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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records

¡Viva la mitochondria!: harnessing yeast mitochondria for chemical production

ABSTRACT The mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, offer a unique physicochemical environment enriched with a distinct set of enzymes, metabolites and cofactors ready to be exploited for metabolic engineering. In this review, we discuss how the mitochondrion has been engineered in the traditional sense of metabolic engineering or completely bypassed for chemical production. We then describe the more recent approach of harnessing the mitochondria to compartmentalize engineered metabolic pathways, including for the production of alcohols, terpenoids, sterols, organic acids and other valuable products. We explain the different mechanisms by which mitochondrial compartmentalization benefits engineered metabolic pathways to boost chemical production. Finally, we discuss the key challenges that need to be overcome to expand the applicability of mitochondrial engineering and reach the full potential of this emerging field.

Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology↗

Mito-methyl coumarin, a novel mitochondria-targeted drug with great antitumor potential was synthesized

Due to higher transmembrane potential of tumor cells, enhanced accumulation of cationic drugs in tumor mitochondria has been attributed to a higher (more negative inside) mitochondrial transmembrane potential compared with normal cells, emerging researchers are focus on developing mitochondria-targeted antitumor drugs. Coumarins showed great potential on antitumor, but mitochondria-targeted coumarin derivatives have not been reported. In the present study, we synthesized mitochondria-targeted-methyl coumarin (mito-methyl coumarin) through coupling 6-methyl coumarin to TPP. We confirmed that mito-methyl coumarin inhibited HeLa cells proliferation selectively, induced ROS generation, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, promoted mitochondria Ca{sup 2+} accumulation, decreased mitochondria mass and induced HeLa cells apoptosis, but methyl coumarin did not. These results demonstrate that we succeed in synthesizing a novel mitochondria-targeted drug, mito-methyl coumarin, which is effective in inhibiting HeLa cells proliferation and inducing HeLa cells apoptosis through promoting ROS generation and mitochondria Ca{sup 2+} accumulation.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Spaceflight and clinorotation cause cytoskeleton and mitochondria changes and increases in apoptosis in cultured cells

The cytoskeleton is a complex network of fibers that is sensitive to environmental factors including microgravity and altered gravitational forces. Cellular functions such as transport of cell organelles depend on cytoskeletal integrity; regulation of cytoskeletal activity plays a role in cell maintenance, cell division, and apoptosis. Here we report cytoskeletal and mitochondria alterations in cultured human lymphocyte (Jurkat) cells after exposure to spaceflight and in insect cells of Drosophila melanogaster (Schneider S-1) after exposure to conditions created by clinostat rotation. Jurkat cells were flown on the space shuttle in Biorack cassettes while Schneider S-1 cells were exposed to altered gravity forces as produced by clinostat rotation. The effects of both treatments were similar in the different cell types. Fifty percent of cells displayed effects on the microtubule network in both cell lines. Under these experimental conditions mitochondria clustering and morphological alterations of mitochondrial cristae was observed to various degrees after 4 and 48 hours of culture. Jurkat cells underwent cell divisions during exposure to spaceflight but a large number of apoptotic cells was also observed. Similar results were obtained in Schneider S-1 cells cultured under clinostat rotation. Both cell lines displayed mitochondria abnormalities and mitochondria clustering toward one side of the cells which is interpreted to be the result of microtubule disruption and failure of mitochondria transport along microtubules. The number of mitochondria was increased in cells exposed to altered gravity while cristae morphology was severely affected indicating altered mitochondria function. These results show that spaceflight as well as altered gravity produced by clinostat rotation affects microtubule and mitochondria organization and results in increases in apoptosis. Grant numbers: NAG 10-0224, NAG2-985. c 2001. Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

NASA Discipline Cell Biology↗

Mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs): An emerging platform connecting energy and immune sensing to metabolic flexibility

