Cytochrome Oxidase Activity Research Articles

Lifelong reduction in complex IV induces tissue-specific metabolic effects but does not reduce lifespan or healthspan in mice.

SummaryLoss of SURF1, a Complex IV assembly protein, was reported to increase lifespan in mice despite dramatically lower cytochrome oxidase (COX) activity. Consistent with this, our previous studies found advantageous changes in metabolism (reduced adiposity, increased insulin sensitivity, and mitochondrial biogenesis) in Surf1 −/− mice. The lack of deleterious phenotypes in Surf1 −/− mice is contrary to the hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to aging. We found only a modest (nonsignificant) extension of lifespan (7% median, 16% maximum) and no change in healthspan indices in Surf1 −/− vs. Surf1 +/+ mice despite substantial decreases in COX activity (22%–87% across tissues). Dietary restriction (DR) increased median lifespan in both Surf1 +/+ and Surf1 −/− mice (36% and 19%, respectively). We measured gene expression, metabolites, and targeted expression of key metabolic proteins in adipose tissue, liver, and brain in Surf1 +/+ and Surf1 −/− mice. Gene expression was differentially regulated in a tissue‐specific manner. Many proteins and metabolites are downregulated in Surf1 −/− adipose tissue and reversed by DR, while in brain, most metabolites that changed were elevated in Surf1 −/− mice. Finally, mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt)‐associated proteins were not uniformly altered by age or genotype, suggesting the UPRmt is not a key player in aging or in response to reduced COX activity. While the changes in gene expression and metabolism may represent compensatory responses to mitochondrial stress, the important outcome of this study is that lifespan and healthspan are not compromised in Surf1 −/− mice, suggesting that not all mitochondrial deficiencies are a critical determinant of lifespan.

EFFECTS OF NICORANDIL ON ELECTRON TRANSPORT CHAIN ACTIVITY IN SKELETAL MUSCLE MITOCHONDRIA

In skeletal muscle, pharmacological modulation of the mitochondrial ATP‐sensitive K+ channel (mitoKATP) represents an strategy in myoprotection against metabolic stress. The role of mitoKATP channel in different tissues has been proposed by its participation in several signaling routes that promotes the production of ATP, affecting the transfer of energy between mitochondria and cellular ATPases. However, it has been reported that the action of activators of mitoKATP channels besides acting on the channels, could also have effects on different structures at mitochondrial level. Nicorandil has been recognized as a selective mitoKATP channel opener, making it a useful tool for determining the importance of this mitochondrial site. It is considered an effective drug for the treatment against ischemia‐reperfusion injury and fatigue in skeletal muscle, however its effects on mitochondrial respiration remains unclear. Hence, the aim of this study was to explore the effects of nicorandil on the activity of the electron transport chain (ETC) in isolated mitochondria derived from chicken skeletal muscle.Mitochondria from pectoralis muscle of 2‐week‐old Arbor Acres chickens were isolated by differential centrifugation. The rate of oxygen consumption was determined at room temperature using a Clark‐type oxygen electrode coupled to an oxygen monitor YSI 5300 and a computer for data acquisition. The determinations started after adding 10 mM glutamate/malate as respiratory substrate for complex I (state 4) and 1 mM ADP was added to determine oxygen consumption in the phosphorylating state (state 3). The activities of the ETC complexes were (I–IV) were assayed spectrophotometrically in a Perkin Elmer Lambda 18UV/vis spectrophotometer using 0.5 mg/mL mitochondria resuspended in 50 mM KH2PO4buffer. NADH‐oxidoreductase (complex I) activity was evaluated by measuring the oxidation of NADH at an absorbance of 340 nm; Succinate‐DCIP oxidoreductase (complex II) activity was measured at 600 nm by following the reduction of 2,6‐dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP). Antimycin A‐sensitive succinate‐cytochrome oxidoreductase (complex III) activity was followed by measuring at 550 nm the reduction of cytochrome. Cytochrome oxidase (complex IV) activity was evaluated by measuring the oxidation of reduced cytochrome at 550 nm.Nicorandil (10 μM) significantly decreased respiration (31.59 ± 6.15 %.) compared with control condition; this effect on oxygen consumption in the respiratory state 3 is associated with changes in the enzymatic activity of complexes II, III and IV. These findings suggest and question the assumption that sensitivity to nicorandil implies involvement of mitoKATP channels. Therefore, we suggest that effects pharmacological by nicorandil may be related to its effects on respiratory chain complexes.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Phosphorus concentration coordinates a respiratory bypass, synthesis and exudation of citrate, and the expression of high-affinity phosphorus transporters in Solanum lycopersicum.

