Mitochondrial Free Radical Generation Research Articles

Differential impact of sex on regulation of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and protein homeostasis by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in normoxia.

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is continuously synthesized and degraded in normoxia. During hypoxia, HIF1α stabilization restricts cellular/mitochondrial oxygen utilization. Cellular stressors can stabilize HIF1α even during normoxia. However, less is known about HIF1α function(s) and sex-specific effects during normoxia in the basal state. Since skeletal muscle is the largest protein store in mammals and protein homeostasis has high energy demands, we determined HIF1α function at baseline during normoxia in skeletal muscle. Untargeted multiomics data analyses were followed by experimental validation in differentiated murine myotubes with loss/gain of function and skeletal muscle from mice without/with post-natal muscle-specific Hif1a deletion (Hif1amsd). Mitochondrial oxygen consumption studies using substrate, uncoupler, inhibitor, titration protocols; targeted metabolite quantification by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; and post-mitotic senescence markers using biochemical assays were performed. Multiomics analyses showed enrichment in mitochondrial and cell cycle regulatory pathways in Hif1a deleted cells/tissue. Experimentally, mitochondrial oxidative functions and ATP content were higher with less mitochondrial free radical generation with Hif1a deletion. Deletion of Hif1a also resulted in higher concentrations of TCA cycle intermediates and HIF2α proteins in myotubes. Overall responses to Hif1amsd were similar in male and female mice, but changes in complex II function, maximum respiration, Sirt3 and HIF1β protein expression and muscle fibre diameter were sex-dependent. Adaptive responses to hypoxia are mediated by stabilization of constantly synthesized HIF1α. Despite rapid degradation, the presence of HIF1α during normoxia contributes to lower mitochondrial oxidative efficiency and greater post-mitotic senescence in skeletal muscle. In vivo responses to HIF1α in skeletal muscle were differentially impacted by sex. KEY POINTS: Hypoxia-inducible factor -1α (HIF1α), a critical transcription factor, undergoes continuous synthesis and proteolysis, enabling rapid adaptive responses to hypoxia by reducing mitochondrial oxygen consumption. In mammals, skeletal muscle is the largest protein store which is determined by a balance between protein synthesis and breakdown and is sensitive to mitochondrial oxidative function. To investigate the functional consequences of transient HIF1α expression during normoxia in the basal state, myotubes and skeletal muscle from male and female mice with HIF1α knockout were studied using complementary multiomics, biochemical and metabolite assays. HIF1α knockout altered the electron transport chain, mitochondrial oxidative function, signalling molecules for protein homeostasis, and post-mitotic senescence markers, some of which were differentially impacted by sex. The cost of rapid adaptive responses mediated by HIF1α is lower mitochondrial oxidative efficiency and post-mitotic senescence during normoxia.

Nature-inspired delivery of mitochondria-targeted angiotensin receptor blocker.

Mitochondria are critical regulators of cellular function and survival. We have previously demonstrated that functional angiotensin receptors embedded within the inner mitochondrial membrane modulate mitochondrial energy production and free radical generation. The expression of mitochondrial angiotensin II type-1 receptors increases during aging, with a complementary decrease in angiotensin II type-2 receptor density. To address this age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction, we have developed a mitochondria-targeted delivery system to effectively transport angiotensin type-1 receptor blocker—Losartan (mtLOS) into the inner mitochondrial membrane. We engineered mtLOS to become active within the mitochondria after cleavage by mitochondrial peptidases. Our data demonstrate effective and targeted delivery of mtLOS into the mitochondria, compared to a free Losartan, or Losartan conjugated to a scrambled mitochondrial target signal peptide, with significant shifts in mitochondrial membrane potential upon mtLOS treatment. Furthermore, engineered mitochondrial-targeting modalities could open new avenues to transport nonmitochondrial proteins into the mitochondria, such as other macromolecules and therapeutic agents.

Mitoquinone mesylate (MitoQ) prevents sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction.

Sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction is a major contributor to respiratory failure in mechanically ventilated patients. There are no pharmacological treatments for this syndrome, but studies suggest that diaphragm weakness is linked to mitochondrial free radical generation. We hypothesized that administration of mitoquinone mesylate (MitoQ), a mitochondrially targeted free radical scavenger, would prevent sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction. We compared diaphragm function in 4 groups of male mice: 1) sham-operated controls treated with saline (0.3 mL ip), 2) sham-operated treated with MitoQ (3.5 mg/kg/day given intraperitoneally in saline), 3) cecal ligation puncture (CLP) mice treated with saline, and 4) CLP mice treated with MitoQ. Forty-eight hours after surgery, we assessed diaphragm force generation, myosin heavy chain content, state 3 mitochondrial oxygen consumption (OCR), and aconitase activity. We also determined effects of MitoQ in female mice with CLP sepsis and in mice with endotoxin-induced sepsis. CLP decreased diaphragm specific force generation and MitoQ prevented these decrements (e.g. maximal force averaged 30.2 ± 1.3, 28.0 ± 1.3, 12.8 ± 1.9, and 30.0 ± 1.0 N/cm2 for sham, sham + MitoQ, CLP, and CLP + MitoQ groups, respectively, P < 0.001). CLP also reduced diaphragm mitochondrial OCR and aconitase activity; MitoQ blocked both effects. Similar responses were observed in female mice and in endotoxin-induced sepsis. Moreover, delayed MitoQ treatment (by 6 h) was as effective as immediate treatment. These data indicate that MitoQ prevents sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction, preserving force generation. MitoQ may be a useful therapeutic agent to preserve diaphragm function in critically ill patients with sepsis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to show that mitoquinone mesylate (MitoQ), a mitochondrially targeted antioxidant, treats sepsis-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction. This biopharmaceutical agent is without known side effects and is currently being used by healthy individuals and in clinical trials in patients with various diseases. When taken together, our results suggest that MitoQ has the potential to be immediately translated into treatment for sepsis-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction.

Multiomics-Identified Intervention to Restore Ethanol-Induced Dysregulated Proteostasis and Secondary Sarcopenia in Alcoholic Liver Disease.

Signaling and metabolic perturbations contribute to dysregulated skeletal muscle protein homeostasis and secondary sarcopenia in response to a number of cellular stressors including ethanol exposure. Using an innovative multiomics-based curating of unbiased data, we identified molecular and metabolic therapeutic targets and experimentally validated restoration of protein homeostasis in an ethanol-fed mouse model of liver disease. Studies were performed in ethanol-treated differentiated C2C12 myotubes and physiological relevance established in an ethanol-fed mouse model of alcohol-related liver disease (mALD) or pair-fed control C57BL/6 mice. Transcriptome and proteome from ethanol treated-myotubes and gastrocnemius muscle from mALD and pair-fed mice were analyzed to identify target pathways and molecules. Readouts including signaling responses and autophagy markers by immunoblots, mitochondrial oxidative function and free radical generation, and metabolic studies by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and sarcopenic phenotype by imaging. Multiomics analyses showed that ethanol impaired skeletal muscle mTORC1 signaling, mitochondrial oxidative pathways, including intermediary metabolite regulatory genes, interleukin-6, and amino acid degradation pathways are β-hydroxymethyl-butyrate targets. Ethanol decreased mTORC1 signaling, increased autophagy flux, impaired mitochondrial oxidative function with decreased tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediary metabolites, ATP synthesis, protein synthesis and myotube diameter that were reversed by HMB. Consistently, skeletal muscle from mALD had decreased mTORC1 signaling, reduced fractional and total muscle protein synthesis rates, increased autophagy markers, lower intermediary metabolite concentrations, and lower muscle mass and fiber diameter that were reversed by β-hydroxymethyl-butyrate treatment. An innovative multiomics approach followed by experimental validation showed that β-hydroxymethyl-butyrate restores muscle protein homeostasis in liver disease.

