Modulation Of Mitochondrial Dynamics Research Articles

Empagliflozin impact on experimentally induced acetaminophen toxicity: Imprint of mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis, and cGAS/STING signal in amending liver insult.

Acetaminophen (APAP) is one of the most clinically relevant medications associated with acute liver damage. A prolific deal of research validated the hepatoprotective effect of empagliflozin (EMPA); however, its effect on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity has still not been investigated. In this study, the prospective hepatoprotective impact of EMPA against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity was investigated. Twenty-eight Balb-C mice were assigned to four groups: control, APAP, EMPA10/APAP, and EMPA25/APAP. At the end of the experiment, serum hepatotoxicity biomarkers, MDA level, and GSH content were estimated. Hepatic mitofusin-2 (MFN2), optic atrophy 1 (OPA1), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and mitochondrial fission 1 protein (FIS1) were immunoassayed. PGC-1α, cGAS, and STING mRNA expression were assessed by real-time PCR. Histopathological changes and immunohistochemistry of INF-β, p-NF-κB, and iNOS were evaluated. APAP treatment caused significant hepatic functional impairment and increased hepatic MDA levels, as well as a concomitant decrease in GSH content. Marked elevation in Drp1 and FIS1 levels, INF-ß, p-NF-κB, and iNOS immunoreactivity, and reduction in MFN2 and OPA1 levels in the APAP-injected group, PGC-1α downregulation, and high expression of cGAS and STING were also documented. EMPA effectively ameliorated APAP-generated structural and functional changes in the liver, restored redox homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamics balance, and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, remarkably diminished hepatic expression of cGAS and STING, and elicited a reduction in hepatic inflammation. Moreover, the computational modeling data support the interaction of APAP with antioxidant system-related proteins as well as the interactions of EMPA against Drp1, cGAS, IKKA, and iNOS proteins. Our findings demonstrated for the first time that EMPA has an ameliorative impact against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice via modulation of mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis, and cGAS/STING-dependent inflammation. Thus, this study concluded that EMPA could be a promising therapeutic modality for acute liver toxicity.

Korean red ginseng alleviates benign prostatic hyperplasia by dysregulating androgen receptor signaling and inhibiting DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission

Panax ginseng (C.A. Mey.) has been traditionally employed in Korea and China to alleviate fatigue and digestive disorders. In particular, Korean red ginseng (KRG), derived from streamed and dried P. ginseng, is known for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its effects on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a representative aging-related disease, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic effects of KRG on BPH, with a particular focus on mitochondrial dynamics, including fission and fusion processes. The effects of KRG on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dynamics and morphology were evaluated in a rat model of testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH and TP-treated LNCaP cells, with mdivi-1 as a control. The results revealed that KRG treatment reduced the levels of androgen receptors (AR) and prostate-specific antigens in the BPH group. KRG inhibited cell proliferation by downregulating cyclin D and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels, and it promoted apoptosis by increasing the ratio of B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax) to Bcl-2 expression. Notably, KRG treatment enhanced the phosphorylation of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP-1, serine 637) compared with that in the BPH group, which inhibited mitochondrial fission and led to mitochondrial elongation. This modulation of mitochondrial dynamics was associated with decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. By dysregulating AR signaling and inhibiting mitochondrial fission through enhanced DRP-1 (ser637) phosphorylation, KRG effectively reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. These findings suggest that KRG’s regulation of mitochondrial dynamics offers a promising clinical approach for the treatment of BPH.

Developmental disruption of the mitochondrial fission gene drp-1 extends the longevity of daf-2 insulin/IGF-1 receptor mutant.

