Low Oxidative Phosphorylation Research Articles

Abstract 406: Oxidative Stress Mediated Myocardial Lipid Dysfunction

Lipid phosphate phosphatases-3 control the conversion of bioactive lipid phosphates to their dephosphorylated counterparts. Oxidative stress transactivates microRNA-92a, which is a negative regulator of LPP3. We found that LPP3 expression was markedly downregulated in ischemic regions after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We observed a similar trend in the myocardium from patients samples with acute MI at 24h. Our in vitro studies indicate that overexpression of LPP3 protects the cardiomyocyte against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced cardiac injury and knockout of LPP3 gene in the myocardium increases cardiac dysfunction and mortality. Using XF24 Seahorse analyzer we determined the effect of ROS on respiration in pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CM). Adding Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) to these cells immediately increased oxygen consumption as compared to LPP3 overexpressed cells. This apparent increase in respiration was reversible by oligomycin, which blocks ATP synthase. The rate of oxygen consumption per cell was significantly lower in stimulated compared to LPP3 overexpressed iPSC-CM. The most noticeable difference in the O 2 consumption was found in the presence of carbonilcyanide p-trifluromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP). FCCP is an inner membrane pore opener which resets the proton gradient between mitochondrial matrix and interspace, resulting in continuous transport of protons and consuming O 2 at the maximum potential. Remarkably, while the FCCP treatment increased O 2 consumption in LPP3 overexpressed cells (P<0.05), the treatment showed no effect on the O 2 consumption in the PMA stimulated alone. The result indicated that the low basal oxidative phosphorylation activity in stimulated cells was due to unusually low oxidative phosphorylation potential. To explore the free radical regulation of LPP3 overexpressed cells, superoxide anion was measured using dihydroethidium, a fluorescent cholesterol analog. The levels of superoxide radicals in PMA treated cells were consistently and significantly higher than the levels in LPP3 overexpressed cells (P<0.05). In turn, the radicals can be removed by adding MitoTEMPO (a specific scavenger of mitochondrial superoxide).

Abstract 373: Manganese Superoxide Dismutase: A Novel Mediator of Heart Failure Development and Progression

Constitutive activation mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in both the pathogenesis and the progression of cardiovascular disease. Absence of SOD2 (gene that encodes MnSOD) is found to be embryonic lethal in animal models due to impairment of mitochondrial function, most noticeably in the heart. In our earlier investigation, we have shown that the MnSOD mimetic, distributes 3-fold more in mitochondria than in cytosol. The exceptional ability of MnSOD mimetic to dismute O 2 •- parallels its ability to reduce ONOO– and CO3–. Based on our earlier reports, we have generated mice that specifically lack MnSOD in cardiomyocytes (Mhy6-SOD2 Δ ). These mice showed early mortality ~4 months due to cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction. Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in mitochondria is the predominant mode for O 2 consumption in cells, and the mitochondria are the primary source of ROS in cells due to leaked electrons. FACS analyses using Mito-Tracker Green indicated that the mass of mitochondria per cell was slightly decreased in the Mhy6-SOD2 Δ to the wild type. The rate of oxygen consumption per cells was significantly lower in Mhy6-SOD2 Δ cardiomyocytes than that in wild type. The most noticeable difference in the O 2 consumption was found in the presence of FCCP (H+ ionophore / uncoupler). Remarkably, while the FCCP treatment increased O 2 consumption in wild type, the treatment showed no effect on the O 2 consumption in the Mhy6-SOD2 Δ cardiomyocytes. The result indicated that the low basal OXPHOS activity in Mhy6-SOD2 Δ was due to unusually low OXPHOS potential.

Uniform distributions of glucose oxidation and oxygen extraction in gray matter of normal human brain: No evidence of regional differences of aerobic glycolysis

Regionally variable rates of aerobic glycolysis in brain networks identified by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (R-fMRI) imply regionally variable adenosine triphosphate (ATP) regeneration. When regional glucose utilization is not matched to oxygen delivery, affected regions have correspondingly variable rates of ATP and lactate production. We tested the extent to which aerobic glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation power R-fMRI networks by measuring quantitative differences between the oxygen to glucose index (OGI) and the oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) as measured by positron emission tomography (PET) in normal human brain (resting awake, eyes closed). Regionally uniform and correlated OEF and OGI estimates prevailed, with network values that matched the gray matter means, regardless of size, location, and origin. The spatial agreement between oxygen delivery (OEF≈0.4) and glucose oxidation (OGI ≈ 5.3) suggests that no specific regions have preferentially high aerobic glycolysis and low oxidative phosphorylation rates, with globally optimal maximum ATP turnover rates (VATP ≈ 9.4 µmol/g/min), in good agreement with 31P and 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements. These results imply that the intrinsic network activity in healthy human brain powers the entire gray matter with ubiquitously high rates of glucose oxidation. Reports of departures from normal brain-wide homogeny of oxygen extraction fraction and oxygen to glucose index may be due to normalization artefacts from relative PET measurements.