Pleiotropic role of melatonin in brain mitochondria of obese mice

Obesity induced by a leptin deficiency causes extensive damage in brain due to a large increase in oxidative stress. Mitochondria have a central role in this neural damage. Leptin receptors have a wide expression in the brain and its absence is associated with reduced mitochondrial respiration by a decoupled electron transport chain and a significantly increased complex II activity which is major player in mitochondrial free radical generation. The consequences are an abrupt reduction in ATP production and a reduced activity of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, evidence of dysfunction of processes related to energy production, the reduction of which contributes to multiple brain pathologies. Melatonin, a major protector of mitochondria against free radicals with a significant influence on glucose metabolism, has been shown to counteract these conditions. In the present study the main respirasome expression was recovered by melatonin, with a reduction in complex II activity and the complex II dependent free radical generation. Additionally, melatonin normalized the TCA cycle. Reduction in ATP synthesis was caused by UCP2 activation. The uninterrupted sensation of starvation due to leptin deficiency involves impairments in glucose metabolism, which was reversed by melatonin via negatively acting on hexokinase II, a key regulator of glycolysis and major contributor to the Warburg effect. Hexokinase II reduction was accompanied by a significant Bcl-2 reduction, inducing a delicate readjustment of pro and anti-apoptotic proteins in the mitochondria to preserve cell survival, which was associated with a marked reduction of the Bax activator, Puma, observed in obese animals treated by melatonin.

Role of NAD+-Modulated Mitochondrial Free Radical Generation in Mechanisms of Acute Brain Injury.

It is commonly accepted that mitochondria represent a major source of free radicals following acute brain injury or during the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells are determined by two opposing mechanisms—the one that produces free radicals and the cellular antioxidant system that eliminates ROS. Thus, the balance between the rate of ROS production and the efficiency of the cellular detoxification process determines the levels of harmful reactive oxygen species. Consequently, increase in free radical levels can be a result of higher rates of ROS production or due to the inhibition of the enzymes that participate in the antioxidant mechanisms. The enzymes’ activity can be modulated by post-translational modifications that are commonly altered under pathologic conditions. In this review we will discuss the mechanisms of mitochondrial free radical production following ischemic insult, mechanisms that protect mitochondria against free radical damage, and the impact of post-ischemic nicotinamide adenine mononucleotide (NAD+) catabolism on mitochondrial protein acetylation that affects ROS generation and mitochondrial dynamics. We propose a mechanism of mitochondrial free radical generation due to a compromised mitochondrial antioxidant system caused by intra-mitochondrial NAD+ depletion. Finally, the interplay between different mechanisms of mitochondrial ROS generation and potential therapeutic approaches are reviewed.

MitoTEMPOL, a mitochondrial targeted antioxidant, prevents sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction

Clinical studies indicate that sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction is a major contributor to respiratory failure in mechanically ventilated patients. Currently there is no drug to treat this form of diaphragm weakness. Sepsis-induced muscle dysfunction is thought to be triggered by excessive mitochondrial free radical generation; we therefore hypothesized that therapies that target mitochondrial free radical production may prevent sepsis-induced diaphragm weakness. The present study determined whether MitoTEMPOL, a mitochondrially targeted free radical scavenger, could reduce sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction. Using an animal model of sepsis, we compared four groups of mice: 1) sham-operated controls, 2) animals with sepsis induced by cecal ligation puncture (CLP), 3) sham controls given MitoTEMPOL (10 mg·kg-1·day-1 ip), and 4) CLP animals given MitoTEMPOL. At 48 h after surgery, we measured diaphragm force generation, mitochondrial function, proteolytic enzyme activities, and myosin heavy chain (MHC) content. We also examined the effects of delayed administration of MitoTEMPOL (by 6 h) on CLP-induced diaphragm weakness. The effects of MitoTEMPOL on cytokine-mediated alterations on muscle cell superoxide generation and cell size in vitro were also assessed. Sepsis markedly reduced diaphragm force generation. Both immediate and delayed MitoTEMPOL administration prevented sepsis-induced diaphragm weakness. MitoTEMPOL reversed sepsis-mediated reductions in mitochondrial function, activation of proteolytic pathways, and decreases in MHC content. Cytokines increased muscle cell superoxide generation and decreased cell size, effects that were ablated by MitoTEMPOL. MitoTEMPOL and other compounds that target mitochondrial free radical generation may be useful therapies for sepsis-induced diaphragm weakness.

Mitochondrial-targeted methionine sulfoxide reductase overexpression increases the production of oxidative stress in mitochondria from skeletal muscle.