Plants exhibit respiratory bypasses (e.g., the alternative oxidase [AOX]) and increase the synthesis of carboxylates in their organs (leaves and roots) in response to phosphorus (P) deficiency, which increases P uptake capacity. They also show differential expression of high-affinity inorganic phosphorus (Pi) transporters, thus avoiding P toxicity at a high P availability. The association between AOX and carboxylate synthesis was tested in Solanum lycopersicum plants grown at different soil P availability, by using plants grown under P-sufficient and P-limiting conditions and by applying a short-term (24hr) P-sufficient pulse to plants grown under P limitation. Tests were also performed with plants colonized with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which increased plant P concentration under reduced P availability. The in vivo activities of AOX and cytochrome oxidase were measured together with the concentration of carboxylates and the P concentration in plant organs. Gene transcription of Pi transporters (LePT1 and LePT2) was also studied. A coordinated response between plant P concentration with these traits was observed, indicating that a sufficient P availability in soil led to a suppression of both AOX activity and synthesis of citrate and a downregulation of the transcription of genes encoding high-affinity Pi transporters, presumably to avoid P toxicity.

Medicago truncatula copper transporter 1 (MtCOPT1) delivers copper for symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

Copper is an essential nutrient for symbiotic nitrogen fixation. This element is delivered by the host plant to the nodule, where membrane copper (Cu) transporter would introduce it into the cell to synthesize cupro-proteins. COPT family members in the model legume Medicago truncatula were identified and their expression determined. Yeast complementation assays, confocal microscopy and phenotypical characterization of a Tnt1 insertional mutant line were carried out in the nodule-specific M.truncatula COPT family member. Medicago truncatula genome encodes eight COPT transporters. MtCOPT1 (Medtr4g019870) is the only nodule-specific COPT gene. It is located in the plasma membrane of the differentiation, interzone and early fixation zones. Loss of MtCOPT1 function results in a Cu-mitigated reduction of biomass production when the plant obtains its nitrogen exclusively from symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Mutation of MtCOPT1 results in diminished nitrogenase activity in nodules, likely an indirect effect from the loss of a Cu-dependent function, such as cytochrome oxidase activity in copt1-1 bacteroids. These data are consistent with a model in which MtCOPT1 transports Cu from the apoplast into nodule cells to provide Cu for essential metabolic processes associated with symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

Temperature alterations during embryogenesis have a sex-dependent influence on growth properties and muscle metabolism of day-old chicks and 35-day-old broilers