Abstract A11: Airway gene expression indicates an increase in oxidative phosphorylation in the field of injury of individuals with premalignant lesions

Abstract Lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) claims the lives of approximately 50,000 individuals in the United States annually due to late stage diagnosis and lack of effective treatment options. Lung SCC arises in the epithelial layer of the bronchial airways and is preceded by the development of premalignant lesions (PMLs). The molecular events involved in the progression of PMLs to lung SCC are not clearly understood as not all PMLs that develop go on to form carcinoma. Our group is now using high-throughput genomic techniques to characterize the process of premalignant progression by examining PMLs and non-lesion areas in the airway of individuals with lesions (i.e. the “field of injury”,) to identify events that lead to the development of SCC. mRNA-Seq was conducted on cytologically-normal proximal airway epithelium collected by brushing the mainstem bronchus from current and former smokers with (n=43) and without (n=32) PMLs (metaplatic lesions excluded). Linear modeling strategies were used to identify genes altered between subjects with and without PMLs (n=801 out of 13,916 genes at FDR<0.01). Genes were significantly concordantly enriched (FDR<0.01) in an overlapping sample set profiled by microarray (n=57 out of the 75 samples, 33/57 with PMLs) and enriched among up-regulated genes in the independent sample set (n=158, 38/158 with PMLs). Pathway analysis by GSEA revealed enrichment (FDR<0.05) of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) /respiratory electron transport among genes up-regulated in the airways of subjects with PMLs. OXPHOS is the most efficient metabolic pathway that generates energy in the form of ATP by utilizing the structures and enzymes of the mitochondria and OXPHOS is often elevated during repair epithelial tissue. However, OXPHOS metabolism is often superseded in the development of cancer by glycolysis. To validate these computational findings related to the OXPHOS pathway, we examined oxygen consumption rates (OCR) and extracellular acidification rates (ECAR) in lung cell lines. These cell lines have either high OXPHOS and low glycolytic gene expression (H1299) or low OXPHOS and high glycolytic gene expression (HCC4006). Consistent with the gene expression pattern in these cell lines, The OCR for H1299s and HBECs were 10% higher than HCC4006 cells reflecting higher OXPHOS activity (p = 0.06). Whereas the ECAR was 39% higher in HCC4006 than H1299 cells and 46 % higher than HBECs (p<0.001and p<0.001 respectively), reflecting higher glycolytic metabolism corresponding to the gene expression. Next, we measured protein expression of genes that were elevated in the field of injury of PMLs, which included: mitochondrial membrane protein, translocase of the outer membrane (TOMM 22) and a subunit of complex IV of the electron transport chain, cytochrome C oxidase (COX-IV), in FFPE sections of lung tissue from the N-nitroso-tris-chloroethylurea (NTCU) mouse model of lung SCC. The NTCU model develops PMLs in the bronchial epithelium that progress to lung SCC in a histologically similar pattern to that observed in humans; it is important to note the carcinogen is administered cutaneously and not inhaled thus the field of injury may differ from inhaled carcinogens such as tobacco smoke. Protein levels of TOMM 22, and COX-IV were found to be elevated in dysplastic lesions compared to untreated controls. Together these data suggest that metabolism-associated gene expression is correlated with cellular metabolism and furthermore there is an increase in OXPHOS associated with the development of PMLs. While we are currently in the process of validating these findings in human normal and PMLs, our results suggest that there is potential that therapeutically increasing or maintaining OXPHOS in premalignant lesions or the field of injury may be a mechanism of prevention for lung cancer. Citation Format: Sarah A. Mazzilli, Gang Liu, Xiaohui Zhang, Huiqing Si, Stephen Lam, Marc Lenburg, Avrum Spira, Jennifer E. Beane. Airway gene expression indicates an increase in oxidative phosphorylation in the field of injury of individuals with premalignant lesions. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirteenth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2014 Sep 27-Oct 1; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2015;8(10 Suppl): Abstract nr A11.