Objective:Mitochondrial dysfunction comprises part of the etiology of myriad health issues, particularly those that occur with advancing age. Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) is a ubiquitous protein oxidation repair enzyme that specifically and catalytically reduces a specific epimer of oxidized methionine: methionine sulfoxide. In this study, we tested the ways in which mitochondrial bioenergetic functions are affected by increasing MsrA expression in different cellular compartments.Methods:In this study, we tested the function of isolated mitochondria, including free radical generation, ATP production, and respiration, from the skeletal muscle of two lines of transgenic mice with increased MsrA expression: mitochondria-targeted MsrA overexpression or cytosol-targeted MsrA overexpression.Results:Surprisingly, in the samples from mice with mitochondrial-targeted MsrA overexpression, we found dramatically increased free radical production though no specific defect in respiration, ATP production, or membrane potential. Among the electron transport chain complexes, we found the activity of complex I was specifically reduced in mitochondrial MsrA transgenic mice. In mice with cytosolic-targeted MsrA overexpression, we found no significant alteration made to any of these parameters of mitochondrial energetics.Conclusions:There is also a growing amount of evidence that MsrA is a functional requirement for sustaining optimal mitochondrial respiration and free radical generation. MsrA is also known to play a partial role in maintaining normal protein homeostasis by specifically repairing oxidized proteins. Our studies highlight a potential novel role for MsrA in regulating the activity of mitochondrial function through its interaction with the mitochondrial proteome.

SS31, a mitochondrially targeted antioxidant, prevents sepsis-induced reductions in diaphragm strength and endurance.

Sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction contributes to respiratory failure and mortality in critical illness. There are no treatments for this form of diaphragm weakness. Studies show that sepsis-induced muscle dysfunction is triggered by enhanced mitochondrial free radical generation. We tested the hypothesis that SS31, a mitochondrially targeted antioxidant, would attenuate sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction. Four groups of mice were studied: 1) sham-operated controls, 2) sham-operated+SS31 (10 mg·kg-1·day-1), 3) cecal ligation puncture (CLP), and 4) CLP+SS31. Forty-eight hours postoperatively, diaphragm strips with attached phrenic nerves were isolated, and the following were assessed: muscle-field-stimulated force-frequency curves, nerve-stimulated force-frequency curves, and muscle fatigue. We also measured calpain activity, 20S proteasomal activity, myosin heavy chain (MHC) levels, mitochondrial function, and aconitase activity, an index of mitochondrial superoxide generation. Sepsis markedly reduced diaphragm force generation; SS31 prevented these decrements. Diaphragm-specific force generation averaged 30.2 ± 1.4, 9.4 ± 1.8, 25.5 ± 2.3, and 27.9 ± 0.6 N/cm2 for sham, CLP, sham+SS31, and CLP+SS31 groups (P < 0.001). Similarly, with phrenic nerve stimulation, CLP depressed diaphragm force generation, effects prevented by SS31. During endurance trials, force was significantly reduced with CLP, and SS31 prevented these reductions (P < 0.001). Sepsis also increased diaphragm calpain activity, increased 20S proteasomal activity, decreased MHC levels, reduced mitochondrial function (state 3 rates and ATP generation), and reduced aconitase activity; SS31 prevented each of these sepsis-induced alterations (P ≤ 0.017 for all indices). SS31 prevents sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction, preserving force generation, endurance, and mitochondrial function. Compounds with similar mechanisms of action may be useful therapeutically to preserve diaphragm function in patients who are septic and critically ill.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction is a major contributor to mortality and morbidity in patients with critical illness in intensive care units. Currently, there is no proven pharmacological treatment for this problem. This study provides the novel finding that administration of SS31, a mitochondrially targeted antioxidant, preserves diaphragm myosin heavy chain content and mitochondrial function, thereby preventing diaphragm weakness and fatigue in sepsis.

Polymyxin B Nephrotoxicity: From Organ to Cell Damage.