Broiler eggs were either incubated at 37.8°C during the whole incubation period (control), or at higher (38.8°C, group H) and lower temperatures (36.8°C, group L) from embryonic day (ED) 7 up to ED 10 (ED 7 to 10) or from ED 10 up to ED 13 (ED 10 to 13). Before and after this temperature treatment the eggs were incubated at 37.8°C. The day-old chicks were weighted, sexed and fed up to day 35. On days 1 and 35 samples were taken from the breast and leg muscles for analyzing of the mitochondrial respiratory activity (MRA) and from the breast muscles for analysis of the cross-sectional areas (CSA) and the glycogen phosphorylase (GP), phosphofructokinase (PFK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), citrate synthase (CS) and cytochrome oxidase (COX) activities. Statistical analysis showed that treatment (control, group H, group L), sex and their interaction, but not the treatment period (ED 7 to 10; ED 10 to 13), significantly influenced the results. Group H chicks had lower (P⩽0.05) body and heart weights but higher (P⩽0.05) liver weights, CSA values, leg MRA as well as PFK, LDH, CS, GP and COX activities compared with the group L chicks. The results of the control chicks differ (P⩽0.05) from those of the group H (body, heart weight, COX), the group L chicks (liver weight, PFK, LDH, CS, GP) or the birds of both other groups (CSA). The group H broiler had higher (P⩽0.05) body and leg weights as well as LDH, CS, COX and GP activities than the group L broilers. The BWs and the LDH and GP results of the control broiler differ (P⩽0.05) from those of both other groups or from the results of the group H (CS) and group L broiler (COX). Female broilers had lower (P⩽0.05) body, breast and leg weights, but higher (P⩽0.05) CSA, LDH, CS and GP activities than the male animals. Analysis of treatment×sex interaction showed that group H hens had higher (P⩽0.05) body and breast weights, LDH and GP activities compared with the group L hens, whereas in the male broiler no effect of the interaction could be found, except for the lower (P⩽0.05) CSA values in the group H than group L cocks. The treatment effects are probably due to altered embryonic activity and related molecular mechanisms. The sex-related differences in the broiler indicate that these alterations already occur in the embryos and chicks, but become significant with the sexual dimorphism after hatch.

Calcium-Binding Proteins and Cytochrome Oxidase Activity in the Pigeon Entopallium: A Comparative Analysis of Interspecies Variability as Related to the Discussion on Avian Entopallium Homology

We report the results of our studies of the distribution patterns of calcium-binding proteins (parvalbumin, PV, and calbindin, CB) and metabolic activity (cytochrome oxidase, CO) in the pigeon entopallium—the telencephalic projection field of the tectofugal visual system. These characteristics were comparatively analyzed in different avian species in the light of the recent revision of entopallial projections’ nomenclature (Krutzfeldt and Wild, 2005). We demonstrate that in the pigeon neuropil both high PV immunoreactivity and CO activity as well as lower CB immunoreactivity are confined to the core region of the entopallium (E). The latter contains cells immunoreactive (ir) to PV and CB and having a heterogenous repertoire: small/medium-sized granular and large multipolar cells. They overlap in E and partly colocalize within the same cell, but differ in the internal (Ei) and external (Ex) portions by distribution density and labeling intensity. CO activity was identified in both cellular morphotypes. Sparse PV- and CB-ir cells were found in the perientopallium (Ep). The interspecies variability of PV and CB immunoreactivity, described in the avian entopallium by other authors, indicates its dependence on the adaptive functional specialization which underlies selective expression of these calcium-binding proteins. The above as well as the pertinent literature data are discussed in the wake of the current discussion on homology of the avian entopallium, supporting the idea of the existence in sauropsid amniotes of the ancestral precursor of the mammalian extrastriate visual cortex.

Effect of Formaldehyde on Human Middle Ear Epithelial Cells.

Formaldehyde (FA) is a familiar indoor air pollutant found in everything from cosmetics to clothing, but its impact on the middle ear is unknown. This study investigated whether FA causes cytotoxicity, inflammation, or induction of apoptosis in human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs). Cell viability was investigated using the trypan blue assay and a cell counting kit (CCK-8) in HMEECs treated with FA for 4 or 24 h. The expression of genes encoding the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and mucin (MUC5AC) was analyzed using RT-PCR. Activation of the apoptosis pathway was determined by measuring mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cytochrome oxidase, caspase-9/Mch6/Apaf 3, and Caspase-Glo® 3/7 activities. The CCK-8 assay and trypan blue assay results showed a reduction in cell viability in FA-treated HMEECs. FA also increased the cellular expression of TNF-α and MUC5AC and reduced the activities of MMP and cytochrome oxidase. Caspase-9 activity increased in cells stimulated for 4 h, as well as caspase-3/7 activity in cells stimulated for 24 h. The decreased cell viability, the induction of inflammation and mucin gene expression, and the activation of the apoptosis pathway together indicate a link between environmental FA exposure and the development of otitis media.

