Cytochrome C Oxidase Inhibition Research Articles

Hypoxia Increases Nitric Oxide-Dependent Inhibition of Angiogenic Growth

Nitric oxide (NO) is a proangiogenic factor acting through the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) pathway. However, angiogenic growth increases energy demand, which may be hampered by NO inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase (CcO). Then, NO activity would be the balanced result of sGC activation (pro-angiogenic) and CcO inhibition (anti-angiogenic). NO activity in a rat and eNOS−/− mice aortic ring angiogenic model and in a tube formation assay (human aortic endothelial cells) were analyzed in parallel with mitochondrial O2 consumption. Studies were performed with NO donor (DETA-NO), sGC inhibitor (ODQ), and NOS or nNOS inhibitors (L-NAME or SMTC, respectively). Experiments were performed under different O2 concentrations (0–21%). Key findings were: (i) eNOS-derived NO inhibits angiogenic growth by a mechanism independent on sGC pathway and related to inhibition of mitochondrial O2 consumption; (ii) NO inhibition of the angiogenic growth is more evident in hypoxic vessels; (iii) in the absence of eNOS-derived NO, the modulation of angiogenic growth, related to hypoxia, disappears. Therefore, NO, but not lower O2 levels, decreases the angiogenic response in hypoxia through competitive inhibition of CcO. This anti-angiogenic activity could be a promising target to impair pathological angiogenesis in hypoxic conditions, as it occurs in tumors or ischemic diseases.

Multiple Mechanisms Regulate Eukaryotic Cytochrome C Oxidase.

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX), the rate-limiting enzyme of mitochondrial respiration, is regulated by various mechanisms. Its regulation by ATP (adenosine triphosphate) appears of particular importance, since it evolved early during evolution and is still found in cyanobacteria, but not in other bacteria. Therefore the “allosteric ATP inhibition of COX” is described here in more detail. Most regulatory properties of COX are related to “supernumerary” subunits, which are largely absent in bacterial COX. The “allosteric ATP inhibition of COX” was also recently described in intact isolated rat heart mitochondria.

Cytochrome c oxidase-modulatory near-infrared light penetration into the human brain: Implications for the noninvasive treatment of ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Near-infrared light (IRL) has been evaluated as a therapeutic for a variety of pathological conditions, including ischemia/reperfusion injury of the brain, which can be caused by an ischemic stroke or cardiac arrest. Strategies have focused on modulating the activity of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) enzyme cytochrome c oxidase (COX), which has copper centers that broadly absorb IRL between 700 and 1,000 nm. We have recently identified specific COX-inhibitory IRL wavelengths that are profoundly neuroprotective in rodent models of brain ischemia/reperfusion through the following mechanism: COX inhibition by IRL limits mitochondrial membrane potential hyperpolarization during reperfusion, which otherwise causes reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell death. Prior to clinical application of IRL on humans, IRL penetration must be tested, which may be wavelength dependent. In the present study, four fresh (unfixed) cadavers and isolated cadaver tissues were used to examine the transmission of infrared light through human biological tissues. We conclude that the transmission of 750 and 940 nm IRL through 4 cm of cadaver head supports the viability of IRL to treat human brain ischemia/reperfusion injury and is similar for skin with different skin pigmentation. We discuss experimental difficulties of working with fresh cadavers and strategies to overcome them as a guide for future studies.

Cytochrome C oxidase Inhibition and Cold Plasma-derived Oxidants Synergize in Melanoma Cell Death Induction

Despite striking advances in the treatment of metastasized melanoma, the disease is often still fatal. Attention is therefore paid towards combinational regimens. Oxidants endogenously produced in mitochondria are currently targeted in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Cytotoxic synergism of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) inhibition in conjunction with addition of exogenous oxidants in 2D and 3D melanoma cell culture models were examined. Murine (B16) and human SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells exposed to low-dose CcO inhibitors (potassium cyanide or sodium azide) or exogenous oxidants alone were non-toxic. However, we identified a potent cytotoxic synergism upon CcO inhibition and plasma-derived oxidants that led to rapid onset of caspase-independent melanoma cell death. This was mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction induced by superoxide elevation and ATP depletion. This observation was validated by siRNA-mediated knockdown of COX4I1 in SK-MEL-28 cells with cytotoxicity in the presence of exogenous oxidants. Similar effects were obtained with ADDA 5, a recently identified specific inhibitor of CcO activity showing low toxicity in vivo. Human keratinocytes were not affected by this combinational treatment, suggesting selective effects on melanoma cells. Hence, targeting mitochondrial CcO activity in conjunction with exogenous pro oxidant therapies may constitute a new and effective melanoma treatment modality.