Polymyxins have a long history of dose-limiting toxicity, but the underlying mechanism of polymyxin B-induced nephrotoxicity is unclear. This study investigated the link between the nephrotoxic effects of polymyxin B on renal metabolic functions and mitochondrial morphology in rats and on the structural integrity of LLC-PK1 cells. Fifteen Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Saline group, rats received 3 mL/kg of 0.9% NaCl intraperitoneally (i.p.) once a day for 5 days; Polymyxin B group, rats received 4 mg/kg/day of polymyxin B i.p. once a day for 5 days. Renal function, renal hemodynamics, oxidative stress, mitochondrial injury and histological characteristics were assessed. Cell membrane damage was evaluated via lactate dehydrogenase and nitric oxide levels, cell viability, and apoptosis in cells exposed to 12.5 μM, 75 μM and 375 μM polymyxin B. Polymyxin B was immunolocated using Lissamine rhodamine-polymyxin B in LLC-PK1 cells. Polymyxin B administration in rats reduced creatinine clearance and increased renal vascular resistance and oxidative damage. Mitochondrial damage was confirmed by electron microscopy and cytosolic localization of cytochrome c. Histological analysis revealed tubular dilatation and necrosis in the renal cortex. The reduction in cell viability and the increase in apoptosis, lactate dehydrogenase levels and nitric oxide levels confirmed the cytotoxicity of polymyxin B. The incubation of LLC-PK1 cells resulted in mitochondrial localization of polymyxin B. This study demonstrates that polymyxin B nephrotoxicity is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and free radical generation in both LLC-PK1 cells and rat kidneys. These data also provide support for clinical studies on the side effects of polymyxin B.

A novel therapeutic application of solid lipid nanoparticles encapsulated thymoquinone (TQ-SLNs) on 3-nitroproponic acid induced Huntington’s disease-like symptoms in wistar rats

Huntington’s disease (HD), a devastating neurodegenerative disease causing a remarkable pathogenesis involves mitochondrial dysfunction and bioenergetics failure. 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) is a unique toxin model of HD that are mainly confined to mitochondrial complex-II inhibition and free radical generation. Recently, several nanoparticle formulations were developed to treat against various neurodegenerative diseases including HD. One among them is solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), a colloidal carrier designed to enhance the brain drug delivery and to prolong the bio-availability of drugs in the system. Hence, the present study was framed to evaluate solid lipid nanoparticles encapsulated thymoquinone (TQ-SLNs) in comparison with thymoquinone suspension (TQ-S) against 3-NP induced behavioral despair, oxidative injury and striatal pathology. This study reports that theTQ-SLNs (10 and 20 mg/kg) and TQ-S (80 mg/kg) treated animals showed a significant (P < 0.01) improvement in the muscle strength, rigidity, movement and memory performances on 7th and 14th day behavioral analysis than TQ-S (40 mg/kg) treated group. Similarly, TQ-SLNs highly attenuated the levels of oxidative stress markers such as LPO, NO and protein carbonylsin 3-NP induced animals. Further, TQ-SLNs significantly restored the antioxidant defense system, controls the mitochondrial SDH inhibition and alleviates anti-cholinergic effect upon 3-NP induction. In addition, TQ-SLNs efficiently protected the striatal structural microelements against 3-NP toxicity, which was confirmed by light microscopic studies. Thus, the present investigation, collectively suggests that the low dose of TQ-SLNs supplementation is highly sufficient to attain the effect of TQ-S (80 mg/kg) to attenuate behavioral, biochemical and histological modifications in 3-NP exposed HD model.

Current perspectives on neonatal hypoglycemia, its management, and cerebral injury risk

Glucose is an essential substrate for mammalian cells; in particular, the brain needs glucose continuously as a primary source of energy. Hypoglycemia is the most common biochemical finding in the neonatal period. However, despite the common occurrence, there is still controversy on the definition of hypoglycemia in the newborn period. This has led to the development of guidelines designed to identify infants at-risk and the implementation of an operational threshold for physicians to consider intervention. In healthy term infants, the optimal hormonal and metabolic adaptations during the immediate neonatal period ensure an adequate energy substrate for the vital organs, whereas the abnormal glucose homeostasis observed in preterm and growth-retarded infants is multifactorial in origin. For these high-risk infants, it is important to identify, screen, and prevent significant hypoglycemia. Detailed investigations are warranted in infants with severe and persistent hypoglycemia. Neonatal hypo- glycemia is a major cause of brain injury. The speculated mechanisms of cellular injury include excitatory neurotoxins active at N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, increased mitochondrial free radical generation with initiation of apoptosis and altered cerebral energetic characteristics. This hypoglycemic brain injury predominantly affects parieto-occipital regions causing cognitive, sensory, psychomotor, and behavioral deficits in children. This state of the art review article covers the fetal-neonatal metabolic adaptation, glucose homeostasis in normal and abnormal conditions, management strategies, and late neurological sequelae of hypoglycemia.