Abstract 357: Manganese Superoxide Dismutase: a Novel Mediator of Heart Failure Development and Progression

Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD), an antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of superoxide radicals (O 2 •-) in mitochondria. Constitutive activation mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in both the pathogenesis and the progression of cardiovascular disease. Absence of SOD2 (gene that encodes MnSOD) is found to be embryonic lethal in animal models due to impairment of mitochondrial function, most noticeably in the heart. In our earlier investigation, we have shown that the MnSOD mimetic, MnTnBuOE-2-PyP 5+ distributes 3-fold more in mitochondria than in cytosol. The exceptional ability of MnTnBuOE-2-PyP 5+ to dismute O 2 •- parallels its ability to reduce ONOO– and CO3–. Based on our earlier reports, we have generated mice that specifically lack MnSOD in cardiomyocytes (Mhy6-SOD2 Δ ). These mice showed early mortality ~4 months due to cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction. Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in mitochondria is the predominant mode for O 2 consumption in cells, and the mitochondria are the primary source of ROS in cells due to leaked electrons. FACS analyses using Mito-Tracker Green indicated that the mass of mitochondria per cell was slightly decreased in the Mhy6-SOD2 Δ to the wild type. We then examined OXPHOS levels in Mhy6-SOD2 Δ v.s. wild type using a Seahorse XF analyzer. The rate of oxygen consumption per cells was signi[[Unable to Display Character: fi]]cantly lower in Mhy6-SOD2 Δ cardiomyocytes than that in wild type. The most noticeable difference in the O 2 consumption was found in the presence of FCCP (H+ ionophore / uncoupler). FCCP is an inner membrane pore opener which resets the proton gradient between the mitochondrial matrix and the interspace, resulting in continuous transport of protons and consuming O 2 at the maximum potential. Remarkably, while the FCCP treatment increased O 2 consumption in wild type, the treatment showed no effect on the O 2 consumption in the Mhy6-SOD2 Δ cardiomyocytes. The result indicated that the low basal OXPHOS activity in Mhy6-SOD2 Δ was due to unusually low OXPHOS potential. We examined glycolysis in these cells by measuring extracellular acidi[[Unable to Display Character: fi]]cation (ECAR) and the pattern exactly opposite to that of oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was observed for glycolysis rates between Mhy6-SOD2 Δ and wild type.

Differential metabolic features and pathogenic potential of effector CD4 T cells associated with IFNγ production during intestinal inflammation (MUC5P.749)

Abstract Interferon γ (IFNγ) production is a hallmark feature of mucosal CD4 T cells in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and multiple mouse models of colitis. However, the contribution of the IFNγ producing cell population to chronic intestinal inflammation remains controversial and requires better understanding. Recent studies have linked cellular metabolism to effector functions of immune cells, but it is unknown if discrete effector T cell subsets present during IBD possess divergent metabolic properties and differential T cell pathogenicity. Using IFNγ reporter mice, viable IFNγ secreting and non-secreting CD4 T cells were isolated from mice with active colitis and examined for metabolic characteristics. While both IFNγ producing and non-producing cells exhibit a high rate of glycolysis, interestingly, the mitochondrial function differs; IFNγ producing cells have lower oxidative phosphorylation and blunted spare respiratory capacity, indicating defective mitochondrial function compared to IFNγ non-producing cells. Consistent with decreased mitochondrial function, IFNγ producing cells have lower cell recovery upon secondary transfer and result in more attenuated intestinal inflammation. Therefore, these data suggest that CD4 T cells that upregulate IFNγ mark a unique effector cell subset with distinctive metabolic features, impaired survival, and reduced pathogenicity, which is paradoxical to the proinflammatory nature of IFNγ during chronic intestinal inflammation.

Stressed cybrids model demyelinated axons in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is likely caused by a complex interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors. The contribution of mitochondrial DNA genetic backgrounds has been frequently reported. To evaluate the effect of mitochondrial DNA haplogroups in the same genetic and environmental circumstances, we have built human transmitochondrial cell lines and simulated the effect of axon demyelination, one of the hallmarks of multiple sclerosis pathology, by altering the ionic gradients through the plasmalemma and increasing ATP consumption. In this model, mitochondrial biogenesis is observed. This process is larger in Uk cybrids, which mirrors their lower oxidative phosphorylation capacity in basal conditions. This model replicates a process occurring in both patients suffering from multiple sclerosis and several animal models of axon demyelination. Therefore, it can be used to analyze the contribution of various mitochondrial DNA genotypes to multiple sclerosis. In this sense, a longer or stronger energy stress, such as that associated with demyelinated axons in multiple sclerosis, could make Uk individuals more susceptible to this pathology. Finally, pharmacologic compounds targeted to mitochondrial biogenesis could be a potential therapy for multiple sclerosis.