Oxidative damage mediated iNOS and UCP-2 upregulation in rat brain after sub-acute cyanide exposure: dose and time-dependent effects

Cyanide-induced chemical hypoxia is responsible for pronounced oxidative damage in the central nervous system. The disruption of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism has been associated with upregulation of uncoupling proteins (UCPs). The present study addresses the dose- and time-dependent effect of sub-acute cyanide exposure on various non-enzymatic and enzymatic oxidative stress markers and their correlation with inducible-nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2) expression. Animals received (oral) triple distilled water (vehicle control), 0.25 LD50 potassium cyanide (KCN) or 0.50 LD50 KCN daily for 21 d. Animals were sacrificed on 7, 14 and 21 d post-exposure to measure serum cyanide and nitrite, and brain malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CA) levels, together with iNOS and UCP-2 expression, and DNA damage. The study revealed that a dose- and time-dependent increase in cyanide concentration was accompanied by corresponding CCO inhibition and elevated MDA levels. Decrease in GSH levels was not followed by reciprocal change in GSSG levels. Diminution of SOD, GPx, GR and CA activity was congruent with elevated nitrite levels and upregulation of iNOS and UCP-2 expression, without any DNA damage. It was concluded that long-term cyanide exposure caused oxidative stress, accompanied by upregulation of iNOS. The upregulation of UCP-2 further sensitized the cells to cyanide and accentuated the oxidative stress, which was independent of DNA damage.

108 - Cytochrome C oxidase Inhibition and Exogenous Oxidants Synergize in Melanoma Cell Death Induction

Despite striking advances with new therapies in the treatment of metastasized melanoma, the disease is often still fatal. To further increase treatment efficacy increasing attention is therefore paid towards combinational regimens with additive effects. To this end, oxidants like hydrogen peroxide endogenously produced in mitochondria were shown to be an interesting target in pre-clinical and clinical studies. We here examined cytotoxic synergism of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) inhibition in conjunction with addition of exogenous oxidants in 2D and 3D melanoma cell culture models. Murine (B16) and human SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells exposed to low dose CcO inhibitors (potassium cyanide or sodium azide) or exogenous oxidants alone showed no decrease in cell viability. However, we identified a potent cytotoxic synergism upon CcO inhibition and exogenous addition of oxidants that led to rapid onset of caspase-independent melanoma cell death. Cell death was mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction induced by superoxide elevation and ATP depletion. This observation was further validated by siRNA-mediated knockdown of COX4I1 in SK-MEL-28 cells that increased cytotoxicity in the presence of exogenous oxidants. The same effects were obtained with ADDA 5, a recently identified specific inhibitor of CcO activity showing low toxicity in vivo. Human HaCaT keratinocytes were not affected by this combinational treatment, suggesting selective effects on melanoma cells. Hence, targeting mitochondrial CcO activity in conjunction with exogenous pro oxidant therapies may constitute a new and effective melanoma treatment modality.

Cytochrome c oxidase inhibition by calcium at physiological ionic composition of the medium: Implications for physiological significance of the effect

Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) from mammalian mitochondria binds Ca2+ and Na+ in a special cation binding site. Binding of Ca2+ brings about partial inhibition of the enzyme while Na+ competes with Ca2+ for the binding site and protects the enzyme from the inhibition [Vygodina, T., Kirichenko, A. and Konstantinov, A.A. (2013). Direct Regulation of Cytochrome c oxidase by Calcium Ions. PLoS One 8(9): e74436]. In the original studies, the inhibition was found to depend significantly on the ionic composition of the buffer. Here we describe inhibition of CcO by Ca2+ in media containing the main ionic components of cytoplasm (150mM KCl, 12mM NaCl and 1mM MgCl2). Under these conditions, Ca2+ inhibits CcO with effective Ki of 20–26μM, that is an order of magnitude higher than determined earlier in the absence of Na+. At physiological value of ionic strength, the inhibition can be observed at any turnover number of CcO, rather than only at low TN (<10s−1) as found previously. The inhibition requires partially oxidized state of cytochrome c and is favored by high ionic strength with a sharp transition at 0.1–0.2M. The high Ki=20–26μM found for CcO inhibition by calcium matches closely the known value of “Km” for Ca2+-induced activation of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter. The inhibition of CcO by Ca2+ is proposed to modulate mitochondrial Ca2+-uptake via the mitochondrial calcium uniporter, promote permeability transition pore opening and induce reduction of Mia40 in the mitochondrial intermembrane space.