Highlights: • Both mitochondria and MAMs recently emerge as key nutrient and immune sensors. • MAMs are key hub connecting energy and immune sensing to metabolic flexibility. • ER-mitochondria miscommunication is involved in metabolic diseases. Living organisms have the capacity to sense both nutrients and immune signals in order to adapt their metabolism to the needs, and both metabolic inflexibility and exacerbated immune responses are associated with metabolic diseases. Over the past decade, mitochondria emerged as key nutrient and immune sensors regulating numerous signalling pathways, and mitochondria dysfunction has been extensively implicated in metabolic diseases. Interestingly, mitochondria interact physically and functionally with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER, in contact sites named mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs), in order to exchange metabolites and calcium and regulate cellular homeostasis. Emerging evidences suggest that MAMs provide a platform for hormone and nutrient signalling pathways and for innate immune responses, then regulating mitochondrial bioenergetics and apoptosis. Here, I thus propose the concept that MAMs could be attractive nutrient and immune sensors that regulate mitochondria physiology in order to adapt metabolism and cell fate, and that organelle miscommunication could be involved in the metabolic inflexibility and the pro-inflammatory status associated with metabolic diseases.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

ABCB10 depletion reduces unfolded protein response in mitochondria

Mitochondria have many functions, including ATP generation. The electron transport chain (ETC) and the coupled ATP synthase generate ATP by consuming oxygen. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are also produced by ETC, and ROS damage deoxyribonucleic acids, membrane lipids and proteins. Recent analysis indicate that mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR{sup mt}), which enhances expression of mitochondrial chaperones and proteases to remove damaged proteins, is activated when damaged proteins accumulate in the mitochondria. In Caenorhabditis elegans, HAF-1, a putative ortholog of human ABCB10, plays an essential role in signal transduction from mitochondria to nuclei to enhance UPR{sup mt}. Therefore, it is possible that ABCB10 has a role similar to that of HAF-1. However, it has not been reported whether ABCB10 is a factor in the signal transduction pathway to enhance UPR{sup mt}. In this study, ABCB10 was depleted in HepG2 cells using small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the effect was examined. ABCB10 depletion upregulated ROS and the expression of ROS-detoxifying enzymes (SOD2, GSTA1, and GSTA2), and SESN3, a protein induced by ROS to protect the cell from oxidative stress. In addition, ABCB10 depletion significantly decreased expression of UPR{sup mt}-related mitochondrial chaperones (HSPD1 and DNAJA3), and a mitochondrial protease (LONP1). However, the putative activity of ABCB10 to export peptides from mitochondria was not lost by ABCB10 depletion. Altogether, these data suggest that ABCB10 is involved in UPR{sup mt} signaling pathway similar to that of HAF-1, although ABCB10 probably does not participate in peptide export from mitochondria. - Highlights: • ABCB10-KD upregulated ROS and the expression of ROS-detoxifying enzymes and SESN3. • ABCB10 is involved in UPR{sup mt} signaling pathway. • ABCB10 probably does not participate in peptide export from mitochondria.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Rhoptry kinase protein 39 (ROP39) is a novel factor that recruits host mitochondria to the parasitophorous vacuole of Toxoplasma gondii

ABSTRACT Most intracellular pathogens replicate in a vacuole to avoid the defense system of the host. A few pathogens recruit host mitochondria around those vacuoles, but the molecules responsible for mitochondrial recruitment remain unidentified. It is only in the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, that mitochondrial association factor 1b (MAF1b) has been identified as an association factor for host mitochondria. Here, we show that rhoptry kinase family protein 39 (ROP39) induces host mitochondrial recruitment in T. gondii. We found that the abundance of ROP39 was increased on host mitochondria extracted from human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) infected with T. gondii. ROP39 expressed exogenously in HFFs localized on host mitochondria, indicating that it has the potential to bind to host mitochondria without assistance from other parasite factors. Confocal microscopy revealed that ROP39 colocalized with host mitochondria on the membrane of parasitophorous vacuoles, in which the parasites reside. Moreover, we observed about a 10% reduction in the level of mitochondrial association in rop39-knockout parasites compared with a parental strain.