The dynamic nature of the mitochondrial network is regulated by mitochondrial fission and fusion, allowing for re-organization of mitochondria to adapt to the cell's ever-changing needs. As organisms age, mitochondrial fission and fusion become dysregulated and mitochondrial networks become increasingly fragmented. Modulation of mitochondrial dynamics has been shown to affect longevity in fungi, yeast, Drosophila and C. elegans. Disruption of the mitochondrial fission gene drp-1 drastically increases the already long lifespan of daf-2 insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) mutants. In this work, we determined the conditions required for drp-1 disruption to extend daf-2 longevity and explored the molecular mechanisms involved. We found that knockdown of drp-1 during development is sufficient to extend daf-2 lifespan, while tissue-specific knockdown of drp-1 in neurons, intestine or muscle failed to increase daf-2 longevity. Disruption of other genes involved in mitochondrial fission also increased daf-2 lifespan as did treatment with RNA interference clones that decrease mitochondrial fragmentation. In exploring potential mechanisms involved, we found that deletion of drp-1 increases resistance to chronic stresses. In addition, we found that disruption of drp-1 increased mitochondrial and peroxisomal connectedness in daf-2 worms, increased oxidative phosphorylation and ATP levels, and increased mitophagy in daf-2 worms, but did not affect their ROS levels, food consumption or mitochondrial membrane potential. Disruption of mitophagy through RNA interference targeting pink-1 decreased the lifespan of daf-2;drp-1 worms suggesting that increased mitophagy contributes to their extended lifespan. Overall, this work defined the conditions under which drp-1 disruption increases daf-2 lifespan and has identified multiple changes in daf-2;drp-1 mutants that may contribute to their lifespan extension.

Mitochondrial dynamics in pulmonary disease: Implications for the potential therapeutics.

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that continuously undergo fusion/fission to maintain normal cell physiological activities and energy metabolism. When mitochondrial dynamics is unbalanced, mitochondrial homeostasis is broken, thus damaging mitochondrial function. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that impairment in mitochondrial dynamics leads to lung tissue injury and pulmonary disease progression in a variety of disease models, including inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and barrier breakdown, and that the role of mitochondrial dynamics varies among pulmonary diseases. These findings suggest that modulation of mitochondrial dynamics may be considered as a valid therapeutic strategy in pulmonary diseases. In this review, we discuss the current evidence on the role of mitochondrial dynamics in pulmonary diseases, with a particular focus on its underlying mechanisms in the development of acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis (PF), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), lung cancer and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and outline effective drugs targeting mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, highlighting the great potential of targeting mitochondrial dynamics in the treatment of pulmonary disease.

Modulation of Mitochondrial Dynamics by the Angiotensin System in Dopaminergic Neurons and Microglia.

Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) dysfunctions have been associated to life-spam, and aging-related diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, and the neuroinflammatory associated processes. Mitochondrial dysfunctions play a major role in aging-related diseases, including dopaminergic neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. However, the mechanisms of RAS/mitochondria interactions remain to be clarified. In the present work, we studied the role of major RAS components in the mitochondrial dynamics in dopaminergic neurons and microglia using in vitro and in vivo models. In dopaminergic neurons, we observed that activation of the RAS pro-oxidative/pro-inflammatory axis (Angiotensin II/Angiotensin type-1 receptor, AT1/NADPH oxidase complex) produces a dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics towards mitochondrial fission, via Drp1 phosphorylation at Ser616 and translocation to mitochondria. However, activation of the RAS antioxidative/anti-inflammatory axis, using Angiotensin 1-7, counteracts this effect. RAS components also modulated the microglial inflammatory response through mitochondrial dynamic changes. After interferon-γ-induced activation of human microglial cells, we observed increased mitochondrial fission and superoxide production that was inhibited by Angiotensin 1-7 treatment. Angiotensin 1-7 also inhibited mitochondrial metabolic changes induced by pro-inflammatory microglial activation. The role of RAS in mitochondrial dynamic changes was confirmed in vivo using the LPS-induced inflammation model in wild-type, AT1-KO, and AT2-KO mice. The effect of Angiotensin 1-7 is mediated by IL-10, specifically by decreasing the post-transcriptional phosphorylated Drp1 form, and translocation of STAT3 to mitochondria. Angiotensin 1-7, acting on mitochondrial Angiotensin 1-7 receptors (Mas/Mas related receptors), increased the phosphorylated form of STAT3 at Ser727, which is mediated by mitochondrial PKA activation. In conclusion, the present findings show the role of RAS components in modulation of mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial function, revealing the associated signaling pathways. The results lead to better understanding of the effects of RAS dysfunction in aging-related diseases, and particularly dopaminergic degeneration and neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease.