Cytochrome bcc-aa3 Oxidase Supercomplexes in the Aerobic Respiratory Chain of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)

Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2), an obligately aerobic, oxidase-positive, and filamentous soil bacterium, lacks a soluble cytochrome c in its respiratory chain, having instead a membrane-associated diheme c-type cytochrome, QcrC. This necessitates complex formation to allow electron transfer between the cytochrome bcc and aa3 oxidase respiratory complexes. Combining genetic complementation studies with in-gel cytochrome oxidase activity staining, we demonstrate that the complete qcrCAB-ctaCDFE gene locus on the chromosome, encoding, respectively, the bcc and aa3 complexes, is required to manifest a cytochrome oxidase enzyme activity in both spores and mycelium of a qcr-cta deletion mutant. Blue-native-PAGE identified a cytochrome aa3 oxidase complex of approximately 270 kDa, which catalyzed oxygen-dependent diaminobenzidine oxidation without the requirement for exogenously supplied cytochrome c, indicating association with QcrC. Furthermore, higher molecular mass complexes were identified upon addition of soluble cytochrome c, suggesting the supercomplex is unstable and readily dissociates into subcomplexes lacking QcrC. Immunological and mass spectrometric analyses of active, high-molecular mass oxidase-containing complexes separated by clear-native PAGE identified key subunits of both the bcc complex and the aa3 oxidase, supporting supercomplex formation. Our data also indicate that the cytochrome b QcrB of the bcc complex is less abundant in spores compared with mycelium.

Cardioprotection after acute exposure to simulated high altitude in rats. Role of nitric oxide

AimIn previous studies, upregulation of NOS during acclimatization of rats to sustained hypobaric hypoxia was associated to cardioprotection, evaluated as an increased tolerance of myocardium to hypoxia/reoxygenation. The objective of the present work was to investigate the effect of acute hypobaric hypoxia and the role of endogenous NO concerning cardiac tolerance to hypoxia/reoxygenation under β-adrenergic stimulation. MethodsRats were submitted to 58.7 kPa in a hypopressure chamber for 48 h whereas their normoxic controls remained at 101.3 kPa. By adding NOS substrate L-arg, or blocker L-NNA, isometric mechanical activity of papillary muscles isolated from left ventricle was evaluated at maximal or minimal production of NO, respectively, under β-adrenergic stimulation by isoproterenol, followed by 60/30 min of hypoxia/reoxygenation. Activities of NOS and cytochrome oxidase were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods and expression of HIF1-α and NOS isoforms by western blot. Eosin and hematoxiline staining were used for histological studies. ResultsCytosolic expression of HIF1-α, nNOS and eNOS, and NO production were higher in left ventricle of hypoxic rats. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase activity was decreased by hypobaric hypoxia and this effect was reversed by L-NNA. After H/R, recovery of developed tension in papillary muscles from normoxic rats was 51–60% (regardless NO modulation) while in hypobaric hypoxia was 70% ± 3 (L-arg) and 54% ± 1 (L-NNA). Other mechanical parameters showed similar results. Preserved histological architecture was observed only in L-arg papillary muscles of hypoxic rats. ConclusionExposure of rats to hypobaric hypoxia for only 2 days increased NO synthesis leading to cardioprotection.

Adrenaline induces mitochondrial biogenesis in rat liver.

We studied the effects of adrenaline administration and depletion (induced by reserpine) on rat liver oxidative metabolism. We showed that adrenaline increases, and reserpine decreases aerobic capacity (inferred by cytochrome oxidase activity) in tissue modifying the hepatic content of mitochondrial proteins without changing mitochondrial aerobic capacity. The changes in tissue cytochrome oxidase activity, which agreed with the expression levels of factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, such as PGC-1, NRF-1, and NRF-2, were associated with similar changes in tissue and mitochondrial State 3 respiration. Adrenaline and reserpine induced extensive lipid and protein oxidative damage in tissue and mitochondria. The increase in H2O2 release by respiring mitochondria and the decrease in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and reductase contributed to the reserpine effect on oxidative damage. The adrenaline effect is more difficult to explain, since the hormone increased the antioxidant enzyme activities but, in respiring mitochondria, increased ROS release rate in the presence of succinate and decreased it in the presence of pyruvate/malate. These opposite changes were due to the increased content of the autoxidizable electron carrier located at complex III and decreased content of that located at complex I. Our data suggest that adrenaline can be involved in the mitochondrial population adaptation which verify in conditions in which an increased body energy expenditure verify such as cold exposure.