Fukumoto, Junpei↗

Effect of simvastatin on vascular tone in porcine coronary artery: Potential role of the mitochondria

Statins induce acute vasorelaxation which may contribute to the overall benefits of statins in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The mechanism underlying this relaxation is unknown. As statins have been shown to alter mitochondrial function, in this study we investigated the role of mitochondria in the relaxation to simvastatin. Relaxation of porcine coronary artery segments by statins was measured using isolated tissue baths. Mitochondrial activity was determined by measuring changes in rhodamine 123 fluorescence. Changes in intracellular calcium levels were determined in freshly isolated smooth muscle cells with Fluo-4 using standard epifluorescent imaging techniques. Simvastatin, but not pravastatin, produced a slow relaxation of the coronary artery, which was independent of the endothelium. The relaxation was attenuated by the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone (10 μM) and the complex III inhibitor myxothiazol (10 μM), or a combination of the two. The complex III inhibitor antimycin A (10 μM) produced a similar time-dependent relaxation of the porcine coronary artery, which was attenuated by rotenone. Changes in rhodamine 123 fluorescence showed that simvastatin (10 μM) depolarized the membrane potential of mitochondria in both isolated mitochondria and intact blood vessels. Simvastatin and antimycin A both inhibited calcium-induced contractions in isolated blood vessels and calcium influx in smooth muscle cells and this inhibition was prevented by rotenone. In conclusion, simvastatin produces an endothelium-independent relaxation of the porcine coronary artery which is dependent, in part, upon effects on the mitochondria. The effects on the mitochondria may lead to a reduction in calcium influx and hence relaxation of the blood vessel. - Highlights: • Simvastatin produces a relaxation of the porcine coronary artery. • This relaxation is inhibited by mitochondrial complex inhibitors. • Simvastatin alters mitochondrial membrane potential in intact blood vessels. • Simvastatin inhibits calcium influx in smooth muscle cells, prevented by a mitochondrial inhibitor. • Simvastatin-induced relaxations are dependent upon mitochondrial activity.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

The release of microparticles and mitochondria from RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells undergoing necroptotic cell death in vitro

Highlights: • Macrophages undergoing necroptotic cell death release microparticles. • Microparticles from necroptotic and apoptotic macrophages have similar properties. • Microparticle preparations contain both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. • Microparticle preparations contain mitochondria staining with MitoTracker Green. • Purified mitochondria behave as microparticles by flow cytometry. Microparticles (MPs) are small membrane-bound vesicles released from activated or dying cells. As shown previously, LPS stimulation of the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line can induce MP release, with the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD increasing the extent of this process. Since combined treatment of cells with LPS and Z-VAD can induce necroptosis, we explored particle release during this form of cell death using flow cytometry to assess particle size, binding of annexin V and staining for DNA with propidium iodide (PI) and SYTO 13. The role of necroptosis was assessed by determining the effects of necrostatin, an inhibitor of RIP1, a kinase regulating this form of cell death. These studies demonstrated that, during necroptosis, RAW 264.7 cells release MPs that resemble those released from cells treated with staurosporine to induce apoptosis. The particles contained DNA as determined by binding of PI and SYTO 13, with PCR analysis demonstrating both chromosomal and mitochondrial DNA. The presence of mitochondria in the MP preparations was demonstrated by staining with MitoTracker Green. Flow cytometry indicated that purified mitochondria have properties of MPs. Together, these studies indicate that cells undergoing necroptosis can release MPs and that mitochondria can be components of MP preparations.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Dietary vitamin E reaches the mitochondria in the flight muscle of zebra finches but only if they exercise