Dlx-2 is implicated in TGF-β- and Wnt-induced epithelial-mesenchymal, glycolytic switch, and mitochondrial repression by Snail activation.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and oncogenic metabolism (including glycolytic switch) are important for tumor development and progression. Here, we show that Dlx-2, one of distal-less (Dlx) homeobox genes, induces EMT and glycolytic switch by activation of Snail. In addition, it was induced by TGF-β and Wnt and regulates TGF-β- and Wnt-induced EMT and glycolytic switch by activating Snail. We also found that TGF-β/Wnt suppressed cytochromec oxidase (COX), the terminal enzyme of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, in a Dlx-2/Snail-dependent manner. TGF-β/Wnt appeared to downregulate the expression of various COX subunits including COXVIc, COXVIIa and COXVIIc; among these COX subunits, COXVIc was a common target of TGF-β, Wnt, Dlx-2 and Snail, indicating that COXVIc downregulation plays an important role(s) in TGF-β/Wnt-induced COX inhibition. Taken together, our results showed that Dlx-2 is involved in TGF-β- and Wnt-induced EMT, glycolytic switch, and mitochondrial repression by Snail activation.

Isocitrate Dehydrogenase Mutations Induce BCL-2 Dependence in Acute Myeloid Leukemia through Inhibition of Cytochrome C Oxidase Function

IDH1 and IDH2 are two of the most frequently mutated genes in acute myeloid leukemia at an overall frequency of about 15-20%. The genes encode enzymes in the citric acid cycle that normally catalyze the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate, producing α-ketoglutarate (α-KG). The mutant enzymes gain a neomorphic activity that catalyzes the conversion of α-KG to (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). The intracellular concentration of (R)-2-HG is over 100-fold higher in IDH-mutated cells than in wildtype cells. (R)-2-HG has been shown to be a competitive inhibitor of multiple α-KG dependent dioxygenases including TET2, and the Jumonji-C domain containing histone demethylases. These enzymes are thought to be the main targets through which (R)-2-HG exerts its effects on leukemogenesis.We previously reported that inhibition of the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein is synthetic lethal against mutant IDH which we discovered through a large-scale pooled lentiviral RNA interference screen. We confirmed that expression of mutant IDH1 or IDH2 strikingly sensitized AML cells to shRNA-mediated BCL-2 knockdown and pharmacologic BCL-2 inhibition with ABT-199, a highly specific BH3 mimetic. Importantly, we found that primary human AML blasts harboring IDH mutations were significantly more sensitive to ABT-199 than blasts with wildtype IDH ex vivo and in xenograft transplant models. Furthermore, we showed that ABT-199 was able to target the leukemic stem cell compartment in IDH-mutated samples.Here, we present our work to uncover the synthetic lethal mechanism. An important clue to the mechanism surfaced with the finding that treatment with a cell-permeable precursor of (R)-2-HG sensitized AML cells to BCL-2 inhibition, indicating that the intracellular accumulation of (R)-2-HG found in IDH-mutated cells is sufficient to mediate the phenotype. In addition, we found that (R)-2-HG was able to sensitize isolated mitochondria to ABT-199 with collapse of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential as a surrogate marker for commitment to apoptosis. This finding indicates that 1) the target mediating the synthetic lethal phenotype is localized to the mitochondria, and 2) changes in the epigenome and expression of nuclear-encoded genes are not required for the synthetic lethal phenotype.To identify the potential mitochondrial molecular target, we focused our analysis on the effect of (R)-2-HG on the enzymatic activity of individual complexes in the electron transport chain (ETC), given that ETC dysfunction can potentially alter the threshold for apoptosis. We found that (R)-2-HG at concentrations found in IDH mutated cells inhibited the in vitro enzymatic activity of complex IV (cytochrome C oxidase (COX)) in a dose-dependent manner, but had no effect on the remaining ETC complexes. This finding has in vivo significance as COX activity in intact IDH-mutated primary AML cells was found to be significantly decreased compared with non-mutated AML cells.Next, we investigated the possibility that COX inhibition is sufficient to induce BCL-2 dependence. We found that suppression of COX activity with chemical inhibitors or genetically through shRNA-mediated knockdown of a COX subunit (COX-IV) was sufficient to sensitize AML cells to ABT-199. Furthermore, treatment with tigecycline, a FDA-approved antibiotic that has previously been shown to disrupt ETC function through inhibition of mitochondrial translation resulting in decreased expression of mitochondrial-encoded proteins including the catalytic subunits of the COX complex, reproduced the sensitization effect in non-IDH mutated AML cells. Based on the above findings, we propose a mechanistic model in which (R)-2-HG accumulation in IDH mutant cells directly inhibits COX, thereby lowering the mitochondrial threshold for triggering apoptosis upon BCL-2 inhibition.In summary, we discovered that in addition to the previously described inhibition of α-KG dependent dioxygenases through (R)-2-HG production, IDH mutations also affect mitochondrial bioenergetics. This finding opens up the intriguing possibility that IDH mutations contribute to leukemogenesis not only through epigenetic changes but also through metabolic dysregulation. Lastly, our findings form the rational basis for combining agents that disrupt ETC function such as tigecycline with ABT-199 to target resistant cancer cells and maximize the clinical utility of this promising drug. DisclosuresMedeiros:Agios: Consulting - Ad board Other.