Показники прооксидантно-антиоксидантної системи печінки при експериментальному антифосфоліпідному синдромі та застосуванні L-аргініну

Introduction. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) that is developed due to underlying autoimmune mechanism often causes miscarriage, vessels thrombosis of different localization, cerebrovascular accident, cardiovascular and other diseases that are accompanied by significant activation of free radical processes. Pathogenesis of liver damage in cases of APS has not been adequately studied.The aim of the study – to establish the changes in parameters of prooxidative-antioxidant system and tissue respiration in liver in cases of experimental antiphospholipid syndrome and L-arginine administration.Research Methods. Mice of BALB/c line were used in the research. The APS was modeled using cardiolipin emulsified in 75 complete Freund's adjuvant; subsequent injections were administered with incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Cardiolipin was injected intramuscularly four times at a dose of 30 µg per 1 injection with 14-day intervals between the injections. For correction, L-arginine hydrochloride (25 mg/kg) was administered once daily during 10 days after APS development.The activity and content of antioxidant system components (superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione) were investigated in liver tissue. The level of lipid peroxidation products was determined by the content of lipid hydroperoxides and TBA-active products. The state of energy-supplying processes of mitochondria was studied due to the activity of succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase. The concentration of proteins was determined by Lowry method.Results and Discussion. In cases of APS in liver the imbalance in functioning of prooxidative antioxidant system (increased activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, decrease in the content of reduced glutathione, increase in the level of lipids hydroperoxides, TBA-active products), of mitochondrial electron transport chain (decrease in the activity of succinate dehydrogenase, cytochrome oxidase) in cases of experimental antiphospholipid syndrome was evidenced. In cases of experimental APS in presence of L-arginine administration, the re-establishment of activity and content of antioxidant system components, enzymes of mitochondrial electron transport chain, decrease in content of lipid hydroperoxides and TBA-active products in liver was proved.Conclusion. In cases of experimental antiphospholipid syndrome, L-arginine, in the event of its repeated administration, reduces manifestations of oxidative stress and reactivate enzymes of mitochondrial electron transport chain in liver tissue of BALB/c mice.

Change of energy supply oxidation indices changes in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus and acetaminophen toxic lesions

Introduction. Acetaminophen is an effective and safe drug for emergency usage, but there are contraindications for its usage. Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disease, which caused by the absolute or relative deficiency of pancreas hormone (insulin).The aim of the study – to learn the change of energy supply oxidation indices in animals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and acetaminophen toxic lesions in time dynamics.Research Methods. We conducted two series of experiments. In the first series toxic lesion was caused by a single intragastric administration of acetaminophen suspension in 2 % starch solution to animals in a dose of 1250 mg/kg (1/2 LD50). In the second series the suspension of acetaminophen in 2 % starch solution in a dose of 55 mg/kg was given. Non-genetic form of experimental type 2 diabetes mellitus was modeled by a single intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin solution in doses 65 mg/kg, which was diluted by citrate buffer (pH 4.5) with the previous intraperitoneal nicotinamide administration in doses of 230 mg/kg. Rats, which were given the same amount of solvent (citrate buffer pH 4.5), were used as the control group.Results and Discussion. Cytochrome oxidase and succinate dehydrogenase activity decreased in rat liver homogenate under the influence of acetaminophen with type 2 diabetes mellitus throughout the experiment.Conclusions. Acetaminophen administration to rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus causes significant violations of energy supply oxidation.

