25a28), plays the analogous role of Fe importer in non-erythroid cells. Loss-of-function studies of Mfrn1 in the mouse have confirmed its requirement in mammalian primitive and definitive erythropoiesis and its essential role in heme and Fe/S biosynthesis. Several questions remain unanswered in mitochondrial Fe metabolism: Do the two Mfrn importers account for all Fe imported into the mitochondria? How does Fe get across the outer mitochondrial membrane to reach the Mfrn importers? How does the translocated Fe in the matrix ultimately reach ferrochelatase to form heme? How is Fe translocated across the inner mitochondrial membrane?

Mitochondrial Ca2+ Buffering Regulates Synaptic Transmission Between Retinal Amacrine Cells

2002 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 1426-1439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Medler ◽  
Evanna L. Gleason
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Amacrine Cell ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Amacrine Cells ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
Inner Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Physiological Properties ◽  
Low Levels

The diverse functions of retinal amacrine cells are reliant on the physiological properties of their synapses. Here we examine the role of mitochondria as Ca2+ buffering organelles in synaptic transmission between GABAergic amacrine cells. We used the protonophore p-trifluoromethoxy-phenylhydrazone (FCCP) to dissipate the membrane potential across the inner mitochondrial membrane that normally sustains the activity of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter. Measurements of cytosolic Ca2+ levels reveal that prolonged depolarization-induced Ca2+ elevations measured at the cell body are altered by inhibition of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. Furthermore, an analysis of the ratio of Ca2+ efflux on the plasma membrane Na-Ca exchanger to influx through Ca2+ channels during voltage steps indicates that mitochondria can also buffer Ca2+ loads induced by relatively brief stimuli. Importantly, we also demonstrate that mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake operates at rest to help maintain low cytosolic Ca2+ levels. This aspect of mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering suggests that in amacrine cells, the normal function of Ca2+-dependent mechanisms would be contingent upon ongoing mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. To test the role of mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering at amacrine cell synapses, we record from amacrine cells receiving GABAergic synaptic input. The Ca2+ elevations produced by inhibition of mitochondrial Ca2+uptake are localized and sufficient in magnitude to stimulate exocytosis, indicating that mitochondria help to maintain low levels of exocytosis at rest. However, we found that inhibition of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake during evoked synaptic transmission results in a reduction in the charge transferred at the synapse. Recordings from isolated amacrine cells reveal that this is most likely due to the increase in the inactivation of presynaptic Ca2+ channels observed in the absence of mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering. These results demonstrate that mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering plays a critical role in the function of amacrine cell synapses.

scholarly journals CO2 and HCO3- Permeability of the Rat Liver Mitochondrial Membrane

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 2014-2024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariela Arias-Hidalgo ◽  
Jan Hegermann ◽  
Georgios Tsiavaliaris ◽  
Fabrizio Carta ◽  
Claudiu T. Supuran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Membrane ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Gas Permeability ◽  
Alternative Pathway ◽  
Biological Membrane ◽  
Red Cell ◽  
Inner Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Red Cell Membrane ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Rat Livers

Background/Aims: Across the mitochondrial membrane an exceptionally intense exchange of O2 and CO2 occurs. We have asked, 1) whether the CO2 permeability, PM,CO2, of this membrane is also exceptionally high, and 2) whether the mitochondrial membrane is sufficiently permeable to HCO3- to make passage of this ion an alternative pathway for exit of metabolically produced CO2. Methods: The two permeabilities were measured using the previously published mass spectrometric 18O exchange technique to study suspensions of mitochondria freshly isolated from rat livers. The mitochondria were functionally and morphologically in excellent condition. Results: The intramitochondrial CA activity was exclusively localized in the matrix. PM,CO2 of the inner mitochondrial membrane was 0.33 (SD ± 0.03) cm/s, which is the highest value reported for any biological membrane, even two times higher than PM,CO2 of the red cell membrane. PM,HCO3- was 2· 10-6 (SD ± 2· 10-6) cm/s and thus extremely low, almost 3 orders of magnitude lower than PM,HCO3- of the red cell membrane. Conclusion: The inner mitochondrial membrane is almost impermeable to HCO3- but extremely permeable to CO2. Since gas channels are absent, this membrane constitutes a unique example of a membrane of very high gas permeability due to its extremely low content of cholesterol.