Whether dietary antioxidants are effective for alleviating oxidative costs associated with energy-demanding life events first requires they are successfully absorbed in the digestive tract and transported to sites associated with reactive species production (e.g. the mitochondria). Flying birds are under high energy and oxidative demands, and although birds commonly ingest dietary antioxidants in the wild, the bioavailability of these consumed antioxidants is poorly understood. We show for the first time that an ingested lipophilic antioxidant, α-tocopherol, reached the mitochondria in the flight muscles of a songbird but only if they regularly exercise (60 min of perch-to-perch flights two times in a day or 8.5 km day -1 ). Deuterated α-tocopherol was found in the blood of exercise-trained zebra finches within 6.5 hrs and in isolated mitochondria from pectoral muscle within 22.5 hrs, but never reached the mitochondria in caged sedentary control birds. This rapid pace (within a day) and extent of metabolic routing of a dietary antioxidant to muscle mitochondria means that daily consumption of such dietary sources can help to pay the inevitable oxidative costs of flight muscle metabolism, but only when combined with regular exercise.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Presence of calpain-5 in mitochondria

Highlights: • Calpain-5 is present in the inner and outer segments of photoreceptor cells. • Calpain-5 is present in the mitochondria of photoreceptor cells. • Calpain-5 is localized in each mitochondrial subfraction of the retina. • The molecular weight of mitochondrial calpain-5 is smaller than cytosolic one. Calpains are Ca{sup 2+}-dependent cysteine proteases that are widely distributed in animal tissues and modulate a variety of cellular processes. There are 15 members of the calpain family in mammals. In animal cells, there are three types of calpains, viz., calpain-1, calpain-2, and calpain-10 in the mitochondria. The three types of calpains have been shown to play significant roles in pathophysiological conditions, including in apoptosis- and necrosis-like cell death. One of the severe retinal diseases, autosomal dominant neovascular inflammatory vitreoretinopathy, is known to be induced by mutations of the calpain-5 gene. However, the distribution of calpain-5 in the retina has not been elucidated. Therefore, in the present study, we determined the localization of calpain-5 in the porcine retina. We detected calpain-5 in the inner segment of photoreceptor cells using immunohistochemistry. With immunoelectron microscopy, calpain-5 was localized in the mitochondria of photoreceptor cells. Western blot analyses showed that calpain-5 was present in each mitochondrial subfraction. Furthermore, we showed that the molecular weight of mitochondrial calpain-5 was slightly smaller than cytosolic one. Our results demonstrated that a novel mitochondrial calpian, calpain-5, was localized in the mitochondria of retinal photoreceptor cells.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Ultrastructural studies of the mitochondriae in the striated muscles of birds with regard to experimental hypokinesis

Electron microscopic studies were carried out on the mitochrondria of the transversely striated muscles with regard to experimental hypokinesia. As compared to the central group the mitochondria of m. pectoralis thoracicus and the m. iliotibialis posterior in hypokinetic birds reveal marked changes. In filamentous and ovoid mitochondria, vacuoles can be observed which in some cases produced larger light formations with following disappearance of the cristae and destruction of mitochondria. Fat particles located at the poles of the altered mitochondria, sporadically occurring also laterally, presented another finding. The Z-lines of the sarcomere did not form a continuous line, but were somewhat shifted.

Belak, M.↗

Effects of 31 FDA approved small-molecule kinase inhibitors on isolated rat liver mitochondria