Hippocampal phosphorylated tau induced cognitive decline, dendritic spine loss and mitochondrial abnormalities in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

The purpose of our study was to understand the toxic effects of hippocampal phosphorylated tau in tau mice. Using rotarod and Morris water maze (MWM) tests, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence, Golgi-Cox staining and transmission electron microscopy, we assessed cognitive behavior, measured protein levels of mitochondrial dynamics, MAP2, total and phosphorylated tau, and quantified dendritic spines and mitochondrial number and length in 12-month-old tau mice with P301L mutation. Mitochondrial function was assessed by measuring the levels of H2O2, lipid peroxidation, cytochrome oxidase activity and mitochondrial ATP. MWM and rotarod tests revealed that hippocampal learning and memory and motor learning and coordination were impaired in tau mice relative to wild-type (WT) mice. Increased levels of mitochondrial fission proteins, Drp1 and Fis1 and decreased levels of mitochondrial fusion proteins, Mfn1, Mfn2 and Opa1 were found in 12-month-old tau mice relative to age-matched WT mice, indicating that the presence of abnormal mitochondrial dynamics in tau mice. Decreased levels of dendritic protein, MAP2 and increased levels of total and phosphorylated tau proteins were found in tau mice relative to WT mice. Mitochondrial function was defective. Golgi-Cox staining analysis revealed that dendritic spines are significantly reduced. Transmission electron microscopy revealed significantly increased mitochondrial numbers and reduced mitochondrial length in tau mice. These findings suggest that hippocampal accumulation of phosphorylated tau is responsible for abnormal mitochondrial dynamics and reducing dendritic protein MAP2 and dendritic spines and hippocampal based learning and memory impairments, and mitochondrial structural and functional changes in tau mice. Based on these observations, we propose that reduced hippocampal phosphorylated tau is an important therapeutic strategy for AD and other tauopathies.

Perimenopause and emergence of an Alzheimer's bioenergetic phenotype in brain and periphery.

After advanced age, female sex is the major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The biological mechanisms underlying the increased AD risk in women remain largely undetermined. Preclinical studies identified the perimenopause to menopause transition, a neuroendocrine transition state unique to the female, as a sex-specific risk factor for AD. In animals, estrogenic regulation of cerebral glucose metabolism (CMRglc) falters during perimenopause. This is evident in glucose hypometabolism and decline in mitochondrial efficiency which is sustained thereafter. This study bridges basic to clinical science to characterize brain bioenergetics in a cohort of forty-three, 40–60 year-old clinically and cognitively normal women at different endocrine transition stages including premenopause (controls, CNT, n = 15), perimenopause (PERI, n = 14) and postmenopause (MENO, n = 14). All participants received clinical, laboratory and neuropsychological examinations, 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG)-Positron Emission Tomography (PET) FDG-PET scans to estimate CMRglc, and platelet mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COX) activity measures. Statistical parametric mapping and multiple regression models were used to examine clinical, CMRglc and COX data across groups. As expected, the MENO group was older than PERI and controls. Groups were otherwise comparable for clinical measures and distribution of APOE4 genotype. Both MENO and PERI groups exhibited reduced CMRglc in AD-vulnerable regions which was correlated with decline in mitochondrial COX activity compared to CNT (p’s<0.001). A gradient in biomarker abnormalities was most pronounced in MENO, intermediate in PERI, and lowest in CNT (p<0.001). Biomarkers correlated with immediate and delayed memory scores (Pearson’s 0.26≤r≤0.32, p≤0.05). These findings validate earlier preclinical findings and indicate emergence of bioenergetic deficits in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, suggesting that the optimal window of opportunity for therapeutic intervention in women is early in the endocrine aging process.

Cox16 protein is physically associated with Cox1p assembly intermediates and with cytochrome oxidase

Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COX) catalyzes the last step in the respiratory pathway. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, this inner membrane complex is composed of 11 protein subunits. Expression of COX is assisted by some two dozen ancillary proteins that intercede at different stages of the assembly pathway. One such protein, Cox16p, encoded by COX16, was shown to be essential for the activity and assembly of COX. The function of Cox16p, however, has not been determined. We present evidence that Cox16p is present in Cox1p assembly intermediates and in COX. This is based on the finding that Cox16p, tagged with a dual polyhistidine and protein C tag, co-immunopurified with Cox1p assembly intermediates. The pulldown assays also indicated the presence of Cox16p in mature COX and in supercomplexes consisting of COX and the bc1 complex. From the Western signal strengths, Cox16p appears to be substoichiometric with Cox1p and Cox4p, which could indicate that Cox16p is only present in a fraction of COX. In conclusion, our results indicate that Cox16p is a constituent of several Cox1p assembly intermediates and of COX.