Alterations in mitochondrial DNA copy number and the activities of electron transport chain complexes and pyruvate dehydrogenase in the frontal cortex from subjects with autism.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with social deficits and behavioral abnormalities. Recent evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress may contribute to the etiology of autism. This is the first study to compare the activities of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes (I–V) and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), as well as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in the frontal cortex tissues from autistic and age-matched control subjects. The activities of complexes I, V and PDH were most affected in autism (n=14) being significantly reduced by 31%, 36% and 35%, respectively. When 99% confidence interval (CI) of control group was taken as a reference range, impaired activities of complexes I, III and V were observed in 43%, 29% and 43% of autistic subjects, respectively. Reduced activities of all five ETC complexes were observed in 14% of autistic cases, and the activities of multiple complexes were decreased in 29% of autistic subjects. These results suggest that defects in complexes I and III (sites of mitochondrial free radical generation) and complex V (adenosine triphosphate synthase) are more prevalent in autism. PDH activity was also reduced in 57% of autistic subjects. The ratios of mtDNA of three mitochondrial genes ND1, ND4 and Cyt B (that encode for subunits of complexes I and III) to nuclear DNA were significantly increased in autism, suggesting a higher mtDNA copy number in autism. Compared with the 95% CI of the control group, 44% of autistic children showed higher copy numbers of all three mitochondrial genes examined. Furthermore, ND4 and Cyt B deletions were observed in 44% and 33% of autistic children, respectively. This study indicates that autism is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain.

Activation of Mitochondrial STAT3 Increases Mitochondrial Respiration and Inhibits Oxidative Stress in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemic Cells

Abstract 287Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a malignant disease occurring in the elderly and remains incurable. CLL is characterized by resistance to both spontaneous and induced apoptosis aided by changes induced by the tumor microenvironment. STAT3 is a signal responsive transcription factor that plays pivotal roles in tumorigensis in a number of malignancies including CLL. STAT3 resides in an inactive form in the cytoplasm of non-stimulated cells and in response to various cytokines and growth factors present in the microenvironment is activated through JAK-mediated phosphorylation of two residues, tyrosine 705 (Y705) and serine 727 (S727). Phosphorylation of this critical tyrosine residue (Y705) induces STAT3 dimerization through phosphotyrosine-SH2 domain interaction and. once dimerized, enters the nucleus and activates a broad array of target genes. The role of serine phosphorylation (S727) is less understood. It has been reported that STAT3 is constitutively phosphorylated on S727 and pS727-STAT3, not pY705-STAT3, binds DNA and activates transcription in CLL cells. However, it has also been reported that STAT3 is present in the mitochondria both in cell lines and primary liver and heart of mouse models, where it is one of the components of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC) and plays an important role in mitochondrial respiration. The active form of mitochondrial STAT3 is pS727-STAT3 and it is crucial for Ras-dependent transformation by sustaining altered glycolytic and oxidative phosphorylation activities characteristic of cancer cells.It is unknown whether STAT3 regulates mitochondrial function in CLL. We therefore investigated whether activated STAT3 regulates mitochondrial respiration in CLL and whether it is important for CLL cell survival. Screening by Western blotting in untreated CLL patients' samples (n=16 )revealed that both pS727-STAT3 and pY705-STAT3 were constitutively expressed and we demonstrated correlation of the expression levels between these two active forms. Using fluorescent microscopy and cellular protein fractionation, both pS727-STAT3 and pY705-STAT3 showed mitochondrial localization in CLL cells. Stimulation of CLL cells with IL-10 induced STAT3 activation and both active forms of STAT3 exhibited mitochondrial translocation. The JAK inhibitor AG490 prevented STAT3 translocation to the mitochondria and led to reduction of mitochondrial mass and expression of cytochrome c oxidase IV (COX IV), one of the components of mETC. Knockdown of STAT3 RNA also decreased COX IV expression. Flow cytometry studies demonstrated that activation of STAT3 by IL-10 prevented depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and free radical generation by CLL cells, but inhibition of STAT3 induced mitochondrial oxidative damage and CLL cell death. The role of STAT3 activation by IL-10 on mitochondrial respiration was determined using a Seahorse XF Extracellular Flux Analyzer and demonstrated significantly increased coupled and uncoupled mitochondrial respiration and ATP turnover. Inhibition of STAT3 by AG490 reduced mitochondrial respiration and ATP turnover. However, decreased mitochondrial respiration did not provoke glycolytic capacity in CLL cells, indicating that CLL cells mainly rely on mitochondria for energetic needs.In summary, we demonstrate that activated STAT3 targets mitochondria and increases mitochondrial respiration and ATP turnover in CLL cells. This enables increased bioenergetic mitochondrial function and also prevents oxidative damage of CLL cells. Inhibition of STAT3 reduces mitochondrial mass and function but increases free radical generation and promotes CLL cell death. We therefore propose that mitochondrial STAT3 could be a therapeutic target for the treatment of CLL. Disclosures:Gribben:Roche: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; GSK: Honoraria; Mundipharma: Honoraria; Gilead: Honoraria; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria.