Latent transforming growth factor beta binding protein 4: A regulator of mitochondrial function in acute kidney injury.

Recently, latent transforming growth factor beta binding protein 4 (LTBP4) was implicated in the pathogenesis of renal damage through its modulation of mitochondrial dynamics. The seminal article written by Su etal. entitled "LTBP4 (Latent Transforming Growth Factor Beta Binding Protein 4) Protects Against Renal Fibrosis via Mitochondrial and Vascular Impacts" uncovers LTBP4's renoprotective role against acute kidney injury via modulating mitochondrial dynamics. Recently, LTBP4 has emerged as a driver in the mitochondrial-dependent modulation of age-related organ pathologies. This article aims to expand our understanding of LTBP4's diverse roles in these diseases in the context of these recent findings.

The induction of the mitochondrial morphofunctional pathways improves bioenergetics in Alzheimer Disease

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer Disease (AD) currently has no effective treatments. A consistent failure of recent clinical trials focused on Aβ or pTau protein accumulation necessitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and strategies. The loss of cellular energetics is considered as an underlying dysfunction in AD. We have identified small molecule compounds that partially inhibit mitochondrial complex I (MCI), blocking neurodegeneration via the induction of multiple neuroprotective mechanisms, including the improvement of cellular energy homeostasis in vitro and in vivo in multiple AD models. Mitochondria are highly motile organelles that respond to physiologic cues through the dynamic properties of mitochondrial networks, which are balanced by the flux of fusion and fission events. This study aims to demonstrate that treatment with partial MCI inhibitors improves cellular energetics and function via modulation of mitochondrial dynamics using multiple models, including neuronal cells generated from human iPSCs derived from ApoE4+ late‐onset AD (LOAD) patients and ApoE3+ controls.MethodChanges in protein expression in response to treatment were assessed using the Western Blot analysis. The investigation of mitochondrial morphology was done using electron microscopy. Flow cytometry was used to measure the translocation of glucose transporters to the cell surface. Cellular energetics was assessed using a Seahorse Extracellular Flux Analyzer. Results were validated in 3xTgAD mice.ResultWe found that the 2D culture of LOAD cultures had accumulation of pTau and a significant reduction in the expression of proteins involved in mitochondrial dynamics and function, including mitochondrial preprotein translocase TIM23, mitochondrial transcription factor A, transcription factor FoxO3, and mitochondrial fusion proteins MFN2 and OPA1. Treatment with partial MCI inhibitors improved mitochondrial dynamics, rescuing the expression of MFN2 and OPA1, neuronal bioenergetics, and mitochondrial morphology. MCI inhibitors increased surface translocation of GLUTs enhancing glucose uptake and utilization, which could be measured in 3xTgAD mice in vivo using translational biomarker FDG‐PET.ConclusionMild stress caused by the application of MCI inhibitors induced mitochondrial fusion, improved energy homeostasis, and enhanced glucose uptake and utilization in vitro and in vivo. These findings could be instrumental for the validation of a novel medicinal approach and the development of biomarkers for therapeutic efficacy.

Promoting mitochondrial fusion in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity: a novel therapeutic target for cardioprotection.