Hypobaric storage reduced core browning of Yali pear fruits

Core browning is a major issue of pear fruits. The primary factor leading to development of core browning is high levels of CO2 in storage. Hypobaric storage is a new postharvest technique to extend the shelf life of fruits and can reduce CO2 partial pressure. In this study, the effect of hypobaric storage on core browning of Yali pear fruits (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.) was evaluated. Results showed that fruits after 0.025MPa hypobaric treatment had 37.3% lower rate of core browning development and higher acidity and soluble solid content than control fruits. In addition, 0.025MPa hypobaric treatment increased activities of cytochrome oxidase (CCO) and peroxidase (POD), and 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and superoxide anion scavenging capabilities. In comparison with the control, hypobaric treated fruits had lower activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and higher level of total polyphenols. Hypobaric treatment also reduced an increase of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) activities. Results indicated that hypobaric treatment could control core browning of pear fruits by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and elimination enzymes to maintain cell membrane integrity and reduce enzymatic browning.

Hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide and ATP are molecules involved in cardiac mitochondrial biogenesis in Diabetes

This study, in an experimental model of type I Diabetes Mellitus in rats, deals with the mitochondrial production rates and steady-state concentrations of H2O2 and NO, and ATP levels as part of a network of signaling molecules involved in heart mitochondrial biogenesis. Sustained hyperglycemia leads to a cardiac compromise against a work overload, in the absence of changes in resting cardiac performance and of heart hypertrophy. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by a single dose of Streptozotocin (STZ, 60mg × kg-1, ip.). After 28 days of STZ-injection, rats were sacrificed and hearts were isolated. The mitochondrial mass (mg mitochondrial protein × g heart-1), determined through cytochrome oxidase activity ratio, was 47% higher in heart from diabetic than from control animals. Stereological analysis of cardiac tissue microphotographs showed an increase in the cytosolic volume occupied by mitochondria (30%) and in the number of mitochondria per unit area (52%), and a decrease in the mean area of each mitochondrion (23%) in diabetic respect to control rats. Additionally, an enhancement (76%) in PGC-1α expression was observed in cardiac tissue of diabetic animals. Moreover, heart mitochondrial H2O2 (127%) and NO (23%) productions and mtNOS expression (132%) were higher, while mitochondrial ATP production rate was lower (~ 40%), concomitantly with a partial-mitochondrial depolarization, in diabetic than in control rats. Changes in mitochondrial H2O2 and NO steady-state concentrations and an imbalance between cellular energy demand and mitochondrial energy transduction could be involved in the signaling pathways that lead to the novo synthesis of mitochondria. However, this compensatory mechanism triggered to restore the mitochondrial and tissue normal activities, did not lead to competent mitochondria capable of supplying the energetic demands in diabetic pathological conditions.

A Mitochondrial Biomarker-Based Study of S-Equol in Alzheimer's Disease Subjects: Results of a Single-Arm, Pilot Trial.

Reductions in bioenergetic fluxes, mitochondrial enzyme activities, and mitochondrial number are observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Preclinical work indicates estrogen pathway signaling by either estrogen or selective β estrogen receptor (ERβ) agonists benefits these parameters. To assess whether an ERβ agonist could improve mitochondrial function in actual AD subjects, we administered S-equol (10 mg twice daily) to 15 women with AD and determined the platelet mitochondria cytochrome oxidase (COX) activity before initiating S-equol (lead-in), after two weeks of S-equol (active treatment), and two weeks after stopping S-equol (wash-out). Because the intra-individual variation of this enzyme across samples taken at different times was unknown we used a nonparametric, single-arm, dichotomous endpoint that classified subjects whose active treatment COX activity exceeded the average of their lead-in and wash-out measures as positive responders. Eleven positive responses were observed (p < 0.06). The implications of this finding on our null hypothesis (that S-equol does not influence platelet mitochondria COX activity) are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first time a direct mitochondrial target engagement biomarker has been utilized in an AD clinical study.