High throughput single cell bioinformatics

Advances in systems biology and bioinformatics have highlighted that no cell population is truly uniform and that stochastic behavior is an inherent property of many biological systems. As a result, bulk measurements can be misleading even when particular care has been taken to isolate a single cell type, and measurements averaged over multiple cell populations in a tissue can be as misleading as the average height at an elementary school. There is a growing need for experimental techniques that can provide a combination of single cell resolution, large cell populations, and the ability to track cells over multiple time points. In this article, a microwell array cytometry platform was developed to meet this need and investigate the heterogeneity and stochasticity of cell behavior on a single cell basis. The platform consisted of a microfabricated device with high-density arrays of cell-sized microwells and custom software for automated image processing and data analysis. As a model experimental system, we used primary hepatocytes labeled with fluorescent probes sensitive to mitochondrial membrane potential and free radical generation. The cells were exposed to oxidative stress and the responses were dynamically monitored for each cell. The resulting data was then analyzed using bioinformatics techniques such as hierarchical and k-means clustering to visualize the data and identify interesting features. The results showed that clustering of the dynamic data not only enhanced comparisons between the treatment groups but also revealed a number of distinct response patterns within each treatment group. Heatmaps with hierarchical clustering also provided a data-rich complement to survival curves in a dose response experiment. The microwell array cytometry platform was shown to be powerful, easy to use, and able to provide a detailed picture of the heterogeneity present in cell responses to oxidative stress. We believe that our microwell array cytometry platform will have general utility for a wide range of questions related to cell population heterogeneity, biological stochasticity, and cell behavior under stress conditions.

Ischemic Preconditioning Protects Mitochondrial Respiratory Function In Complex I With Decreased Free Radical Production

Mitochondrial respiratory complexes are damaged by ischemia reperfusion injury. Oxygen free radicals (OFR) may be involved in the cardioprotective mechanism of ischemic preconditioning (IPC). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of IPC on mitochondrial respiratory complex I activity and OFR production.Rat hearts (n=6/group) were subjected to either A) 30 minutes (min) of equilibration (EQ), 30 min of ischemia (I), and 30 min of reperfusion (R) (CONTROL) or B) 10 min of EQ, three 5 min episodes of IPC, 30 min I, and 30 min of R (IPC group). A third set of non‐ischemic control hearts were also studied (NIC). Mitochondria were isolated at end reperfusion. Respiratory complex I activity was assessed by polarography using specific substrates and inhibitors for complex I in the presence of ADP. Complex I OFR production was measured by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectrometry. Complex I substrates were glutamate and malate (4.7 mM) and the inhibitor was rotenone (188 nM). Data is expressed as mean±SEM.Ischemia reperfusion impairs mitochondrial complex I activity and increases complex I OFR production. IPC preserves mitochondrial respiratory complex I activity and decreases mitochondrial free radical generation at end reperfusion.

Differential age-related changes in mitochondrial DNA repair activities in mouse brain regions

Aging in the brain is characterized by increased susceptibility to neuronal loss and functional decline, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are thought to play an important role in these processes. Due to the proximity of mtDNA to the main sites of mitochondrial free radical generation, oxidative stress is a major source of DNA mutations in mitochondria. The base excision repair (BER) pathway removes oxidative lesions from mtDNA, thereby constituting an important mechanism to avoid accumulation of mtDNA mutations. The complexity of the brain implies that exposure and defence against oxidative stress varies among brain regions and hence some regions may be particularly prone to accumulation of mtDNA damages. In the current study we investigated the efficiency of the BER pathway throughout the murine lifespan in mitochondria from cortex and hippocampus, regions that are central in mammalian cognition, and which are severely affected during aging and in neurodegenerative diseases. A regional specific regulation of mitochondrial DNA repair activities was observed with aging. In cortical mitochondria, DNA glycosylase activities peaked at middle-age followed by a significant drop at old age. However, only minor changes were observed in hippocampal mitochondria during the whole lifespan of the animals. Furthermore, DNA glycosylase activities were lower in hippocampal than in cortical mitochondria. Mitochondrial AP endonuclease activity increased in old animals in both brain regions. Our data suggest an important regional specific regulation of mitochondrial BER during aging.