Betaine treatment attenuates chronic ethanol-induced hepatic steatosis and alterations to the mitochondrial respiratory chain proteome.

Introduction. Mitochondrial damage and disruption in oxidative phosphorylation contributes to the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver injury. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that the hepatoprotective actions of betaine against alcoholic liver injury occur at the level of the mitochondrial proteome. Methods. Male Wister rats were pair-fed control or ethanol-containing liquid diets supplemented with or without betaine (10 mg/mL) for 4-5 wks. Liver was examined for triglyceride accumulation, levels of methionine cycle metabolites, and alterations in mitochondrial proteins. Results. Chronic ethanol ingestion resulted in triglyceride accumulation which was attenuated in the ethanol plus betaine group. Blue native gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) revealed significant decreases in the content of the intact oxidative phosphorylation complexes in mitochondria from ethanol-fed animals. The alcohol-dependent loss in many of the low molecular weight oxidative phosphorylation proteins was prevented by betaine supplementation. This protection by betaine was associated with normalization of SAM : S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) ratios and the attenuation of the ethanol-induced increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide generation in the liver. Discussion/Conclusion. In summary, betaine attenuates alcoholic steatosis and alterations to the oxidative phosphorylation system. Therefore, preservation of mitochondrial function may be another key molecular mechanism responsible for betaine hepatoprotection.

Basal Bioenergetic Abnormalities in Skeletal Muscle from Ryanodine Receptor Malignant Hyperthermia-susceptible R163C Knock-in Mice

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) and central core disease in humans have been associated with mutations in the skeletal ryanodine receptor (RyR1). Heterozygous mice expressing the human MH/central core disease RyR1 R163C mutation exhibit MH when exposed to halothane or heat stress. Considering that many MH symptoms resemble those that could ensue from a mitochondrial dysfunction (e.g. metabolic acidosis and hyperthermia) and that MH-susceptible mice or humans have a higher than normal cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration at rest, we evaluated the role of mitochondria in skeletal muscle from R163C compared with wild type mice under basal (untriggered) conditions. R163C skeletal muscle exhibited a significant increase in matrix Ca(2+), increased reactive oxygen species production, lower expression of mitochondrial proteins, and higher mtDNA copy number. These changes, in conjunction with lower myoglobin and glycogen contents, Myh4 and GAPDH transcript levels, GAPDH activity, and lower glucose utilization suggested a switch to a compromised bioenergetic state characterized by both low oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. The shift in bioenergetic state was accompanied by a dysregulation of Ca(2+)-responsive signaling pathways regulated by calcineurin and ERK1/2. Chronically elevated resting Ca(2+) in R163C skeletal muscle elicited the maintenance of a fast-twitch fiber program and the development of insulin resistance-like phenotype as part of a metabolic adaptation to the R163C RyR1 mutation.

Effects of glucose and insulin on HepG2‐C3A cell metabolism

HepG2, hepatocellular carcinoma cells, are used in drug toxicity studies and have also been explored for bioartificial livers. For these applications, the cells are under variable levels of nutrients and hormones, the effects of which on metabolism are poorly understood. In this study, HepG2-C3A cells were cultured under varying levels of glucose (high, low, and glucose-free) and insulin (without and with physiological levels of insulin) for 5 days. Cell growth was found to be comparable between high and low glucose media and lowest for glucose-free medium. Several features of central metabolism were affected profoundly by the medium glucose levels. Glucose consumption was greater for low glucose medium compared to high glucose medium, consistent with known glucose feedback regulation mechanisms. Urea productivity was highest in glucose-free medium. Further, it was seen that lactate acted as an alternative carbon source in the absence of glucose, whereas it acted as a sink for the high and low glucose media. Using a metabolic network flexibility analysis (MNFA) framework with stoichiometric and thermodynamic constraints, intracellular fluxes under varying levels of glucose and insulin were evaluated. The analysis indicates that urea production in HepG2-C3A cells arises via the arginase II pathway rather than from ammonia detoxification. Further, involvement of the putrescine metabolism with glutamine metabolism caused higher urea production in glucose-free medium consistent with higher glutamine uptake. MNFA indicated that in high and low glucose media, glycolysis, glutaminolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation were the main sources of energy (NADH, NADPH, and ATP). In the glucose-free medium, due to very low glycolytic flux, higher malate to pyruvate glutaminolytic flux and TCA cycle contributed more significantly to energy metabolism. The presence of insulin lowered glycerol uptake and corresponding fluxes involved in lipid metabolism for all glucose levels but otherwise exerted negligible effect on metabolism. HepG2-C3A cells thus show distinct differences from primary hepatocytes in terms of energy metabolism and urea production. This knowledge can be used to design media supplements and metabolically engineer cells to restore necessary hepatic functions to HepG2-C3A cells for a range of applications.