Changes in mitochondrial dynamics have been recognized as being one of the mechanisms related to cardiotoxicity following a high cumulative dose of doxorubicin (DOX). A mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 (Mdivi-1) and fusion promoter (M1) have been shown to be cardioprotective in a variety of cardiovascular settings, however, their anticardiotoxic efficacy against DOX therapy remains unclear. We therefore investigated whether treatment with Mdivi-1 and M1 protects the heart against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity via mitochondria-targeted pathways. Male Wistar rats (n=40) received DOX (3 mg/kg, six doses, n=32) or 3% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in the normal saline solution (NSS) (n=8) as a control. DOX-injected rats were given one of four treatments beginning with the first DOX injection via intraperitoneal injection: 1) 3% DMSO in NSS (n=8), 2) Mdivi-1 (1.2 mg/kg per day, n=8), 3) M1 (2 mg/kg per day, n=8), and 4) Mdivi-1+M1 (n=8) for 30 days. Cardiac function, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, myocardial injury, and protein expression associated with inflammation, autophagy, mitophagy, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dynamics were determined. DOX caused a significant deterioration in mitochondrial function and dynamic regulation, and an increase in markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, myocardial injury, apoptosis, autophagy, and mitophagy, resulting in impaired cardiac function. Cotreatment of DOX with Mdivi-1, M1, or a combination of the two mitigated these detrimental effects of DOX. These findings imply that either inhibiting fission or promoting fusion of mitochondria protects the heart from DOX-induced myocardial damage. Modulation of mitochondrial dynamics could be a novel therapeutic target in alleviating DOX-induced cytotoxic effects without compromising its anticancer efficacy.

Short-term control of diet affects cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury through modulation of mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial GSH.

Obesity affects acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by various clinical settings, including transplantation and cisplatin‐cancer therapy. However, the effect of short‐term food intake change remains to be defined. Here, we investigated the effects of short‐term high‐fat diet intake and food restriction on cisplatin‐induced AKI. Mice were fed either a high‐fat diet (HFD) or a low‐fat diet (LFD) for 11 days or were not fed for 40 hh (fasting), before cisplatin administration. Cisplatin‐induced functional and structural damages to kidneys in both HFD‐ and LFD‐fed mice, with greater damages in HFD‐fed mice than LFD‐fed mice. HFD decreased mitochondrial total glutathione (tGSH) level, along with increases in the plasma and kidney cholesterol levels. Cisplatin caused the increase of kidney cholesterol levels and oxidative stress, along with the decrease of mitochondrial tGSH levels. In addition, cisplatin‐induced mitochondrial damage and apoptosis of tubular cells in both HFD‐ and LFD‐fed mice. An increase of Fis1 (mitochondria fission 1 protein), whereas a decrease of Opa1 (mitochondria fusion 1 protein) occurred by cisplatin. These cisplatin effects were greater in HFD‐fed mice than in LFD‐fed mice. Administration of mitochondria‐specific antioxidant treatment during HFD feeding inhibited these cisplatin‐induced changes. Fasting for 40 h also significantly reduced the cisplatin‐induced changes mentioned above. These data demonstrate that short‐term HFD intake worsens cisplatin‐induced oxidative stress by the reduction of mitochondrial tGSH, resulting in increased cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity. These data newly indicate that the control of calorie intake, even for a short period, affects kidney susceptibility to injury. Although most studies described the effects of a long‐term high‐fat diet on the kidneys, in this study, we found that even if a high‐fat diet was consumed for a short‐term, physiological changes and mitochondria tGSH decrease in the kidneys, and consequently increased cisplatin‐nephrotoxic susceptibility. These data suggest the association of calorie intake with kidney susceptibility to cisplatin.

RAGE Regulating Vascular Remodeling in Diabetes by Regulating Mitochondrial Dynamics with JAK2/STAT3 Pathway.