Abstract 1491: Mitochondrial dysfunction from defective Cytochrome oxidase complex induces tumorigenic phenotype

Abstract Mitochondrial defects that affect activity of the electron transport chain (ETC) complexes are associated with several diseases including cancer. Dysfunctional mitochondria resulting from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations or exposure to xenobiotics have been shown to initiate retrograde signaling pathway characterized by disrupted membrane potential, elevated cytosolic calcium and activation of Calcineurin, a calcium dependent phosphatase. In some cell types these events form the basis for triggering transcriptional reprogramming that converts non tumorigenic cells to tumorigenic phenotype. Cytochrome oxidase (CcO) is the terminal enzyme of the ETC that catalyzes the transfer of electrons from reduced cytochrome C to oxygen. All the mutations of CcO subunits identified as prevalent in various cancers like prostrate, pancreatic, colon and ovarian cancers have been found in mtDNA encoded subunits. Effect of loss of nuclear subunits leading to reduced Cytochrome oxidase activity on tumor progression are not well studied. Nuclear subunits IVi1 and Vb of CcO are susceptible to various stress conditions like exposure to long term hypoxia, ischemia-reperfusion and treatment with ethanol resulting in selective degradation and loss of activity. Here we report the activation of retrograde signaling by loss of these subunits. Genetic silencing of the subunits IVi1 and Vb, and loss of activity resulted in metabolic shift to glycolysis and was accompanied by increased glucose utilization. Disruption of the CcO complex activated many of the hallmark factors of Ca2+/Calcineurin mediated retrograde signaling. Importantly, rescue of the CcO deficiency by overexpressing CcO subunits or by inhibitors of retrograde signaling pathway attenuated the phenotypic changes such as anchorage independent growth and increased invasive potential. Further, esophageal tumor sections from human patients revealed reduced CcO subunits IVi1 and Vb in the center of the tumor mass suggesting a pathological significance of these findings. Our results show that mitochondrial ETC defect initiates a retrograde signaling and induces genes with major roles in tumor development. (Supported by NIH grants CA-22762 and GM-34883) Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Satish Srinivasan, Manti Guha, Gordon Ruthel, Hiroshi Nakagawa, Narayan Avadhani. Mitochondrial dysfunction from defective Cytochrome oxidase complex induces tumorigenic phenotype [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1491. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1491

Sexually selected size differences and conserved sexual monomorphism of genital cortex.

The mammalian somatosensory cortex shows marked species‐specific differences. How evolution in general and sexual selection in particular shape the somatosensory cortical body representation has not been delineated, however. Here we address this issue by a comparative analysis of genital cortex. Genitals are unique body parts in that they show sexual dimorphism, major changes in puberty and typically more pronounced species differences than other body parts (Hosken & Stockley, 2004). To study the evolution of genital cortex we flattened cortical hemispheres and assembled 104 complete body maps, revealed by cytochrome‐oxidase activity in layer 4 of 8 rodent and 1 lagomorph species. In two species, we also performed antibody stainings against vesicular glutamate transporter‐2, which suggested that cytochrome‐oxidase maps closely mirror thalamic innervation. We consistently observed a protrusion between hindlimb and forelimb representation, which in rats (Lenschow et al., 2016) corresponds to the penis representation in males and the clitoris representation in females. Consistent with the idea that this protrusion corresponds to genital cortex, we observed a size increase of this protrusion during puberty. Species differed in external genital sexual dimorphism, but we observed a sexual monomorphism of the putative genital protrusion in all species, similar to previous observations in rats. The relative size of the putative genital protrusion varied more than 3‐fold between species ranging from 0.5% of somatosensory cortex area in chipmunks to 1.7% in rats. This relative size of the genital protrusion co‐varied with relative testicle size, an indicator of sperm competition and sexual selection.