IL-1β hampers glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in Cohen diabetic rat islets through mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase inhibition by nitric oxide

A high-sucrose, low-copper-diet (HSD) induces inhibition of glucose-sensitive rats (CDs) but not Cohen diabetes-resistant rats (CDr). Copper-supplemented HSD increased activity of the copper-dependent mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme cytochrome c oxidase (COX) and reversed hyperglycemia. This study examined the mechanism by which interleukin-1β modulates GSIS and the role of COX in this process. We measured COX activity, ATP content, GSIS, iNOS expression, and nitrite production with and without IL-1β, N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine, copper, or potassium cyanide in isolated islets of CDs and CDr fed different diets. We found reduced COX activity, ATP content, and GSIS in isolated islets of CDs rats fed a regular diet. These were severely reduced following HSD and were restored to regular diet levels on copper-supplemented HSD (P < 0.01 vs. CDr islets). Potassium cyanide chemically reduced COX activity, decreasing GSIS and thus reinforcing the link between islet COX activity and GSIS. Interleukin-1β (2.5 U/ml) reduced GSIS and COX activity in CDs islets. Exposure to 10 U/ml interleukin-1β decreased GSIS and COX activity in both CDs and CDr islets, inducing a similar nitrite production. Nevertheless, the effect on GSIS was more marked in CDs islets. A significant iNOS expression was detected in CDs on the HSD diet, which was reduced by copper supplementation. N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine and copper prevented the deleterious effect of interleukin-1β on COX activity and GSIS. We conclude that reduced islet COX activity renders vulnerability to GSIS inhibition on low-copper HSD through two interrelated pathways: 1) by further reducing the activity of COX that is essential for β-cell ATP-production and insulin secretion and 2) by inducing the expression of iNOS and nitric oxide-mediated COX inhibition. We suggest that islet COX activity must be maintained above a critical threshold to sustain adequate GSIS with exposure to low-copper HSD.

Dose and Time-Dependent Effects of Cyanide on Thiosulfate Sulfurtransferase, 3-Mercaptopyruvate Sulfurtransferase, and Cystathionine λ-Lyase Activities

We assessed the dose-dependent effect of potassium cyanide (KCN) on thiosulfate sulfurtransferase (TST), 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MPST), and cystathionine λ-lyase (CST) activities in mice. The time-dependent effect of 0.5 LD50 KCN on cyanide level and cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), TST, 3-MPST, and CST activities was also examined. Furthermore, TST, 3-MPST, and CST activities were measured in stored mice cadavers. Hepatic and renal TST activity increased by 0.5 LD50 KCN but diminished by ≥2.0 LD50. After 0.5 LD50 KCN, the elevated hepatic cyanide level was accompanied by increased TST, 3-MPST, and CST activities, and CCO inhibition. Elevated renal cyanide level was only accompanied by increased 3-MPST activity. No appreciable change in enzyme activities was observed in mice cadavers. The study concludes that high doses of cyanide exert saturating effects on its detoxification enzymes, indicating their exogenous use during cyanide poisoning. Also, these enzymes are not reliable markers of cyanide poisoning in autopsied samples.