In this research, we will explore the role and modulation of mitochondrial dynamics in diabetes vascular remodeling. Only a few cell types express the pattern recognition receptor, also known as the AGE receptor (RAGE). However, it is triggered in almost all of the cells that have been investigated thus far by events that are known to cause inflammation. Here, Type 2 diabetes was studied in both cellular and animal models. Elevated Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2), phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), transient receptor potential ion channels (TRPM), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (p-DRP1) were observed in the context of diabetes. In addition, we found that inhibition of RAGE was followed by a remarkable decrease in the expression of the above proteins. It has also been demonstrated by western blotting and immunofluorescence results in vivo and in vitro. Suppressing STAT3 and DRP1 phosphorylation produced effects similar to those of RAGE inhibition on the proliferation, cell cycle, migration, invasion, and expression of TRPM in VSMCs and vascular tissues obtained from diabetic animals. These findings indicate that RAGE regulates vascular remodeling via mitochondrial dynamics through modulating the JAK2/STAT3 axis in diabetes. The findings could be crucial in gaining a better understanding of diabetes-related vascular remodeling. It also contributes to a better cytopathological understanding of diabetic vascular disease and provides a theoretical foundation for novel targets that aid in the prevention and treatment of diabetes-related cardiovascular problems.

Pharmacological Targeting of Mitochondrial Fission and Fusion Alleviates Cognitive Impairment and Brain Pathologies in Pre-diabetic Rats.

It has recently been accepted that long-term high-fat diet (HFD) intake is a significant possible cause for prediabetes and cognitive and brain dysfunction through the disruption of brain mitochondrial function and dynamic balance. Although modulation of mitochondrial dynamics by inhibiting fission and promoting fusion has been shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with a variety of chronic diseases, the impact of either pharmacological inhibition of mitochondrial fission (Mdivi-1) or stimulation of fusion (M1) on brain function in HFD-induced prediabetic models has never been studied. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were separated into 2 groups and fed either a normal diet (ND, n = 8) or HFD (n = 24) for 14weeks. At week 12, HFD-fed rats were divided into 3 subgroups (n = 8/subgroup) and given an intraperitoneal injection of either saline, Mdivi-1 (1.2mg/kg/day), or M1 (2mg/kg/day) for 2weeks. Cognitive function and metabolic parameters were determined toward the end of the protocol. The rats then were euthanized, and the brain was immediately removed in order to evaluate brain mitochondrial function and mitochondrial dynamics. HFD-fed rats experienced prediabetes, evidenced by elevated plasma insulin and the HOMA index, impaired mitochondrial function in the brain, altered dynamic regulation, and cognitive impairment were also found. Mdivi-1 and M1 treatment exerted neuroprotection to a similar extent by improving metabolic parameters, balancing mitochondrial dynamics, and reducing mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in a gradual increase in cognitive function. Therefore, pharmacological targeting of mitochondrial fission and fusion protected the brain against chronic HFD-induced prediabetes.

Antisense Oligonucleotide-Mediated Silencing of Mitochondrial Fusion and Fission Factors Modulates Mitochondrial Dynamics and Rescues Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that produce ATP and maintain metabolic, catabolic, and redox homeostasis. Mitochondria owe this dynamic nature to their constant fission and fusion—processes that are regulated, in part, by fusion factors (MFN1 and MFN2) and fission factors (DRP1, FIS1, MFF, MIEF1, MIEF2) located on the outer mitochondrial membrane. While mitochondrial fusion and fission are known to influence mitochondrial morphology and function, a key question is whether rebalancing mitochondrial morphology can ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction in the context of mitochondrial pathology. In this study, we used antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to systematically evaluate the effects of fusion and fission factors in vitro. Free uptake by cells of fusion or fission factor ASOs caused robust decreases in target gene expression and altered a variety of mitochondrial parameters, including mitochondrial size and respiration, which were dose dependent. In Mfn1 knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and MFN2-R94Q (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Type 2 Disease-associated mutation) MEFs, two cellular models of mitochondrial dysfunction, we found that ASO-mediated silencing of only Drp1 restored mitochondrial morphology and enhanced mitochondrial respiration. Together, these data demonstrate in vitro proof-of-concept for rebalancing mitochondrial morphology to rescue function using ASOs and suggest that ASO-mediated modulation of mitochondrial dynamics may be a viable therapeutic approach to restore mitochondrial homeostasis in diseases driven by mitochondrial dysfunction.

Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen formula enhances perindopril inhibition of chronic kidney disease progression by activation of SIRT3, modulation of mitochondrial dynamics, and antioxidant effects.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem. Renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockade is the mainstay of CKD therapy with limitations. Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen formula (JPYSF) is a traditional herbal decoction and has been used for treating CKD for decades. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the intervention effects of combined used of perindopril erbumine (PE) and JPYSF on CKD progression and explore their underlying mechanisms. CKD rat model was induced by feeding a diet containing 0.75% w/w adenine for 3 weeks. CKD rats were treated with PE or JPYSF or PE+JPYSF from the induction of CKD and lasted 4 weeks. Renal function was evaluated by serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Pathological lesions were observed by Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) and Masson’s trichrome staining. The protein expression was tested by Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. The morphology of mitochondria was observed by transmission electron microscope. The results showed that combined used of PE and JPYSF could better improve renal function and pathological lesions and ameliorate renal fibrosis in CKD rats. Administration of PE and JPYSF enhanced sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) expression, inhibited mitochondrial fission, promoted mitochondrial fusion, and suppressed oxidative stress in the kidney of CKD rats. In conclusion, combined use of PE and JPYSF protected against CKD more effectively than either alone. The underlying mechanism may be associated with activation of SIRT3, modulation of mitochondrial dynamics, and antioxidant effects.

Mitochondrial arginase-2 is essential for IL-10 metabolic reprogramming of inflammatory macrophages

Mitochondria are important regulators of macrophage polarisation. Here, we show that arginase-2 (Arg2) is a microRNA-155 (miR-155) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) regulated protein localized at the mitochondria in inflammatory macrophages, and is critical for IL-10-induced modulation of mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative respiration. Mechanistically, the catalytic activity and presence of Arg2 at the mitochondria is crucial for oxidative phosphorylation. We further show that Arg2 mediates this process by increasing the activity of complex II (succinate dehydrogenase). Moreover, Arg2 is essential for IL-10-mediated downregulation of the inflammatory mediators succinate, hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and IL-1β in vitro. Accordingly, HIF-1α and IL-1β are highly expressed in an LPS-induced in vivo model of acute inflammation using Arg2−/− mice. These findings shed light on a new arm of IL-10-mediated metabolic regulation, working to resolve the inflammatory status of the cell.

Mitochondrial protective effects of PARP-inhibition in hypertension-induced myocardial remodeling and in stressed cardiomyocytes

AimsDuring oxidative stress mitochondria become the main source of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the effects of pharmacological PARP-1 inhibition on mitochondrial function and quality control processes. Main methodsL-2286, a quinazoline-derivative PARP inhibitor, protects against cardiovascular remodeling and heart failure by favorable modulation of signaling routes. We examined the effects of PARP-1 inhibition on mitochondrial quality control processes and function in vivo and in vitro. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were treated with L-2286 or placebo. In the in vitro model, 150 μM H2O2 stress was applied on neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCM). Key findingsPARP-inhibition prevented the development of left ventricular hypertrophy in SHRs. The interfibrillar mitochondrial network were less fragmented, the average mitochondrial size was bigger and showed higher cristae density compared to untreated SHRs. Dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1) translocation and therefore the fission of mitochondria was inhibited by L-2286 treatment. Moreover, L-2286 treatment increased the amount of fusion proteins (Opa1, Mfn2), thus preserving structural stability. PARP-inhibition also preserved the mitochondrial genome integrity. In addition, the mitochondrial biogenesis was also enhanced due to L-2286 treatment, leading to an overall increase in the ATP production and improvement in survival of stressed cells. SignificanceOur results suggest that the modulation of mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis can be a promising therapeutical target in hypertension-induced myocardial remodeling and heart failure.