Role of uncoupled and non-coupled oxidations in maintenance of safely low levels of oxygen and its one-electron reductants

1996 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladimir P. Skulachev
Keyword(s):  
Resting State ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Inner Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Enzymatic Formation ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Cellular Components

AbstractTo proceed at a high rate, phosphorylating respiration requires ADP to be available. In the resting state, when the energy consumption is low, the ADP concentration decreases so that phosphorylating respiration ceases. This may result in an increase in the intracellular concentrations of O2as well as of one-electron O2reductants such asThese two events should dramatically enhance non-enzymatic formation of reactive oxygen species, i.e. of, and OHׁ, and, hence, the probability of oxidative damage to cellular components. In this paper, a concept is put forward proposing that non-phosphorylating (uncoupled or non-coupled) respiration takes part in maintenance of low levels of both O2and the O2reductants when phosphorylating respiration fails to do this job due to lack of ADP.In particular, it is proposed that some increase in the H+leak of mitochondrial membrane in State 4 lowers, stimulates O2consumption and decreases the level ofwhich otherwise accumulates and serves as one-electron O2reductant. In this connection, the role of natural uncouplers (thyroid hormones), recouplers (male sex hormones and progesterone), non-specific pore in the inner mitochondrial membrane, and apoptosis, as well as of non-coupled electron transfer chains in plants and bacteria will be considered.

Cytoprotective Role of Ca2+- Activated K+ Channels in the Cardiac Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

Science ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 298 (5595) ◽  
pp. 1029-1033 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Xu ◽  
Y. Liu ◽  
S. Wang ◽  
T. McDonald ◽  
J. E. Van Eyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Inner Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
K Channels

scholarly journals Inhibition of the Anti-Apoptotic Bcl-2 Family by BH3 Mimetics Sensitize the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore Through Bax and Bak

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pooja Patel ◽  
Arielys Mendoza ◽  
Dexter J. Robichaux ◽  
Meng C. Wang ◽  
Xander H. T. Wehrens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Mitochondrial Dysfunction ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Mitochondrial Permeability Transition ◽  
Necrotic Cell Death ◽  
Necrotic Cell ◽  
Inner Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Retention Capacity

Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP)-dependent necrosis contributes to numerous pathologies in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle. The MPTP is a non-selective pore in the inner mitochondrial membrane that is triggered by high levels of matrix Ca2+, and sustained opening leads to mitochondrial dysfunction. Although the MPTP is defined by an increase in inner mitochondrial membrane permeability, the expression of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, Bax and Bak localization to the outer mitochondrial membrane is required for MPTP-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent necrotic cell death. Contrary to the role of Bax and Bak in apoptosis, which is dependent on their oligomerization, MPTP-dependent necrosis does not require oligomerization as monomeric/inactive forms of Bax and Bak can facilitate mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the relationship between Bax and Bak activation/oligomerization and MPTP sensitization remains to be explored. Here, we use a combination of in vitro and ex vivo approaches to determine the role of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, which regulate Bax/Bak activity, in necrotic cell death and MPTP sensitivity. To study the role of each predominantly expressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member (i.e., Mcl-1, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL) in MPTP regulation, we utilize various BH3 mimetics that specifically bind to and inhibit each. We determined that the inhibition of each anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member lowers mitochondrial calcium retention capacity and sensitizes MPTP opening. Furthermore, the inhibition of each Bcl-2 family member exacerbates both apoptotic and necrotic cell death in vitro in a Bax/Bak-dependent manner. Our findings suggests that mitochondrial Ca2+ retention capacity and MPTP sensitivity is influenced by Bax/Bak activation/oligomerization on the outer mitochondrial membrane, providing further evidence of the crosstalk between the apoptotic and necrotic cell death pathways.

scholarly journals A ferredoxin bridge connects the two arms of plant mitochondrial complex I

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niklas Klusch ◽  
Jennifer Senkler ◽  
Özkan Yildiz ◽  
Werner Kühlbrandt ◽  
Hans-Peter Braun
Keyword(s):  
Arabidopsis Thaliana ◽  
Complex I ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Mitochondrial Complex I ◽  
Mitochondrial Complex ◽  
Inner Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Main Site ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Quinol Binding ◽  
Complex I Activity