The role of p38 in mitochondrial respiration in male and female mice

p38 is a mitogen-activated protein kinase and mediates cell growth, cell differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. The aim of this study is to determine the extent to which p38 plays a role in maintaining mitochondrial respiration in male and female mice under a normal condition. To achieve this aim, we have generated transgenic mice that lack p38 in cerebellar Purkinje neurons by crossing Pcp2 (Purkinje cell protein 2)-Cre mice with p38loxP/loxP mice. Mitochondria from cerebellum were then isolated from the transgenic and wild-type mice to measure mitochondrial respiration using XF24 respirometer. The mRNA and protein expression of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) in cerebellum were also measured using RT-PCR and immunoblot methods. Separately, HT22 cells were used to determine the involvement of 17β-estradiol (E2) and COX in mitochondrial respiration. The genetic knockout of p38 in Purkinje neurons suppressed the mitochondrial respiration only in male mice and increased COX expression only in female mice. The inhibition of COX by sodium azide (SA) sharply suppressed mitochondrial respiration of HT22 cells in a manner that was protected by E2. These data suggest that p38 is required for the mitochondrial respiration of male mice. When p38 is below a normal level, females may maintain mitochondrial respiration through COX up-regulation.

Proposing boric acid as an antidote for aluminium phosphide poisoning by investigation of the chemical reaction between boric acid and phosphine

Abstract Aluminium phosphide (AlP) is a storage fumigant pesticide, which is used to protect stored grains especially from insects and rodents. It releases phosphine (PH 3 ) gas, a highly toxic mitochondrial poison, in contact with moisture, particularly if acidic. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown so far, the major mechanism of PH 3 toxicity seems to be the inhibition of cytochrome-c oxidase and oxidative phosphorylation which eventually results in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion and cell death. Death due to AlP poisoning seems to be as a result of myocardial damage. No efficient antidote has been found for AlP poisoning so far, and unfortunately, most of the poisoned human cases die. PH 3 , like ammonia (NH 3 ), is a Lewis base with a lone-pair electron. However, boric acid (B(OH) 3 ) is a Lewis acid with an empty p orbital. It is predicted that lone-pair electron from PH 3 is shared with the empty p orbital from B(OH) 3 and a compound forms in which boron attains its octet. In other words, PH 3 is trapped and neutralised by B(OH) 3 . The resulting polar reaction product seems to be excretable by the body due to hydrogen bonding with water molecules. The present article proposes boric acid as a non-toxic and efficient trapping agent and an antidote for PH 3 poisoning by investigating the chemical reaction between them.

Inhibition of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase potentiates Aβ-induced ER stress and cell death in cortical neurons

Previously we reported that amyloid-β (Aβ) leads to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in cultured cortical neurons and that ER-mitochondria Ca(2+) transfer is involved in Aβ-induced apoptotic neuronal cell death. In cybrid cells which recreate the defect in mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity observed in platelets from Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, we have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction affects the ER stress response triggered by Aβ. Here, we further investigated the impact of COX inhibition on Aβ-induced ER dysfunction using a neuronal model. Primary cultures of cortical neurons were challenged with toxic concentrations of Aβ upon chemical inhibition of COX with potassium cyanide (KCN). ER Ca(2+) homeostasis was evaluated under these conditions, together with the levels of ER stress markers, namely the chaperone GRP78 and XBP-1, a mediator of the ER unfolded protein response (UPR). We demonstrated that COX inhibition potentiates the Aβ-induced depletion of ER Ca(2+) content. KCN pre-treatment was also shown to enhance the rise of cytosolic Ca(2+) levels triggered by Aβ and thapsigargin, a widely used ER stressor. This effect was reverted in the presence of dantrolene, an inhibitor of ER Ca(2+) release through ryanodine receptors. Similarly, the increase in GRP78 and XBP-1 protein levels was shown to be higher in neurons treated with Aβ or thapsigargin in the presence of KCN in comparison with levels determined in neurons treated with the neurotoxins alone. Although the decrease in cell survival, the activation of caspase-9- and -3-mediated apoptotic cell death observed in Aβ- and thapsigargin-treated neurons were also potentiated by KCN, this effect is less pronounced than that observed in Ca(2+) signalling and UPR. Furthermore, in neurons treated with Aβ, the potentiating effect of the COX inhibitor in cell survival and death was not prevented by dantrolene. These results show that inhibition of mitochondrial COX activity potentiates Aβ-induced ER dysfunction and, to a less extent, neuronal cell death. Furthermore, data supports that the effect of impaired COX on Aβ-induced cell death occurs independently of Ca(2+) release through ER ryanodine receptors. Together, our data demonstrate that mitochondria dysfunction in AD enhances the neuronal susceptibility to toxic insults, namely to Aβ-induced ER stress, and strongly suggest that the close communication between ER and mitochondria can be a valuable future therapeutic target in AD.