HIF-1α ameliorates tubular injury in diabetic nephropathy via HO-1-mediated control of mitochondrial dynamics.

ObjectivesIn diabetic nephropathy (DN), hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) activation in tubular cells plays an important protective role against kidney injury. The effects may occur via the target genes of HIF‐1α, such as haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), but the exact mechanisms are incompletely understood.Materials and methodsMice with proximal tubule‐specific knockout of HIF‐1α (PT‐HIF‐1α−/− mice) were generated, and diabetes was induced in these mice by streptozotocin (STZ) injection. In addition, to mimic a hypoxic state, cobaltous chloride (CoCl2) was applied to HK‐2 cells.ResultsOur study first verified that conditional knockout of HIF‐1α worsened tubular injury in DN; additionally, aggravated kidney dysfunction, renal histopathological alterations, mitochondrial fragmentation, ROS accumulation and apoptosis were observed in diabetic PT‐HIF‐1α−/− mice. In vitro study showed that compared to control group, HK‐2 cells cultured under hypoxic ambiance displayed increased mitochondrial fragmentation, ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential loss and apoptosis. These increases were reversed by overexpression of HIF‐1α or treatment with a HO‐1 agonist. Importantly, cotreatment with a HIF‐1α inhibitor and a HO‐1 agonist rescued the HK‐2 cells from the negative impacts of the HIF‐1α inhibitor.ConclusionsThese data revealed that HIF‐1α exerted a protective effect against tubular injury in DN, which could be mediated via modulation of mitochondrial dynamics through HO‐1 upregulation.

Ganglioside GD3 regulates dendritic growth in newborn neurons in adult mouse hippocampus via modulation of mitochondrial dynamics.

Ganglioside GD3, a major ganglioside species in neural stem cells, plays a crucial role in maintenance of the self-renewal capacity of these cells. However, its bioactivity in postnatally differentiated neurons in the neurogenic regions of adult brains has not been elucidated. Here, we describe for the first time that deletion of GD3 not only impairs neurotrophin-induced stem cell proliferation, but also alters the dendritic structure as well as the number of synapses of nascent neurons in the dentate gyrus of adult brain. When examining the behavioral phenotypes, GD3 synthase-knockout (GD3S-KO) mice displayed impairment in hippocampus-dependent memory function. To further gain insight into its cellular function, we examined GD3-binding partners from mouse brain extract using a GD3-specific monoclonal antibody, R24, followed by LC-MS/MS analysis and identified a mitochondrial fission protein, the dynamin-related protein-1 (Drp1), as a novel GD3-binding protein. Biochemical and imaging analyses revealed mitochondrial fragmentation in GD3-depleted dentate gyrus neurons, suggesting that GD3 is essential for the mitochondrial Drp1 turnover that is required for efficient mitochondrial fission. These results suggest that GD3 is required for proper dendritic and spine maturation of newborn neurons in adult brain through the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics.

The role of mitochondrial dynamics in cardiovascular diseases.

The process of mitochondrial dynamics is emerging as a core player in cardiovascular homeostasis. This process refers to the co-ordinated cycles of biogenesis, fusion, fission and degradation to which mitochondria constantly undergo to maintain their integrity, distribution and size. These mechanisms represent an early response to mitochondrial stress, confining organelle portions that are irreversibly damaged and preserving mitochondrial function. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that impairment in mitochondrial dynamics leads to myocardial damage and cardiac disease progression in a variety of disease models, including pressure overload, ischaemia/reperfusion and metabolic disturbance. These findings suggest that modulation of mitochondrial dynamics may be considered as a valid therapeutic strategy in cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we discuss the current evidence about the role of mitochondrial dynamics in cardiac pathophysiology, with a particular focus on the mechanisms underlying the development of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, metabolic and genetic cardiomyopathies, ischaemia/reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis and ischaemic stroke. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Cellular metabolism and diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.10/issuetoc.