Analysis of age-associated changes in mitochondrial free radical generation by rat testis

Throughout spermatogenesis, mitochondria undergo a morphological and functional differentiation. Mitochondria are involved in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), considered one of the mediators of ageing. Particularly, lipid peroxidation is regarded as a major phenomenon by which ROS can impair cellular function. In the present study, we examined the production of superoxide anion, superoxide dismutase activity and the effect of Fe(2+)/ascorbate induced-lipid peroxidation on the respiratory chain activities of testis mitochondria throughout the process of spermatogenesis and ageing. Mitochondria from rat testes generated superoxide anion, mainly using NADH as substrate, which increased according to age. The activity of SOD is age-dependent and greatly stimulated during the first wave of spermatogenesis, but decreases in adulthood and old age. TBARS concentration was also markedly increased by ageing. The activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes is differentially affected by oxidative stress induced by iron/ascorbate, succinate-dehydrogenase activity being less vulnerable than that of NADH-dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase. The data suggest that ageing is accompanied by reduced activity of SOD, leading to excessive oxidative stress and enhanced lipid peroxidation that compromises the functionality of the electron transport chain. The data support the concept that mitochondrial function is an important determinant in ageing.

Proteomic changes in mammalian spermatozoa during epididymal maturation

Epididymal maturation is associated with the activation of a cAMP-induced tyrosine phosphorylation cascade, which is ultimately associated with the expression of capacitation-dependent sperm functions, such as hyperactivated movement and acrosomal exocytosis. As spermatozoa progress through the epididymis they first acquire the capacity to phosphorylate tyrosine on targets on the principal piece, followed by the midpiece. By the time these cells have reached the cauda epididymidis they can phosphorylate the entire tail from neck to endpiece. This particular pattern of phosphorylation is associated with the ontogeny of fully functional spermatozoa that are capable of fertilizing the oocyte. Proteomic analyses indicate that this change is associated with the phosphorylation of several mitochondrial proteins, creation of a mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of mitochondrial free radical generation. At least in rodent species, activation of sperm mitochondria appears to be a particularly important part of epididymal maturation.

Low cadmium exposure triggers a biphasic oxidative stress response in mice kidneys

Oxidative stress is believed to participate in the early processes of cadmium (Cd)-induced proximal tubular kidney damage. Mice were chronically exposed up to 23 weeks to low Cd concentrations (10 and 100 mg CdCl 2/l) via the drinking water. Pro- and antioxidant gene expression levels, glutathione, ascorbate and lipid peroxidation levels were measured. Our study provided evidence for an early and a late stress response in the kidney. Metallothioneins were upregulated from 1 week of exposure on and they stayed important during the whole exposure period. After 8 weeks the expression of Bcl2 (anti-apoptotic), Prdx2 and cytosolic superoxide dismutase ( Sod1) was reduced in the group exposed to 100 mg CdCl 2/l, which might indicate a response to Cd-stress. However glutathione, ascorbate and lipid peroxidation levels did not significantly change, and the overall redox balance remained stable. Stable Sod2 transcriptional levels suggested that an increased formation of superoxide anions, which can arise upon Cd-induced mitochondrial free radical generation, was not appearing. A second defence activation was observed after 23 weeks: i.e. an increase of catalase ( Cat), glutathione peroxidase 4 ( Gpx4) and heme oxygenase 1 ( Hmox1), together with NADPH oxidase 4 ( Nox4), of which the role has not been studied yet in Cd nephrotoxicity. These findings were in contrast with previous studies, where Cd-induced oxidative stress was detrimental when high Cd concentrations were applied. In conclusion our study provided evidence that a chronic exposure to low Cd concentrations triggered a biphasic defence activation in the kidney that might lead to adaptation and survival.