The FDA has approved 31 small-molecule kinase inhibitors (KIs) for human use as of November 2016, with six having black box warnings for hepatotoxicity (BBW-H) in product labeling. The precise mechanisms and risk factors for KI-induced hepatotoxicity are poorly understood. Here, the 31 KIs were tested in isolated rat liver mitochondria, an in vitro system recently proposed to be a useful tool to predict drug-induced hepatotoxicity in humans. The KIs were incubated with mitochondria or submitochondrial particles at concentrations ranging from therapeutic maximal blood concentrations (Cmax) levels to 100-fold Cmax levels. Ten endpoints were measured, including oxygen consumption rate, inner membrane potential, cytochrome c release, swelling, reactive oxygen species, and individual respiratory chain complex (I–V) activities. Of the 31 KIs examined only three including sorafenib, regorafenib and pazopanib, all of which are hepatotoxic, caused significant mitochondrial toxicity at concentrations equal to the Cmax, indicating that mitochondrial toxicity likely contributes to the pathogenesis of hepatotoxicity associated with these KIs. At concentrations equal to 100-fold Cmax, 18 KIs were found to be toxic to mitochondria, and among six KIs with BBW-H, mitochondrial injury was induced by regorafenib, lapatinib, idelalisib, and pazopanib, but not ponatinib, or sunitinib. Mitochondrial liability at 100-fold Cmax had a positive predictive power (PPV) of 72% and negative predictive power (NPV) of 33% in predicting human KI hepatotoxicity as defined by product labeling, with the sensitivity and specificity being 62% and 44%, respectively. Similar predictive power was obtained using the criterion of Cmax ≥1.1 µM or daily dose ≥100 mg. Mitochondrial liability at 1–2.5-fold Cmax showed a 100% PPV and specificity, though the NPV and sensitivity were 32% and 14%, respectively. These data provide novel mechanistic insights into KI hepatotoxicity and indicate that mitochondrial toxicity at therapeutic levels can help identify hepatotoxic KIs.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Light-induced import of the chromoprotein, phytochrome, into mitochondria

Mitochondria extracted from plants that were irradiated with actinic light in vivo have associated with them the chromoprotein, phytochrome. This phytochrome retains its native subunit size of 124 kDa after proteolytic treatment of the mitochondria with trypsin and chymotrypsin. This result suggests that phytochrome is not exposed on the outer surface of the outer mitochondrial membrane. Phytochrome, so protected, is not found to be associated with mitochondria derived from unirradiated plants. The possibility that the photoactivation of phytochrome induces a conformational change in its structure which facilitates its transport into the mitochondrion is discussed.

NASA Discipline Plant Biology↗

Mersalyl prevents the Tl+-induced permeability transition pore opening in the inner membrane of Ca2+-loaded rat liver mitochondria

Highlights: • Interdependent participation of ANT and PiC is proposed in Tl{sup +}-induced pore opening. • Hydrophilic reagent mersalyl (MSL) till 5 μM inhibited opening the Tl{sup +}-induced pore. • The inhibiting effect of MSL was enhanced in experiments with N-ethylmaleimide. • The MSL inhibition of the pore opening was maximal in the presence of ADP and CsA. • Ability of ADP to inhibit the pore decreased in experiments with 20 μM MSL. It was earlier shown that the calcium load of rat liver mitochondria in medium containing TlNO{sub 3} and KNO{sub 3} resulted in the Tl{sup +}-induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening in the inner membrane. This opening was accompanied by an increase in swelling and membrane potential dissipation and a decrease in state 3, state 4, and 2,4-dinitrophenol-uncoupled respiration. This respiratory decrease was markedly leveled by mersalyl (MSL), the phosphate symporter (PiC) inhibitor which poorly stimulated the calcium-induced swelling, but further increased the potential dissipation. All of these effects of Ca{sup 2+} and MSL were visibly reduced in the presence of the MPTP inhibitors (ADP, N-ethylmaleimide, and cyclosporine A). High MSL concentrations attenuated the ability of ADP to inhibit the MPTP. Our data suggest that the PiC can participate in the Tl{sup +}-induced MPTP opening in the inner membrane of Ca{sup 2+}-loaded rat liver mitochondria.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Mitochondria control acute and chronic responses to hypoxia

There are numerous mechanisms by which mammals respond to hypoxia. These include acute changes in pulmonary arterial tone due to smooth muscle cell contraction, acute increases in respiration triggered by the carotid body chemosensory cells, and chronic changes such as induction of red blood cell proliferation and angiogenesis by hypoxia inducible factor targets erythropoietin and vascular endothelial growth factor, respectively. Mitochondria account for the majority of oxygen consumption in the cell and have recently been appreciated to serve as signaling organelles required for the initiation or propagation of numerous homeostatic mechanisms. Mitochondria can influence cell signaling by production of reactive oxygen species and metabolites. Here we review recent evidence that mitochondrial signals can imitate acute and chronic hypoxia responses. - Highlights: • Mitochondrial electron transport chain function plays a key role in organismal hypoxia sensing. • ETC Complex III ROS are necessary for acute hypoxic contraction of pulmonary smooth muscle cells. • ETC Complex I function is essential for acute glomus cell sensing of hypoxemia in the carotid body. • mROS are required for HIF stabilization and organismal adaptation to hypoxia.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