New Ligands of the Conserved Steroid Binding Site of Cytochrome c Oxidase

Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO), the terminal enzyme in the electron transfer chain of mitochondria and many bacteria, requires the uptake of protons for activity via two pathways, the D-path and the K-path. Among the mutants of Rhodobacter sphaeroides (Rs) CcO that inhibit proton uptake in the K-path is E101A in subunit II, which removes a key carboxyl at the entrance to the pathway and decreases the activity of the purified enzyme over 20-fold. Micromolar levels of the bile acids cholate or deoxycholate were shown to stimulate E101A activity 10-fold, and crystals of wildtype RsCcO grown in the presence of deoxycholate (Qin et al., Biochemistry 47:9931-9933, 2008) showed a single deoxycholate molecule bound close to E101 in the same location as a cholate molecule observed in bovine CcO crystal structure (PDB 1OCC). Evidence of protective effects of steroids against CcO inhibition in bilirubin neurotoxicity and in Alzheimers (Vaz et al., J. Neurochem. 112:56-65, 2010; Tillement et al., Steroids 71:725-735, 2006) suggest that this site could be physiologically relevant to regulation of CcO.Here we use the RsCcO mutant E101A as a sensitive assay to further investigate the nature of this conserved site. Activity assays show that certain other steroids (cholesterol hemisuccinate) and lipidic molecules (phytanic acid, arachidonic acid) and some detergents affect RsCcO in a manner that indicates that these ligands also bind at the same site. The studies reveal a high degree of specificity and suggest possible physiological regulators. Crystallographic and computational approaches are underway to identify additional potential ligands and to determine the physiological significance of this conserved binding site. (NIH GM26916)

Amyloid β-induced ER stress is enhanced under mitochondrial dysfunction conditions

Previously we reported that endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria crosstalk is involved in amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced apoptosis. Now we show that mitochondrial dysfunction affects the ER stress response triggered by Aβ using cybrids that recreate the defect in mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity detected in platelets from Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. AD and control cybrids were treated with Aβ or classical ER stressors and the ER stress-mediated apoptotic cell death pathway was accessed. Upon treatment, we found increased glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) levels and caspase-4 activation (ER stress markers) which were more pronounced in AD cybrids. Treated AD cybrids also exhibited decreased cell survival as well as increased caspase-3-like activity, poli-ADP-ribose-polymerase (PARP) levels and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive apoptotic cells. Finally, we showed that Aβ-induced caspase-3 activation in both cybrid cell lines was prevented by dantrolene, thus implicating ER Ca2+ release in ER stress-mediated apoptosis. Our results demonstrate that mitochondrial dysfunction occurring in AD patients due to COX inhibition potentiates cell susceptibility to Aβ-induced ER stress. This study further supports the close communication between ER and mitochondria during apoptosis in AD.

Mitochondrial oxygen affinity predicts basal metabolic rate in humans

The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is referred to as the minimal rate of metabolism required to support basic body functions. It is well known that individual BMR varies greatly, even when correcting for body weight, fat content, and thyroid hormone levels, but the mechanistic determinants of this phenomenon remain unknown. Here, we show in humans that mass-related BMR correlates strongly to the mitochondrial oxygen affinity (p50(mito); R(2)=0.66, P=0.0004) measured in isolated skeletal muscle mitochondria. A similar relationship was found for oxygen affinity and efficiency during constant-load submaximal exercise (R(2)=0.46, P=0.007). In contrast, BMR did not correlate to overall mitochondrial density or to proton leak. Mechanistically, part of the p50(mito) seems to be controlled by the excess of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) protein and activity relative to other mitochondrial proteins. This is illustrated by the 5-fold increase in p50(mito) after partial cyanide inhibition of COX at doses that do not affect maximal mitochondrial electron flux through the ETS. These data suggest that the interindividual variation in BMR in humans is primarily explained by differences in mitochondrial oxygen affinity. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of a trade-off between aerobic efficiency and power.

Cyanide inhibition and pyruvate-induced recovery of cytochrome c oxidase

The mechanism of cyanide's inhibitory effect on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COX) as well as the conditions for its recovery have not yet been fully explained. We investigated three parameters of COX function, namely electron transport (oxygen consumption), proton transport (mitochondrial membrane potential Δψ(m)) and the enzyme affinity to oxygen (p₅₀ value) with regard to the inhibition by KCN and its reversal by pyruvate. 250 μM KCN completely inhibited both the electron and proton transport function of COX. The inhibition was reversible as demonstrated by washing of mitochondria. The addition of 60 mM pyruvate induced the maximal recovery of both parameters to 60-80% of the original values. When using low KCN concentrations of up to 5 μM, we observed a profound, 30-fold decrease of COX affinity for oxygen. Again, this decrease was completely reversed by washing mitochondria while pyruvate induced only a partial, yet significant recovery of oxygen affinity. Our results demonstrate that the inhibition of COX by cyanide is reversible and that the potential of pyruvate as a cyanide poisoning antidote is limited. Importantly, we also showed that the COX affinity for oxygen is the most sensitive indicator of cyanide toxic effects.

Two Overlapping Domains of a Lyssavirus Matrix Protein That Acts on Different Cell Death Pathways

The lyssavirus matrix (M) protein induces apoptosis. The regions of the M protein that are essential for triggering cell death pathways are not yet clearly defined. We therefore compared the M proteins from two viruses that have contrasting characteristics in terms of cellular apoptosis: a genotype 3 lyssavirus, Mokola virus (MOK), and a genotype 1 rabies virus isolated from a dog from Thailand (THA). We identified a 20-amino-acid fragment (corresponding to positions 67 to 86) that retained the cell death activities of the full-length M protein from MOK via both the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) activity. We found that the amino acids at positions 77 and 81 have an essential role in triggering these two cell death pathways. Directed mutagenesis demonstrated that the amino acid at position 77 affects CcO activity, whereas the amino acid at position 81 affects TRAIL-dependent apoptosis. Mutations in the full-length M protein that compromised induction of either of these two pathways resulted in delayed apoptosis compared with the time to apoptosis for the nonmutated control.

Cytochrome c Oxidase is Essential for Copper-Induced Regression of Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy

Previous studies have shown that both copper (Cu) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) reduce the size of hypertrophic cardiomyocytes, but the Cu-induced regression is VEGF dependent. Studies in vivo have shown that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is associated with a depression in cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity, which could be involved in VEGF-mediated cellular function. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that COX is a determinant factor in Cu-induced regression of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were treated with phenylepherine (PE) at a final concentration of 100 microM in cultures for 48 h to induce cell hypertrophy. The hypertrophic cells were then treated with Cu sulfate at a final concentration of 5 microM in cultures for 24 h with a concomitant presence of PE to examine the effect of Cu on the regression of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Cell size changes were determined by flow cytometry, protein content, and molecular markers. Gene silencing was applied to study the effect of COX activity change on the regression of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. PE treatment decreased COX activity in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes, and Cu addition restored the activity along with the regression of cell hypertrophy. Gene silencing using siRNA targeting COX-I significantly inhibited COX activity and blocked the Cu-induced regression of cell hypertrophy. VEGF alone also restored COX activity; but under the condition of COX inhibition by gene silencing, VEGF-induced regression of cell hypertrophy was suppressed. This study demonstrates that both Cu and VEGF can restore COX activity that is depressed in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes, and COX plays a determinant role in both Cu- and VEGF-induced regression of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.