PRKAR1A deficiency delays postnatal heart growth

AimsProtein kinase A (PKA) activity is pivotal for proper functioning of the human heart, and its dysregulation has been implicated in a variety of cardiac pathologies. PKA regulatory subunit 1α (R1α, encoded by the PRKAR1A gene) is highly expressed in the heart, and controls PKA kinase activity by sequestering the catalytic subunits. Patients with PRKAR1A mutations are often diagnosed with Carney complex (CNC) in young adults and may die prematurely from cardiac complications such as heart failure. However, no cardiac defect has been reported in adult animal models of PRKAR1A deficiency.Methods and ResultsTo investigate the impact of PRKAR1A deficiency on the heart, we generated cardiac‐specific PRKAR1A heterozygous knockout (cPRKAR1A+/−) mice by breeding the floxed PRKAR1A mice with the Mlc2v‐Cre mice. We also studied a cohort of young CNC patients with PRKAR1A mutations or deletions. Ablation of the PRKAR1A gene in mice increased cardiac PKA activity, reduced heart weight to body weight ratio (Control: 5.3±0.19, cPRKAR1A+/−: 4.7±0.11 mg/g, P<0.05) and cardiomyocyte size (Control: 298.5±9.8 μm2, cPRKAR1A+/−: 191.3±4.5 μm2, P<0.005) without altering contractile function at 3 months of age. Importantly, left ventricular mass was reduced in young patients diagnosed with CNC (Female control: 80.6 ± 12.8g, CNC: 70.8 ± 8.1, P<0.05). Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in response to activation of the α1‐adrenergic receptor, which is necessary for heart growth after birth, was completely abolished by silencing of PRKAR1A, or stimulation with the PKA activator forskolin. Mechanistically, depletion of PRKAR1A provoked PKA‐dependent phosphorylation of the mitochondrial fission protein Drp1 at S637, leading to suppression of mitochondrial fission and inhibition of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.ConclusionsCombined with previous findings that mitochondrial fission is required for hypertrophic growth of cardiomyocytes, our results suggest that PRKAR1A deficiency impedes postnatal myocardial development and physiological hypertrophy through modulation of mitochondrial dynamics. These findings provide a potential novel mechanism for the cardiac manifestations associated with CNC.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by intramural program of National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH R00HL119605, R56HL145034); WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Making a case for metallothioneins conferring cardioprotection in pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is defined as elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure secondary to e.g. congenital heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It elevates right ventricular afterload that eventually leads to cor pulmonale and right heart failure. Experimental research has shown that cardioprotective strategies may improve morbidity and reduce mortality in PH patients. PH and consequent right heart failure are underpinned by dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics, and therefore mitochondrial regulators may be targeted as cardioprotective agents in PH. Mitochondrial regulators such as the metallothioneins (MTs) confer cardioprotection against several forms of heart/lung disease. Furthermore, MT expression is up or downregulated in biopsies or blood from patients with PH. However, despite the overwhelming evidence that MT has potential as cardioprotective agents in PH, MT-induced cardioprotection has not been tested in experimental models of PH. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the attributes of MTs that make them candidates for cardioprotection in PH. The hypothesis presented in this paper is that upregulation of cardiac MTs can confer cardioprotection in PH and associated right ventricular remodelling. Mainly due to their ability to detoxify the myocardium of excess heavy metals, scavenging of free radicals and modulation of mitochondrial dynamics. These processes are instrumental in the development of PH and right ventricular remodelling. With this hypothesis we propose that the upregulation of cardiac MTs can confer cardioprotection in PH by detoxifying the myocardium of heavy metals and improving cardiac mitochondrial efficiency (i.e. reducing ROS, reducing oxidative stress, and improving antioxidant capacity and improving mitochondrial respiration).