Variety-specific response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) leaf mitochondria to drought stress

The main objective of the present work was to examine leaf respiratory responses to dehydration and subsequent recovery in three varieties of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) known to differ in their level of drought tolerance. Under dehydration, both total respiration and salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM)-resistant cytochrome (Cyt) pathway respiration by leaf segments decreased significantly compared with well-watered plants. This decrease was more pronounced in the drought-sensitive Sadovo and Prelom genotypes. In contrast, the KCN-resistant SHAM-sensitive alternative (Alt) pathway became increasingly engaged, and accounted for about 80% of the total respiration. In the drought-tolerant Katya variety, increased contribution of the Alt pathway was accompanied by a slight decrease in Cyt pathway activity. Respiration of isolated leaf mitochondria also showed a variety-specific drought response. Mitochondria from drought-sensitive genotypes had low oxidative phosphorylation efficiency after dehydration and rewatering, whereas the drought-tolerant Katya mitochondria showed higher phosphorylation rates. Morphometric analysis of leaf ultrastructure revealed that mitochondria occupied approximately 7% of the cell area in control plants. Under dehydration, in the drought-sensitive varieties this area was reduced to about 2.0%, whereas in Katya it was around 6.0%. The results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms underlying variety-specific mitochondrial responses to dehydration.

Bioenergetic parameters of lamprey and frog liver mitochondria during metabolic depression and activity

The objective of this study is to elucidate the role of mitochondria in reversible metabolic depression of hepatocytes of the Baltic lamprey ( Lampetra fluviatilis) taking place in the last year of its life cycle and to compare their main bioenergetic parameters with those of the frog ( Rana temporaria) and the white outbred mouse ( Mus musculus). Using isolated mitochondria as a model, we have revealed significant seasonal variations in the main bioenergetic parameters of the lamprey liver. These changes indicate that the metabolic depression is mediated by prolonged reversible alterations of mitochondrial functions, which manifest in low activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, low oxidative phosphorylation, low content of mitochondrial adenine nucleotides, high level of reduced mitochondrial pyridine nucleotides and leaky mitochondrial membranes observed in winter. The enhanced ion membrane permeability of winter lamprey liver mitochondria is found to be sensitive to EGTA and to cyclosporine A in combination with ADP and Mg 2+ and is likely mediated opening the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in its low conductance state. The sharp activation of oxidation and phosphorylation in the lamprey liver mitochondria followed by spawning and death of the animal is observed in spring. The possible causes of the phenomenon and the differences obtained between lamprey, frog and mouse are under discussion.

87 EVALUATION OF MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION IN SINGLE CLONED MINIATURE PIG EMBRYOS BY MEASURING OXYGEN CONSUMPTION