The mitochondrially targeted peptide elamipretide (SS-31) improves ADP sensitivity in aged mitochondria by increasing uptake through the adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT)

Aging muscle experiences functional decline in part mediated by impaired mitochondrial ADP sensitivity. Elamipretide (ELAM) rapidly improves physiological and mitochondrial function in aging and binds directly to the mitochondrial ADP transporter ANT. We hypothesized that ELAM improves ADP sensitivity in aging leading to rescued physiological function. We measured the response to ADP stimulation in young and old muscle mitochondria with ELAM treatment, in vivo heart and muscle function, and compared protein abundance, phosphorylation, and S-glutathionylation of ADP/ATP pathway proteins. ELAM treatment increased ADP sensitivity in old muscle mitochondria by increasing uptake of ADP through the ANT and rescued muscle force and heart systolic function. Protein abundance in the ADP/ATP transport and synthesis pathway was unchanged, but ELAM treatment decreased protein s-glutathionylation incuding of ANT. Mitochondrial ADP sensitivity is rapidly modifiable. This research supports the hypothesis that ELAM improves ANT function in aging and links mitochondrial ADP sensitivity to physiological function.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

A photosensitive sustainable lignin nanoplatform for multimodal image-guided mitochondria-targeted photodynamic and photothermal therapy

Photoactivated nanocarriers exhibit significant potential for anticancer therapy, but complex design strategies, unsustainable substrates, and short wavelengths limit their practical application. Here, we designed a new lignin-derived photoactivated nanomaterial that exploits the sensitivity of the β-O-4 bond of lignin to singlet oxygen. This sustainable product was loaded with mitochondria-targeting chlorin e6 and black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) to produce BPQDs@N-LgC NPs, which were used for mitochondria-targeted fluorescence/photoacoustic-guided photothermal and photodynamic therapy. When irradiated at 808 nm, the BPQDs in BPQDs@N-LgC NPs exhibited good photothermal conversion, which allowed photoacoustic imaging and inhibited tumor growth. When irradiated at 660 nm, the BPQDs@N-LgC NPs generated fluorescence and reactive oxygen species, which allowed photoluminescence imaging and further inhibited tumor growth. Cleavage of the β-O-4 bond of lignin by photo-triggered reactive oxygen species degraded the NPs and released the BPQDs, facilitating rapid excretion of the therapeutic nanomaterials. Our rationally designed BPQDs@N-LgC NPs exhibited good therapeutic efficacy, both in vitro and in vivo.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Structure of human NADK2 reveals atypical assembly and regulation of NAD kinases from animal mitochondria

All kingdoms of life produce essential nicotinamide dinucleotide NADP(H) using NAD kinases (NADKs). A panel of published NADK structures from bacteria, eukaryotic cytosol, and yeast mitochondria revealed similar tetrameric enzymes. Here, we present the 2.8-Å structure of the human mitochondrial kinase NADK2 with a bound substrate, which is an exception to this uniformity, diverging both structurally and biochemically from NADKs. We show that NADK2 harbors a unique tetramer disruptor/dimerization element, which is conserved in mitochondrial kinases of animals (EMKA) and absent from other NADKs. EMKA stabilizes the NADK2 dimer but prevents further NADK2 oligomerization by blocking the tetramerization interface. This structural change bears functional consequences and alters the activation mechanism of the enzyme. Whereas tetrameric NADKs undergo cooperative activation via oligomerization, NADK2 is a constitutively active noncooperative dimer. Thus, our data point to a unique regulation of NADP(H) synthesis in animal mitochondria achieved via structural adaptation of the NADK2 kinase.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