SUMMARYMitochondrial complex I is the main site for electron transfer to the respiratory chain and generates much of the proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is composed of two arms, which form a conserved L-shape. We report the structures of the intact, 47-subunit mitochondrial complex I from Arabidopsis thaliana and from the green alga Polytomella sp. at 3.2 and 3.3 Å resolution. In both, a heterotrimeric γ-carbonic anhydrase domain is attached to the membrane arm on the matrix side. Two states are resolved in A. thaliana complex I, with different angles between the two arms and different conformations of the ND1 loop near the quinol binding site. The angle appears to depend on a bridge domain, which links the peripheral arm to the membrane arm and includes an unusual ferredoxin. We suggest that the bridge domain regulates complex I activity.One sentence summaryThe activity of complex I depends on the angel between its two arms, which, in plants, is adjusted by a protein bridge that includes an unusual ferredoxin.The authors responsible for distribution of materials integral to the findings presented in this article in accordance with the policy described in the Instructions for Authors (www.plantcell.org) are: Hans-Peter Braun ([email protected]) and Werner Kühlbrandt ([email protected]).

scholarly journals Role of cytochrome c heme lyase in mitochondrial import and accumulation of cytochrome c in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 5487-5496 ◽  
Author(s):  
M E Dumont ◽  
T S Cardillo ◽  
M K Hayes ◽  
F Sherman
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Cytochrome C ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Intermembrane Space ◽  
Inner Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Apocytochrome C ◽  
Cytochrome C Heme Lyase

Heme is covalently attached to cytochrome c by the enzyme cytochrome c heme lyase. To test whether heme attachment is required for import of cytochrome c into mitochondria in vivo, antibodies to cytochrome c have been used to assay the distributions of apo- and holocytochromes c in the cytoplasm and mitochondria from various strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Strains lacking heme lyase accumulate apocytochrome c in the cytoplasm. Similar cytoplasmic accumulation is observed for an altered apocytochrome c in which serine residues were substituted for the two cysteine residues that normally serve as sites of heme attachment, even in the presence of normal levels of heme lyase. However, detectable amounts of this altered apocytochrome c are also found inside mitochondria. The level of internalized altered apocytochrome c is decreased in a strain that completely lacks heme lyase and is greatly increased in a strain that overexpresses heme lyase. Antibodies recognizing heme lyase were used to demonstrate that the enzyme is found on the outer surface of the inner mitochondrial membrane and is not enriched at sites of contact between the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes. These results suggest that apocytochrome c is transported across the outer mitochondrial membrane by a freely reversible process, binds to heme lyase in the intermembrane space, and is then trapped inside mitochondria by an irreversible conversion to holocytochrome c accompanied by folding to the native conformation. Altered apocytochrome c lacking the ability to have heme covalently attached accumulates in mitochondria only to the extent that it remains bound to heme lyase.

Cd2+-induced swelling-contraction dynamics in isolated kidney cortex mitochondria: role of Ca2+ uniporter, K+ cycling, and protonmotive force

2005 ◽  
Vol 289 (3) ◽  
pp. C656-C664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wing-Kee Lee ◽  
Malte Spielmann ◽  
Ulrich Bork ◽  
Frank Thévenod
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Rat Kidney ◽  
Choline Chloride ◽  
Permeability Transition Pore ◽  
Permeability Transition ◽  
Kidney Cortex ◽  
Protonmotive Force ◽  
Inner Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Rat Kidney Cortex ◽  
The Matrix

The nephrotoxic metal Cd2+ causes mitochondrial damage and apoptosis of kidney proximal tubule cells. A K+ cycle involving a K+ uniporter and a K+/H+ exchanger in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) is thought to contribute to the maintenance of the structural and functional integrity of mitochondria. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of Cd2+ on K+ cycling in rat kidney cortex mitochondria. Cd2+ (EC50 ∼19 μM) induced swelling of nonenergized mitochondria suspended in isotonic salt solutions according to the sequence KCl = NaCl > LiCl ≫ choline chloride. Cd2+-induced swelling of energized mitochondria had a similar EC50 value and showed the same cation dependence but was followed by a spontaneous contraction. Mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) blockers, but not permeability transition pore inhibitors, abolished swelling, suggesting the need for Cd2+ influx through the MCU for swelling to occur. Complete loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) induced by K+ influx did not prevent contraction, but addition of the K+/H+ exchanger blocker, quinine (1 mM), or the electroneutral protonophore nigericin (0.4 μM), abolished contraction, suggesting the mitochondrial pH gradient (ΔpHm) driving contraction. Accordingly, a quinine-sensitive partial dissipation of ΔpHm was coincident with the swelling-contraction phase. The data indicate that Cd2+ enters the matrix through the MCU to activate a K+ cycle. Initial K+ load via a Cd2+-activated K+ uniporter in the IMM causes osmotic swelling and breakdown of ΔΨm and triggers quinine-sensitive K+/H+ exchange and contraction. Thus Cd2+-induced activation of a K+ cycle contributes to the dissipation of the mitochondrial protonmotive force.

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