Mitochondria are organelles that produce energy for embryogensis. Their function [oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and electron transport] is regulated by intercommunication with the nucleus. In somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos, incomplete reprogramming may lead to dysfunction of the intercommunication before or after embryonic activation, or both, although it is unknown whether reprogramming for energy synthesis is required. In the previous report (Abe et al. 2004 J. Mamm. Ova Rec. 21, 22), we developed a noninvasive method using a scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) for measurement of oxygen consumption that provides more direct information about mitochondrial function (Trimarch et al. 2000 Biol. Reprod. 62, 1866–1874). In the present study to evaluate mitochondrial function in individual miniature pig SCNT embryos, we measured oxygen consumption by SECM. Oocytes in pig ovaries collected from the local slaughterhouse were matured for 44 h in NCSU23 and used as recipient. After SCNT with fetal miniature pig fibroblasts, reconstructed embryos were cultured in vitro in NCSU23 or PZM-3. Oxygen consumption in single 2- and 4-cell-stage embryos, morulae, and blastocysts were measured, and the values were compared with those derived from IVF. All data were analyzed by ANOVA. In IVF embryos, oxygen consumption was lowest at the 2- and 4-cell stages, and reached a peak at the blastocyst stage on Day 5. However, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in blastocysts between NCSU23 and PZM-3: 0.61 � 0.14 vs. 0.83 � 0.18 at Day 5, 0.53 � 0.14 vs. 0.70 � 0.24 at Day 6, 0.47 � 0.11 vs. 0.73 � 0.20 � 10-14 mol s-1 at Day 7, respectively. In contrast, SCNT embryos showed no increase in oxygen consumption during pre-implantation stages in the 2 media, but there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) at the 2-cell stage between NCSU23 and PZM-3 (0.35 � 0.09 vs. 0.43 � 0.10, respectively). Comparison of the Day 5 IVF and SCNT blastocysts cultured in PZM-3 showed no difference in total cell numbers but significantly (P < 0.05) lower oxygen consumption in SCNT (0.83 � 0.18 vs. 0.40 � 0.13 � 10-14 mol s-1, respectively). After treatment with 1 �M CCCP (mitochondrial uncoupler) or 1 mM NaCN (mitochondrial electron transporter inhibitor), oxygen consumption in IVF and SCNT blastocysts at Day 5 increased (112 � 18 and 51 � 44%, respectively) or decreased (50 � 20 and 21 � 32%, respectively) compared with those of nontreated embryos. Sensitivity to these reagents differed significantly (P < 0.05) between IVF and SCNT, indicating that the SCNT blastocysts had a lower OXPHOS capacity than those from IVF. These results suggest that reprogramming for sustaining mitochondrial function during pre-implantation development may be required in miniature pig SCNT embryos.

The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Has Aquaporin-8 Water Channels and Is Highly Permeable to Water

Mitochondria are remarkably plastic organelles constantly changing their shape to fulfil their various functional activities. Although the osmotic movement of water into and out of the mitochondrion is central for its morphology and activity, the molecular mechanisms and the pathways for water transport across the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM), the main barrier for molecules moving into and out of the organelle, are completely unknown. Here, we show the presence of a member of the aquaporin family of water channels, AQP8, and demonstrate the strikingly high water permeability (Pf) characterizing the rat liver IMM. Immunoblotting, electron microscopy, and biophysical studies show that the largest mitochondria feature the highest AQP8 expression and IMM Pf. AQP8 was also found in the mitochondria of other organs, whereas no other known aquaporins were seen. The osmotic water transport of liver IMM was partially inhibited by the aquaporin blocker Hg2+, while the related activation energy remained low, suggesting the presence of a Hg2+-insensitive facilitated pathway in addition to AQP8. It is suggested that AQP8-mediated water transport may be particularly important for rapid expansions of mitochondrial volume such as those occurring during active oxidative phosphorylation and those following apoptotic signals.

Trout sperm motility. The transient movement of trout sperm is related to changes in the concentration of ATP following the activation of the flagellar movement.

For freshwater fish the motile period of sperm is extremely brief, even after a dilution in isotonic media. This result is in contrast to most other animals (ranging from invertebrates to mammals), in which sperm are generally motile for at least several hours. We have analyzed the reasons for the brevity of this movement by studying the relationships between the metabolism of trout sperm and the activation of their motility upon dilution. Sperm motility was not initiated when the dilution medium contained an elevated concentration of potassium (20-40 mM), but dilution in an isotonic solution of sodium chloride triggered an immediate activation of motility, and sperm swam vigorously. Motility of sperm decreased rapidly and 15 s after dilution sperm were moving slowly in small circles. Sperm became abruptly immotile at 20-30 s and flagella straightened. When millimolar concentrations of Ca2+ were also present in the dilution medium, movement did not stop abruptly, flagella kept beating and stopped only after 1-2 min. When sperm remained immotile they retained a high concentration of ATP. The activation of motility induced a rapid decrease of ATP. In the absence of calcium, and after the cessation of motility, ATP increased slowly back to its original concentration. In the presence of millimolar concentrations of calcium the concentration of ATP decreased to a very low level and remained low thereafter. The progressive decrease of the flagellar beat frequency, that had been observed during the period of trout sperm movement, might be related to the rapid exhaustion of intraflagellar ATP. Motility could be reinduced in sperm that had recovered high concentrations of ATP, demonstrating the functional integrity of the motile apparatus even after flagellar arrest. In conclusion we suggest that the maximum duration of trout sperm motility, at most 2 min (as a consequence of a depletion of ATP during the movement), is due to a low mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity.