bims-celmim 2024-02-11 papers

bims-celmim

Biomed News

on Cellular and mitochondrial metabolism

Issue of 2024‒02‒11
33 papers selected by
Marc Segarra Mondejar, University of Cologne

Mitochondrial sodium/calcium exchanger (NCLX) regulates basal and starvation-induced autophagy through calcium signaling.
Evaluation of Oxygen Consumption Rates In Situ.
Remodelling of mitochondrial function by import of specific lipids at multiple membrane-contact sites.
Brain energy metabolism is optimized to minimize the cost of enzyme synthesis and transport.
Contact-FP: A Dimerization-Dependent Fluorescent Protein Toolkit for Visualizing Membrane Contact Site Dynamics.
O-GlcNAc signaling increases neuron regeneration through one-carbon metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Lipid droplets provide metabolic flexibility for cancer progression.
Advances in metabolic reprogramming of renal tubular epithelial cells in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.
Breast Cancer Stem Cells Secrete MIF to Mediate Tumor Metabolic Reprogramming that Drives Immune Evasion.
Sirtuins in kidney health and disease.
Targeting MYC induces lipid droplet accumulation by upregulation of HILPDA in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
Detection of NADH and NADPH levels in vivo identifies shift of glucose metabolism in cancer to energy production.
Super-resolution microscopies, technological breakthrough to decipher mitochondrial structure and dynamic.
Relaxation of mitochondrial hyperfusion in the diabetic retina via N6-furfuryladenosine confers neuroprotection regardless of glycaemic status.
Effects of Photodynamic Therapy on Tumor Metabolism and Oxygenation Revealed by Fluorescence and Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging.
MetaLo: metabolic analysis of Logical models extracted from molecular interaction maps.
Ketone flux through BDH1 supports metabolic remodeling of skeletal and cardiac muscles in response to intermittent time-restricted feeding.
Glutamine sustains energy metabolism and alleviates liver injury in burn sepsis by promoting the assembly of mitochondrial HSP60-HSP10 complex via SIRT4 dependent protein deacetylation.
New Highly Sensitive and Specific Raman Probe for Live Cell Imaging of Mitochondrial Function.
A metabolite sensor subunit of the Atg1/ULK complex regulates selective autophagy.
Individual bioenergetic capacity as a potential source of resilience to Alzheimer's disease.
Mapping the lipidome in mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) in an in vitro model of Alzheimer's disease.
Physiological functions of ULK1/2.
Cellular senescence of renal tubular epithelial cells in acute kidney injury.
A break in mitochondrial endosymbiosis as a basis for inflammatory diseases.
TXNIP-mediated crosstalk between oxidative stress and glucose metabolism.
AMPK phosphorylation of FNIP1 (S220) controls mitochondrial function and muscle fuel utilization during exercise.
A Multi-Omics Approach Reveals Enrichment in Metabolites Involved in the Regulation of the Glutathione Pathway in LIN28B-Dependent Cancer Cells.
Deficient tRNA posttranscription modification dysregulated the mitochondrial quality controls and apoptosis.
Zinc remodels mitochondrial network through SIRT3/Mfn2-dependent mitochondrial transfer in ameliorating spinal cord injury.
Mitochondria-Endoplasmic Reticulum Contact Sites (MERCS): A New Axis in Neuronal Degeneration and Regeneration.
KETCHUP: Parameterizing of large-scale kinetic models using multiple datasets with different reference states.
Simultaneous targeting of AMPK and mTOR is a novel therapeutic strategy against prostate cancer.

FASEB J. 2024 Feb 15. 38(3): e23454

Mitochondrial sodium/calcium exchanger (NCLX) regulates basal and starvation-induced autophagy through calcium signaling.

Vitor M Ramos, Julian D C Serna, Eloisa A Vilas-Boas, João Victor Cabral-Costa, Fernanda M Cunha, Tetsushi Kataura, Viktor I Korolchuk, Alicia J Kowaltowski.

  Mitochondria shape intracellular Ca2+ signaling through the concerted activity of Ca2+ uptake via mitochondrial calcium uniporters and efflux by Na+ /Ca2+ exchangers (NCLX). Here, we describe a novel relationship among NCLX, intracellular Ca2+ , and autophagic activity. Conditions that stimulate autophagy in vivo and in vitro, such as caloric restriction and nutrient deprivation, upregulate NCLX expression in hepatic tissue and cells. Conversely, knockdown of NCLX impairs basal and starvation-induced autophagy. Similarly, acute inhibition of NCLX activity by CGP 37157 affects bulk and endoplasmic reticulum autophagy (ER-phagy) without significant impacts on mitophagy. Mechanistically, CGP 37157 inhibited the formation of FIP200 puncta and downstream autophagosome biogenesis. Inhibition of NCLX caused decreased cytosolic Ca2+ levels, and intracellular Ca2+ chelation similarly suppressed autophagy. Furthermore, chelation did not exhibit an additive effect on NCLX inhibition of autophagy, demonstrating that mitochondrial Ca2+ efflux regulates autophagy through the modulation of Ca2+ signaling. Collectively, our results show that the mitochondrial Ca2+ extrusion pathway through NCLX is an important regulatory node linking nutrient restriction and autophagy regulation.

Keywords:  NCLX; autophagy regulation; calcium transport; caloric restriction; hepatocytes; mitochondria

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202301368RR
Methods Mol Biol. 2024 ;2755 215-226

Evaluation of Oxygen Consumption Rates In Situ.

Anqi Li, Yuan Qin, Ying Zhang, Xiaoqun Zhen, Guohua Gong.

  An analysis of the mitochondrial respiration function represented by the oxygen consumption rate is necessary to assess mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox function. This protocol describes two alternative techniques to evaluate mitochondrial respiration function in situ: (1) measure oxygen consumption rates via an electrode; (2) measure oxygen consumption rates via a seahorse instrument. These in situ approaches provide more physiological access to mitochondria to evaluate mitochondrial respiration function in a relatively integrated cellular system.

Keywords:  ATP; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial stress test; Oxidative phosphorylation; Oxygen consumption

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-3633-6_16
FEBS Lett. 2024 Feb 04.

Remodelling of mitochondrial function by import of specific lipids at multiple membrane-contact sites.

Aksel J Saukko-Paavola, Robin W Klemm.

  Organelles form physical and functional contact between each other to exchange information, metabolic intermediates, and signaling molecules. Tethering factors and contact site complexes bring partnering organelles into close spatial proximity to establish membrane contact sites (MCSs), which specialize in unique functions like lipid transport or Ca2+ signaling. Here, we discuss how MCSs form dynamic platforms that are important for lipid metabolism. We provide a perspective on how import of specific lipids from the ER and other organelles may contribute to remodeling of mitochondria during nutrient starvation. We speculate that mitochondrial adaptation is achieved by connecting several compartments into a highly dynamic organelle network. The lipid droplet appears to be a central hub in coordinating the function of these organelle neighborhoods.

Keywords:  autophagy; endoplasmic reticulum (ER); lipid droplets (LDs); membrane contact sites; metabolic adaptation; mitochondria; mitochondrial shape; organelle-network; starvation

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.14813
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2024 Feb 13. 121(7): e2305035121

Brain energy metabolism is optimized to minimize the cost of enzyme synthesis and transport.

Johan Gustafsson, Jonathan L Robinson, Henrik Zetterberg, Jens Nielsen.

  The energy metabolism of the brain is poorly understood partly due to the complex morphology of neurons and fluctuations in ATP demand over time. To investigate this, we used metabolic models that estimate enzyme usage per pathway, enzyme utilization over time, and enzyme transportation to evaluate how these parameters and processes affect ATP costs for enzyme synthesis and transportation. Our models show that the total enzyme maintenance energy expenditure of the human body depends on how glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration are distributed both across and within cell types in the brain. We suggest that brain metabolism is optimized to minimize the ATP maintenance cost by distributing the different ATP generation pathways in an advantageous way across cell types and potentially also across synapses within the same cell. Our models support this hypothesis by predicting export of lactate from both neurons and astrocytes during peak ATP demand, reproducing results from experimental measurements reported in the literature. Furthermore, our models provide potential explanation for parts of the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle theory, which is recapitulated under some conditions in the brain, while contradicting other aspects of the theory. We conclude that enzyme usage per pathway, enzyme utilization over time, and enzyme transportation are important factors for defining the optimal distribution of ATP production pathways, opening a broad avenue to explore in brain metabolism.

Keywords:  ANLS; brain metabolism; genome-scale models; mathematical modeling; metabolism

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2305035121
Contact (Thousand Oaks). 2024 Jan-Dec;7:7 25152564241228911

Contact-FP: A Dimerization-Dependent Fluorescent Protein Toolkit for Visualizing Membrane Contact Site Dynamics.

Gregory E Miner, Sidney Y Smith, Wendy K Showalter, Christina M So, Joey V Ragusa, Alex E Powers, Maria Clara Zanellati, Chih-Hsuan Hsu, Michelle F Marchan, Sarah Cohen.

  Membrane contact sites (MCSs) are sites of close apposition between two organelles used to exchange ions, lipids, and information. Cells respond to changing environmental or developmental conditions by modulating the number, extent, or duration of MCSs. Because of their small size and dynamic nature, tools to study the dynamics of MCSs in live cells have been limited. Dimerization-dependent fluorescent proteins (ddFPs) targeted to organelle membranes are an ideal tool for studying MCS dynamics because they reversibly interact to fluoresce specifically at the interface between two organelles. Here, we build on previous work using ddFPs as sensors to visualize the morphology and dynamics of MCSs. We engineered a suite of ddFPs called Contact-FP that targets ddFP monomers to lipid droplets (LDs), the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, peroxisomes, lysosomes, plasma membrane, caveolae, and the cytoplasm. We show that these probes correctly localize to their target organelles. Using LDs as a test case, we demonstrate that Contact-FP pairs specifically localize to the interface between two target organelles. Titration of LD-mitochondria ddFPs revealed that these sensors can be used at high concentrations to drive MCSs or can be titrated down to minimally perturb and visualize endogenous MCSs. We show that Contact-FP probes can be used to: (1) visualize LD-mitochondria MCS dynamics, (2) observe changes in LD-mitochondria MCS dynamics upon overexpression of PLIN5, a known LD-mitochondrial tether, and (3) visualize two MCSs that share one organelle simultaneously (e.g., LD-mitochondria and LD-ER MCSs). Contact-FP probes can be optimized to visualize MCSs between any pair of organelles represented in the toolkit.

Keywords:  biosensors; caveolae; endoplasmic reticulum; fluorescent proteins; lipid droplets; lysosomes; membrane contact sites; mitochondria; organelles; peroxisomes; plasma membrane

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/25152564241228911
Elife. 2024 Feb 09. pii: e86478. [Epub ahead of print]13

O-GlcNAc signaling increases neuron regeneration through one-carbon metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Dilip Kumar Yadav, Andrew C Chang, Noa W F Grooms, Samuel H Chung, Christopher V Gabel.

  Cellular metabolism plays an essential role in the regrowth and regeneration of a neuron following physical injury. Yet, our knowledge of the specific metabolic pathways that are beneficial to neuron regeneration remains sparse. Previously, we have shown that modulation of O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) signaling, a ubiquitous post-translational modification that acts as a cellular nutrient sensor, can significantly enhance in vivo neuron regeneration. Here, we define the specific metabolic pathway by which O-GlcNAc transferase (ogt-1) loss of function mediates increased regenerative outgrowth. Performing in vivo laser axotomy and measuring subsequent regeneration of individual neurons in C. elegans, we find that glycolysis, serine synthesis pathway (SSP), one-carbon metabolism (OCM), and the downstream transsulfuration metabolic pathway (TSP) are all essential in this process. The regenerative effects of ogt-1 mutation are abrogated by genetic and/or pharmacological disruption of OCM and the SSP linking OCM to glycolysis. Testing downstream branches of this pathway, we find that enhanced regeneration is dependent only on the vitamin B12 independent shunt pathway. These results are further supported by RNA sequencing that reveals dramatic transcriptional changes by the ogt-1 mutation, in the genes involved in glycolysis, OCM, TSP, and ATP metabolism. Strikingly, the beneficial effects of the ogt-1 mutation can be recapitulated by simple metabolic supplementation of the OCM metabolite methionine in wild-type animals. Taken together, these data unearth the metabolic pathways involved in the increased regenerative capacity of a damaged neuron in ogt-1 animals and highlight the therapeutic possibilities of OCM and its related pathways in the treatment of neuronal injury.

Keywords:  C. elegans; cell biology; cell metabolism; neuron regeneration; neuroscience; one-carbon metabolism

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.86478
FEBS Lett. 2024 Feb 07.

Lipid droplets provide metabolic flexibility for cancer progression.

Rémi Safi, Pablo Menéndez, Albert Pol.

  A hallmark of cancer cells is their remarkable ability to efficiently adapt to favorable and hostile environments. Due to a unique metabolic flexibility, tumor cells can grow even in the absence of extracellular nutrients or in stressful scenarios. To achieve this, cancer cells need large amounts of lipids to build membranes, synthesize lipid-derived molecules, and generate metabolic energy in the absence of other nutrients. Tumor cells potentiate strategies to obtain lipids from other cells, metabolic pathways to synthesize new lipids, and mechanisms for efficient storage, mobilization, and utilization of these lipids. Lipid droplets (LDs) are the organelles that collect and supply lipids in eukaryotes and it is increasingly recognized that the accumulation of LDs is a new hallmark of cancer cells. Furthermore, an active role of LD proteins in processes underlying tumorigenesis has been proposed. Here, by focusing on three major classes of LD-resident proteins (perilipins, lipases, and acyl-CoA synthetases), we provide an overview of the contribution of LDs to cancer progression and discuss the role of LD proteins during the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and stemness of cancer cells.

Keywords:  cancer; invasion; lipid droplets; lipids; metastasis; tumorigenesis

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.14820
Front Physiol. 2024 ;15 1329644

Advances in metabolic reprogramming of renal tubular epithelial cells in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.

Tiantian Wang, Ying Huang, Xiaobei Zhang, Yi Zhang, Xiangcheng Zhang.

  Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury presents as a critical condition characterized by prolonged hospital stays, elevated mortality rates, and an increased likelihood of transition to chronic kidney disease. Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury suppresses fatty acid oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria of renal tubular epithelial cells, thus favoring a metabolic shift towards glycolysis for energy production. This shift acts as a protective mechanism for the kidneys. However, an extended reliance on glycolysis may contribute to tubular atrophy, fibrosis, and subsequent chronic kidney disease progression. Metabolic reprogramming interventions have emerged as prospective strategies to counteract sepsis-associated acute kidney injury by restoring normal metabolic function, offering potential therapeutic and preventive modalities. This review delves into the metabolic alterations of tubular epithelial cells associated with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury, stressing the importance of metabolic reprogramming for the immune response and the urgency of metabolic normalization. We present various intervention targets that could facilitate the recovery of oxidative phosphorylation-centric metabolism. These novel insights and strategies aim to transform the clinical prevention and treatment landscape of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury, with a focus on metabolic mechanisms. This investigation could provide valuable insights for clinicians aiming to enhance patient outcomes in the context of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.

Keywords:  glycolysis; metabolic reprogramming; oxidative phosphorylation; renal tubular epithelial cells; sepsis-associated acute kidney injury

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1329644
Cancer Res. 2024 Feb 09.

Breast Cancer Stem Cells Secrete MIF to Mediate Tumor Metabolic Reprogramming that Drives Immune Evasion.

Linlin Yan, Mingming Wu, Tianyu Wang, Hui Yuan, Xiao Zhang, Huafeng Zhang, Tao Li, Vijay Pandey, Xinghua Han, Peter E Lobie, Tao Zhu.

Reprogramming of energy metabolism exerts pivotal functions in cancer progression and immune surveillance. Identification of the mechanisms mediating metabolic changes in cancer may lead to improved strategies to suppress tumor growth and stimulate anti-tumor immunity. Here, it was observed that the secretomes of hypoxic breast cancer cells and breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) induced reprogramming of metabolic pathways, particularly glycolysis, in normoxic breast cancer cells. Screening of the BCSC secretome identified MIF as a pivotal factor potentiating glycolysis. Mechanistically, MIF increased c-MYC-mediated transcriptional upregulation of the glycolytic enzyme aldolase C by activating WNT/β-CATENIN signaling. Targeting MIF attenuated glycolysis and impaired xenograft growth and metastasis. MIF depletion in breast cancer cells also augmented intratumoral cytolytic CD8+ T cells and pro-inflammatory macrophages while decreasing Tregs and tumor-associated neutrophils in the tumor microenvironment. Consequently, targeting MIF improved the therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in triple-negative breast cancer. Collectively, this study proposes MIF as an attractive therapeutic target to circumvent metabolic reprogramming and immunosuppression in breast cancer.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-23-2390
Nat Rev Nephrol. 2024 Feb 06.

Sirtuins in kidney health and disease.

Luca Perico, Giuseppe Remuzzi, Ariela Benigni.

Sirtuins (SIRTs) are putative regulators of lifespan in model organisms. Since the initial discovery that SIRTs could promote longevity in nematodes and flies, the identification of additional properties of these proteins has led to understanding of their roles as exquisite sensors that link metabolic activity to oxidative states. SIRTs have major roles in biological processes that are important in kidney development and physiological functions, including mitochondrial metabolism, oxidative stress, autophagy, DNA repair and inflammation. Furthermore, altered SIRT activity has been implicated in the pathophysiology and progression of acute and chronic kidney diseases, including acute kidney injury, diabetic kidney disease, chronic kidney disease, polycystic kidney disease, autoimmune diseases and renal ageing. The renoprotective roles of SIRTs in these diseases make them attractive therapeutic targets. A number of SIRT-activating compounds have shown beneficial effects in kidney disease models; however, further research is needed to identify novel SIRT-targeting strategies with the potential to treat and/or prevent the progression of kidney diseases and increase the average human healthspan.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41581-024-00806-4
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2024 Feb 13. 121(7): e2310479121

Targeting MYC induces lipid droplet accumulation by upregulation of HILPDA in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Lourdes Sainero-Alcolado, Elisa Garde-Lapido, Marteinn Thor Snaebjörnsson, Sarah Schoch, Irene Stevens, María Victoria Ruiz-Pérez, Christine Dyrager, Vicent Pelechano, Håkan Axelson, Almut Schulze, Marie Arsenian-Henriksson.

  Metabolic reprogramming is critical during clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tumorigenesis, manifested by accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs), organelles that have emerged as new hallmarks of cancer. Yet, regulation of their biogenesis is still poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that MYC inhibition in ccRCC cells lacking the von Hippel Lindau (VHL) gene leads to increased triglyceride content potentiating LD formation in a glutamine-dependent manner. Importantly, the concurrent inhibition of MYC signaling and glutamine metabolism prevented LD accumulation and reduced tumor burden in vivo. Furthermore, we identified the hypoxia-inducible lipid droplet-associated protein (HILPDA) as the key driver for induction of MYC-driven LD accumulation and demonstrated that conversely, proliferation, LD formation, and tumor growth are impaired upon its downregulation. Finally, analysis of ccRCC tissue as well as healthy renal control samples postulated HILPDA as a specific ccRCC biomarker. Together, these results provide an attractive approach for development of alternative therapeutic interventions for the treatment of this type of renal cancer.

Keywords:  HILPDA; MYC; clear cell renal cell carcinoma; glutamine; lipid droplets

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2310479121
FEBS J. 2024 Feb 05.

Detection of NADH and NADPH levels in vivo identifies shift of glucose metabolism in cancer to energy production.

Elena V Potapova, Evgenii A Zherebtsov, Valery V Shupletsov, Viktor V Dremin, Ksenia Y Kandurova, Andrian V Mamoshin, Andrey Y Abramov, Andrey V Dunaev.

  Profound changes in the metabolism of cancer cells have been known for almost 100 years, and many aspects of these changes have continued to be actively studied and discussed. Differences in the results of various studies can be explained by the diversity of tumours, which have differing processes of energy metabolism, and by limitations in the methods used. Here, using fluorescence lifetime needle optical biopsy in a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse model and patients with HCC, we measured reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) in control liver, and in HCC tumours and their adjacent regions. We found that NADH level (mostly responsible for energy metabolism) is increased in tumours but also in adjacent regions of the same liver. NADPH level is significantly decreased in the tumours of patients but increased in the HCC mouse model. However, in the ex vivo tumour slices of mouse HCC, reactive oxygen species production and glutathione level (both dependent on NADPH) were significantly suppressed. Thus, glucose-dependent NADH and NADPH production in tumours changed but with a more pronounced shift to energy production (NADH), rather than NADPH synthesis for redox balance.

Keywords:  energy metabolism; fluorescence lifetime; hepatocellular carcinoma; liver cancer; optical biopsy

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.17067
Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2024 Feb 03. pii: S1084-9521(24)00018-1. [Epub ahead of print]159-160 38-51

Super-resolution microscopies, technological breakthrough to decipher mitochondrial structure and dynamic.

Pauline Teixeira, Rémi Galland, Arnaud Chevrollier.

  Mitochondria are complex organelles with an outer membrane enveloping a second inner membrane that creates a vast matrix space partitioned by pockets or cristae that join the peripheral inner membrane with several thin junctions. Several micrometres long, mitochondria are generally close to 300 nm in diameter, with membrane layers separated by a few tens of nanometres. Ultrastructural data from electron microscopy revealed the structure of these mitochondria, while conventional optical microscopy revealed their extraordinary dynamics through fusion, fission, and migration processes but its limited resolution power restricted the possibility to go further. By overcoming the limits of light diffraction, Super-Resolution Microscopy (SRM) now offers the potential to establish the links between the ultrastructure and remodelling of mitochondrial membranes, leading to major advances in our understanding of mitochondria's structure-function. Here we review the contributions of SRM imaging to our understanding of the relationship between mitochondrial structure and function. What are the hopes for these new imaging approaches which are particularly important for mitochondrial pathologies?

Keywords:  MICOS; Microscopy; Mitochondria; Nucleoids; Super-resolution

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcdb.2024.01.006
Nat Commun. 2024 Feb 06. 15(1): 1124

Relaxation of mitochondrial hyperfusion in the diabetic retina via N6-furfuryladenosine confers neuroprotection regardless of glycaemic status.

Aidan Anderson, Nada Alfahad, Dulani Wimalachandra, Kaouthar Bouzinab, Paula Rudzinska, Heather Wood, Isabel Fazey, Heping Xu, Timothy J Lyons, Nicholas M Barnes, Parth Narendran, Janet M Lord, Saaeha Rauz, Ian G Ganley, Tim M Curtis, Graham R Wallace, Jose R Hombrebueno.

The recovery of mitochondrial quality control (MQC) may bring innovative solutions for neuroprotection, while imposing a significant challenge given the need of holistic approaches to restore mitochondrial dynamics (fusion/fission) and turnover (mitophagy and biogenesis). In diabetic retinopathy, this is compounded by our lack of understanding of human retinal neurodegeneration, but also how MQC processes interact during disease progression. Here, we show that mitochondria hyperfusion is characteristic of retinal neurodegeneration in human and murine diabetes, blunting the homeostatic turnover of mitochondria and causing metabolic and neuro-inflammatory stress. By mimicking this mitochondrial remodelling in vitro, we ascertain that N6-furfuryladenosine enhances mitochondrial turnover and bioenergetics by relaxing hyperfusion in a controlled fashion. Oral administration of N6-furfuryladenosine enhances mitochondrial turnover in the diabetic mouse retina (Ins2Akita males), improving clinical correlates and conferring neuroprotection regardless of glycaemic status. Our findings provide translational insights for neuroprotection in the diabetic retina through the holistic recovery of MQC.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45387-9
Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jan 30. pii: 1703. [Epub ahead of print]25(3):

Effects of Photodynamic Therapy on Tumor Metabolism and Oxygenation Revealed by Fluorescence and Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging.

Marina V Shirmanova, Maria M Lukina, Marina A Sirotkina, Liubov E Shimolina, Varvara V Dudenkova, Nadezhda I Ignatova, Seiji Tobita, Vladislav I Shcheslavskiy, Elena V Zagaynova.

  This work was aimed at the complex analysis of the metabolic and oxygen statuses of tumors in vivo after photodynamic therapy (PDT). Studies were conducted on mouse tumor model using two types of photosensitizers-chlorin e6-based drug Photoditazine predominantly targeted to the vasculature and genetically encoded photosensitizer KillerRed targeted to the chromatin. Metabolism of tumor cells was assessed by the fluorescence lifetime of the metabolic redox-cofactor NAD(P)H, using fluorescence lifetime imaging. Oxygen content was assessed using phosphorescence lifetime macro-imaging with an oxygen-sensitive probe. For visualization of the perfused microvasculature, an optical coherence tomography-based angiography was used. It was found that PDT induces different alterations in cellular metabolism, depending on the degree of oxygen depletion. Moderate decrease in oxygen in the case of KillerRed was accompanied by an increase in the fraction of free NAD(P)H, an indicator of glycolytic switch, early after the treatment. Severe hypoxia after PDT with Photoditazine resulted from a vascular shutdown yielded in a persistent increase in protein-bound (mitochondrial) fraction of NAD(P)H. These findings improve our understanding of physiological mechanisms of PDT in cellular and vascular modes and can be useful to develop new approaches to monitoring its efficacy.

Keywords:  KillerRed; Photoditazine; fluorescence lifetime imaging FLIM; metabolism; oxygenation; phosphorescence lifetime imaging PLIM; photodynamic therapy

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25031703
J Integr Bioinform. 2024 Feb 06.

MetaLo: metabolic analysis of Logical models extracted from molecular interaction maps.

Sahar Aghakhani, Anna Niarakis, Sylvain Soliman.

  Molecular interaction maps (MIMs) are static graphical representations depicting complex biochemical networks that can be formalized using one of the Systems Biology Graphical Notation languages. Regardless of their extensive coverage of various biological processes, they are limited in terms of dynamic insights. However, MIMs can serve as templates for developing dynamic computational models. We present MetaLo, an open-source Python package that enables the coupling of Boolean models inferred from process description MIMs with generic core metabolic networks. MetaLo provides a framework to study the impact of signaling cascades, gene regulation processes, and metabolic flux distribution of central energy production pathways. MetaLo computes the Boolean model's asynchronous asymptotic behavior, through the identification of trap-spaces, and extracts metabolic constraints to contextualize the generic metabolic network. MetaLo is able to handle large-scale Boolean models and genome-scale metabolic models without requiring kinetic information or manual tuning. The framework behind MetaLo enables in depth analysis of the regulatory model, and may allow tackling a lack of omics data in poorly addressed biological fields to contextualize generic metabolic networks along with improper automatic reconstructions of cell- and/or disease-specific metabolic networks. MetaLo is available at https://pypi.org/project/metalo/ under the terms of the GNU General Public License v3.

Keywords:  Boolean model; computational biology; hybrid modeling; metabolism; molecular interaction map

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1515/jib-2023-0048
Cell Metab. 2024 Feb 06. pii: S1550-4131(24)00007-X. [Epub ahead of print]36(2): 422-437.e8

Ketone flux through BDH1 supports metabolic remodeling of skeletal and cardiac muscles in response to intermittent time-restricted feeding.

Ashley S Williams, Scott B Crown, Scott P Lyons, Timothy R Koves, Rebecca J Wilson, Jordan M Johnson, Dorothy H Slentz, Daniel P Kelly, Paul A Grimsrud, Guo-Fang Zhang, Deborah M Muoio.

  Time-restricted feeding (TRF) has gained attention as a dietary regimen that promotes metabolic health. This study questioned if the health benefits of an intermittent TRF (iTRF) schedule require ketone flux specifically in skeletal and cardiac muscles. Notably, we found that the ketolytic enzyme beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1 (BDH1) is uniquely enriched in isolated mitochondria derived from heart and red/oxidative skeletal muscles, which also have high capacity for fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Using mice with BDH1 deficiency in striated muscles, we discover that this enzyme optimizes FAO efficiency and exercise tolerance during acute fasting. Additionally, iTRF leads to robust molecular remodeling of muscle tissues, and muscle BDH1 flux does indeed play an essential role in conferring the full adaptive benefits of this regimen, including increased lean mass, mitochondrial hormesis, and metabolic rerouting of pyruvate. In sum, ketone flux enhances mitochondrial bioenergetics and supports iTRF-induced remodeling of skeletal muscle and heart.

Keywords:  acylcarnitines; beta-oxidation; fiber type; intermittent fasting; ketones; metabolic flux; mitochondria; proteomics; striated muscles; time-restricted feeding

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2024.01.007
Redox Rep. 2024 Dec;29(1): 2312320

Glutamine sustains energy metabolism and alleviates liver injury in burn sepsis by promoting the assembly of mitochondrial HSP60-HSP10 complex via SIRT4 dependent protein deacetylation.

Yongjun Yang, Qian Chen, Shijun Fan, Yongling Lu, Qianyin Huang, Xin Liu, Xi Peng.

  Burns and burn sepsis, characterized by persistent and profound hypercatabolism, cause energy metabolism dysfunction that worsens organ injury and systemic disorders. Glutamine (Gln) is a key nutrient that remarkably replenishes energy metabolism in burn and sepsis patients, but its exact roles beyond substrate supply is unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that Gln alleviated liver injury by sustaining energy supply and restoring redox balance. Meanwhile, Gln also rescued the dysfunctional mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes, improved ATP production, reduced oxidative stress, and protected hepatocytes from burn sepsis injury. Mechanistically, we revealed that Gln could activate SIRT4 by upregulating its protein synthesis and increasing the level of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a co-enzyme that sustains the activity of SIRT4. This, in turn, reduced the acetylation of shock protein (HSP) 60 to facilitate the assembly of the HSP60-HSP10 complex, which maintains the activity of ETC complex II and III and thus sustain ATP generation and reduce reactive oxygen species release. Overall, our study uncovers a previously unknown pharmacological mechanism involving the regulation of HSP60-HSP10 assembly by which Gln recovers mitochondrial complex activity, sustains cellular energy metabolism and exerts a hepato-protective role in burn sepsis.

Keywords:  Glutamine; HSP60-HSP10 assembly; Sirtuin 4; burn sepsis; energy metabolism; liver injury; mitochondrial electron transport chain; reactive oxygen species

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/13510002.2024.2312320
ACS Sens. 2024 Feb 09.

New Highly Sensitive and Specific Raman Probe for Live Cell Imaging of Mitochondrial Function.

Anna Pieczara, Ruben Arturo Arellano Reyes, Tia E Keyes, Patrycja Dawiec, Malgorzata Baranska.

  For Raman hyperspectral detection and imaging in live cells, it is very desirable to create novel probes with strong and unique Raman vibrations in the biological silent region (1800-2800 cm-1). The use of molecular probes in Raman imaging is a relatively new technique in subcellular research; however, it is developing very rapidly. Compared with the label-free method, it allows for a more sensitive and selective visualization of organelles within a single cell. Biological systems are incredibly complex and heterogeneous. Directly visualizing biological structures and activities at the cellular and subcellular levels remains by far one of the most intuitive and powerful ways to study biological problems. Each organelle plays a specific and essential role in cellular processes, but importantly for cells to survive, mitochondrial function must be reliable. Motivated by earlier attempts and successes of biorthogonal chemical imaging, we develop a tool supporting Raman imaging of cells to track biochemical changes associated with mitochondrial function at the cellular level in an in vitro model. In this work, we present a newly synthesized highly sensitive RAR-BR Raman probe for the selective imaging of mitochondria in live endothelial cells.

Keywords:  CCCP; RAR-BR; Raman probe; fluorescence microscopy; mitochondrial membrane; spontaneous Raman microscopy

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1021/acssensors.3c02576
Nat Cell Biol. 2024 Feb 05.

A metabolite sensor subunit of the Atg1/ULK complex regulates selective autophagy.

A S Gross, R Ghillebert, M Schuetter, E Reinartz, A Rowland, B C Bishop, M Stumpe, J Dengjel, M Graef.

Cells convert complex metabolic information into stress-adapted autophagy responses. Canonically, multilayered protein kinase networks converge on the conserved Atg1/ULK kinase complex (AKC) to induce non-selective and selective forms of autophagy in response to metabolic changes. Here we show that, upon phosphate starvation, the metabolite sensor Pho81 interacts with the adaptor subunit Atg11 at the AKC via an Atg11/FIP200 interaction motif to modulate pexophagy by virtue of its conserved phospho-metabolite sensing SPX domain. Notably, core AKC components Atg13 and Atg17 are dispensable for phosphate starvation-induced autophagy revealing significant compositional and functional plasticity of the AKC. Our data indicate that, instead of functioning as a selective autophagy receptor, Pho81 compensates for partially inactive Atg13 by promoting Atg11 phosphorylation by Atg1 critical for pexophagy during phosphate starvation. Our work shows Atg11/FIP200 adaptor subunits bind not only selective autophagy receptors but also modulator subunits that convey metabolic information directly to the AKC for autophagy regulation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41556-024-01348-4
medRxiv. 2024 Jan 24. pii: 2024.01.23.23297820. [Epub ahead of print]

Individual bioenergetic capacity as a potential source of resilience to Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative

Impaired glucose uptake in the brain is one of the earliest presymptomatic manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The absence of symptoms for extended periods of time suggests that compensatory metabolic mechanisms can provide resilience. Here, we introduce the concept of a systemic 'bioenergetic capacity' as the innate ability to maintain energy homeostasis under pathological conditions, potentially serving as such a compensatory mechanism. We argue that fasting blood acylcarnitine profiles provide an approximate peripheral measure for this capacity that mirrors bioenergetic dysregulation in the brain. Using unsupervised subgroup identification, we show that fasting serum acylcarnitine profiles of participants from the AD Neuroimaging Initiative yields bioenergetically distinct subgroups with significant differences in AD biomarker profiles and cognitive function. To assess the potential clinical relevance of this finding, we examined factors that may offer diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. First, we identified a genotype affecting the bioenergetic capacity which was linked to succinylcarnitine metabolism and significantly modulated the rate of future cognitive decline. Second, a potentially modifiable influence of beta-oxidation efficiency seemed to decelerate bioenergetic aging and disease progression. Our findings, which are supported by data from more than 9,000 individuals, suggest that interventions tailored to enhance energetic health and to slow bioenergetic aging could mitigate the risk of symptomatic AD, especially in individuals with specific mitochondrial genotypes.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.01.23.23297820
J Neurochem. 2024 Feb 07.

Mapping the lipidome in mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) in an in vitro model of Alzheimer's disease.

Tânia Fernandes, Tânia Melo, Tiago Conde, Bruna Neves, Pedro Domingues, Rosa Resende, Cláudia F Pereira, Paula I Moreira, Maria Rosário Domingues.

  The disruption of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes (MAMs) plays a relevant role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). MAMs have been implicated in neuronal dysfunction and death since it is associated with impairment of functions regulated in this subcellular domain, including lipid synthesis and trafficking, mitochondria dysfunction, ER stress-induced unfolded protein response (UPR), apoptosis, and inflammation. Since MAMs play an important role in lipid metabolism, in this study we characterized and investigated the lipidome alterations at MAMs in comparison with other subcellular fractions, namely microsomes and mitochondria, using an in vitro model of AD, namely the mouse neuroblastoma cell line (N2A) over-expressing the APP familial Swedish mutation (APPswe) and the respective control (WT) cells. Phospholipids (PLs) and fatty acids (FAs) were isolated from the different subcellular fractions and analyzed by HILIC-LC-MS/MS and GC-MS, respectively. In this in vitro AD model, we observed a down-regulation in relative abundance of some phosphatidylcholine (PC), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) species with PUFA and few PC with saturated and long-chain FA. We also found an up-regulation of CL, and antioxidant alkyl acyl PL. Moreover, multivariate analysis indicated that each organelle has a specific lipid profile adaptation in N2A APPswe cells. In the FAs profile, we found an up-regulation of C16:0 in all subcellular fractions, a decrease of C18:0 levels in total fraction (TF) and microsomes fraction, and a down-regulation of 9-C18:1 was also found in mitochondria fraction in the AD model. Together, these results suggest that the over-expression of the familial APP Swedish mutation affects lipid homeostasis in MAMs and other subcellular fractions and supports the important role of lipids in AD physiopathology.

Keywords:  Alzheimer's disease; ER-mitochondria contacts; lipid dyshomeostasis; lipidomics; subcellular fractions

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.16072
J Mol Biol. 2024 Feb 02. pii: S0022-2836(24)00044-5. [Epub ahead of print] 168472

Physiological functions of ULK1/2.

Gautam Pareek, Mondira Kundu.

  UNC-51-like kinases 1 and 2 (ULK1/2) are serine/threonine kinases that are best known for their evolutionarily conserved role in the autophagy pathway. Upon sensing the nutrient status of a cell, ULK1/2 integrate signals from upstream cellular energy sensors such as mTOR and AMPK and relay them to the downstream components of the autophagy machinery. ULK1/2 also play indispensable roles in the selective autophagy pathway, removing damaged mitochondria, invading pathogens, and toxic protein aggregates. Additional functions of ULK1/2 have emerged beyond autophagy, including roles in protein trafficking, RNP granule dynamics, and signaling events impacting innate immunity, axon guidance, cellular homeostasis, and cell fate. Therefore, it is no surprise that alterations in ULK1/2 expression and activity have been linked with pathophysiological processes, including cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Growing evidence suggests that ULK1/2 function as biological rheostats, tuning cellular functions to intra and extra-cellular cues. Given their broad physiological relevance, ULK1/2 are candidate targets for small molecule activators or inhibitors that may pave the way for the development of therapeutics for the treatment of diseases in humans.

Keywords:  Aggrephagy; Autophagy; Biomolecular condensates; Interferon response; Mitophagy

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168472
Cell Death Discov. 2024 Feb 05. 10(1): 62

Cellular senescence of renal tubular epithelial cells in acute kidney injury.

Juan Chen, Huhai Zhang, Xiangling Yi, Qian Dou, Xin Yang, Yani He, Jia Chen, Kehong Chen.

Cellular senescence represents an irreversible state of cell-cycle arrest during which cells secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotypes, including inflammatory factors and chemokines. Additionally, these cells exhibit an apoptotic resistance phenotype. Cellular senescence serves a pivotal role not only in embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and tumor suppression but also in the pathogenesis of age-related degenerative diseases, malignancies, metabolic diseases, and kidney diseases. The senescence of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEC) constitutes a critical cellular event in the progression of acute kidney injury (AKI). RTEC senescence inhibits renal regeneration and repair processes and, concurrently, promotes the transition of AKI to chronic kidney disease via the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. The mechanisms underlying cellular senescence are multifaceted and include telomere shortening or damage, DNA damage, mitochondrial autophagy deficiency, cellular metabolic disorders, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and epigenetic regulation. Strategies aimed at inhibiting RTEC senescence, targeting the clearance of senescent RTEC, or promoting the apoptosis of senescent RTEC hold promise for enhancing the renal prognosis of AKI. This review primarily focuses on the characteristics and mechanisms of RTEC senescence, and the impact of intervening RTEC senescence on the prognosis of AKI, aiming to provide a foundation for understanding the pathogenesis and providing potentially effective approaches for AKI treatment.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41420-024-01831-9
Nature. 2024 Feb;626(7998): 271-279

A break in mitochondrial endosymbiosis as a basis for inflammatory diseases.

Michael P Murphy, Luke A J O'Neill.

Mitochondria retain bacterial traits due to their endosymbiotic origin, but host cells do not recognize them as foreign because the organelles are sequestered. However, the regulated release of mitochondrial factors into the cytosol can trigger cell death, innate immunity and inflammation. This selective breakdown in the 2-billion-year-old endosymbiotic relationship enables mitochondria to act as intracellular signalling hubs. Mitochondrial signals include proteins, nucleic acids, phospholipids, metabolites and reactive oxygen species, which have many modes of release from mitochondria, and of decoding in the cytosol and nucleus. Because these mitochondrial signals probably contribute to the homeostatic role of inflammation, dysregulation of these processes may lead to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. A potential reason for the increased incidence of these diseases may be changes in mitochondrial function and signalling in response to such recent phenomena as obesity, dietary changes and other environmental factors. Focusing on the mixed heritage of mitochondria therefore leads to predictions for future insights, research paths and therapeutic opportunities. Thus, whereas mitochondria can be considered 'the enemy within' the cell, evolution has used this strained relationship in intriguing ways, with increasing evidence pointing to the recent failure of endosymbiosis being critical for the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06866-z
PLoS One. 2024 ;19(2): e0292655

TXNIP-mediated crosstalk between oxidative stress and glucose metabolism.

Stephanie Kim, Jianning Ge, Dokyun Kim, Jae Jin Lee, Youn Jung Choi, Weiqiang Chen, James W Bowman, Suan-Sin Foo, Lin-Chun Chang, Qiming Liang, Daiki Hara, Inpyo Choi, Myung Hee Kim, Hyungjin Eoh, Jae U Jung.

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) has emerged as a key player in cancer and diabetes since it targets thioredoxin (TRX)-mediated redox regulation and glucose transporter (GLUT)-mediated metabolism. TXNIP consists of two arrestin (ARR, N-ARR and C-ARR) domains at its amino-terminus and two PPxY (PY) motifs and a di-leucine (LL) motif for endocytosis at its carboxyl-terminus. Here, we report that TXNIP shuffles between TRX and GLUTs to regulate homeostasis of intracellular oxidative stress and glucose metabolism. While TXNIP functions as a gatekeeper of TRX by default, it robustly interacted with class I GLUTs through its C-ARR domain upon increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species. This interaction prompted the surface expression downregulation and lysosomal degradation of GLUTs by its carboxyl-terminal LL endocytic signaling motif to attenuate glucose uptake. Consequently, TXNIP expression significantly limited glucose uptake, leading to the suppression of glycolysis, hexosamine biosynthesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Our findings establish a fundamental link between ROS and glucose metabolism through TXNIP and provide a promising target for the drug development against GLUT-related metabolic disorders.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0292655
Sci Adv. 2024 Feb 09. 10(6): eadj2752

AMPK phosphorylation of FNIP1 (S220) controls mitochondrial function and muscle fuel utilization during exercise.

Liwei Xiao, Yujing Yin, Zongchao Sun, Jing Liu, Yuhuan Jia, Likun Yang, Yan Mao, Shujun Peng, Zhifu Xie, Lei Fang, Jingya Li, Xiaoduo Xie, Zhenji Gan.

Exercise-induced activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and substrate phosphorylation modulate the metabolic capacity of mitochondria in skeletal muscle. However, the key effector(s) of AMPK and the regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we showed that AMPK phosphorylation of the folliculin interacting protein 1 (FNIP1) serine-220 (S220) controls mitochondrial function and muscle fuel utilization during exercise. Loss of FNIP1 in skeletal muscle resulted in increased mitochondrial content and augmented metabolic capacity, leading to enhanced exercise endurance in mice. Using skeletal muscle-specific nonphosphorylatable FNIP1 (S220A) and phosphomimic (S220D) transgenic mouse models as well as biochemical analysis in primary skeletal muscle cells, we demonstrated that exercise-induced FNIP1 (S220) phosphorylation by AMPK in muscle regulates mitochondrial electron transfer chain complex assembly, fuel utilization, and exercise performance without affecting mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1-transcription factor EB signaling. Therefore, FNIP1 is a multifunctional AMPK effector for mitochondrial adaptation to exercise, implicating a mechanism for exercise tolerance in health and disease.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adj2752
Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jan 27. pii: 1602. [Epub ahead of print]25(3):

A Multi-Omics Approach Reveals Enrichment in Metabolites Involved in the Regulation of the Glutathione Pathway in LIN28B-Dependent Cancer Cells.

Matteo Stocchero, Diana Corallo, Silvia Bresolin, Marcella Pantile, Paola Pirillo, Roberta Bortolozzi, Sara Menegazzo, Daniele Boso, Giampietro Viola, Eugenio Baraldi, Alessandra Biffi, Giuseppe Giordano, Sanja Aveic.

  The RNA-binding protein LIN28B, identified as an independent risk factor in high-risk neuroblastoma patients, is implicated in adverse treatment outcomes linked to metastasis and chemoresistance. Despite its clinical significance, the impact of LIN28B on neuroblastoma cell metabolism remains unexplored. This study employs a multi-omics approach, integrating transcriptome and metabolome data, to elucidate the global metabolic program associated with varying LIN28B expression levels over time. Our findings reveal that escalating LIN28B expression induces a significant metabolic rewiring in neuroblastoma cells. Specifically, LIN28B prompts a time-dependent increase in the release rate of metabolites related to the glutathione and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthetic pathways, concomitant with a reduction in glucose uptake. These results underscore the pivotal role of LIN28B in governing neuroblastoma cell metabolism and suggest a potential disruption in the redox balance of LIN28B-bearing cells. This study offers valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying LIN28B-associated adverse outcomes in neuroblastoma, paving the way for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Keywords:  LIN28B; glutathione metabolism; metabolome; neuroblastoma; omics integration; transcriptome

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25031602
iScience. 2024 Feb 16. 27(2): 108883

Deficient tRNA posttranscription modification dysregulated the mitochondrial quality controls and apoptosis.

Yunfan He, Gao Zhu, Xincheng Li, Mi Zhou, Min-Xin Guan.

  Mitochondria are dynamic organelles in cellular metabolism and physiology. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are associated with a broad spectrum of clinical abnormalities. However, mechanisms underlying mtDNA mutations regulate intracellular signaling related to the mitochondrial and cellular integrity are less explored. Here, we demonstrated that mt-tRNAMet 4435A>G mutation-induced nucleotide modification deficiency dysregulated the expression of nuclear genes involved in cytosolic proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) and impaired the assemble and integrity of OXPHOS complexes. These dysfunctions caused mitochondrial dynamic imbalance, thereby increasing fission and decreasing fusion. Excessive fission impaired the process of autophagy including initiation phase, formation, and maturation of autophagosome. Strikingly, the m.4435A>G mutation upregulated the PARKIN dependent mitophagy pathways but downregulated the ubiquitination-independent mitophagy. These alterations promoted intrinsic apoptotic process for the removal of damaged cells. Our findings provide new insights into mechanism underlying deficient tRNA posttranscription modification regulated intracellular signaling related to the mitochondrial and cellular integrity.

Keywords:  Cell biology; Molecular physiology; Properties of biomolecules

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.108883
Eur J Pharmacol. 2024 Feb 03. pii: S0014-2999(24)00056-6. [Epub ahead of print] 176368

Zinc remodels mitochondrial network through SIRT3/Mfn2-dependent mitochondrial transfer in ameliorating spinal cord injury.

Hui Guo, Li-Qing Chen, Zhi-Ru Zou, Shuai Cheng, Yu Hu, Liang Mao, He Tian, Xi-Fan Mei.

  Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic neuropathic condition that results in motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction caused by primary trauma is one of the critical pathogenic mechanisms. Moderate levels of zinc have antioxidant effects, promote neurogenesis and immune responses. Zinc normalises mitochondrial morphology in neurons after SCI. However, how zinc protects mitochondria within neurons is unknown. In the study, we used transwell culture, Western blot, Quantitative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (QRT-PCR), ATP content detection, reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity assay, flow cytometry and immunostaining to investigate the relationship between zinc-treated microglia and injured neurons through animal and cell experiments. We found that zinc promotes mitochondrial transfer from microglia to neurons after SCI through Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) regulation of Mitofusin 2 protein (Mfn2). It can rescue mitochondria in damaged neurons and inhibit oxidative stress, increase ATP levels and promote neuronal survival. Therefore, it can improve the recovery of motor function in SCI mice. In conclusion, our work reveals a potential mechanism to describe the communication between microglia and neurons after SCI, which may provide a new idea for future therapeutic approaches to SCI.

Keywords:  Mfn2; Mitochondrial network; Mitochondrial transfer; SIRT3; Zinc

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176368
Mol Neurobiol. 2024 Feb 06.

Mitochondria-Endoplasmic Reticulum Contact Sites (MERCS): A New Axis in Neuronal Degeneration and Regeneration.

Vijaya Harini Sathyamurthy, Yoghalakshmi Nagarajan, Venkatachalam Deepa Parvathi.

  Mitochondria-Endoplasmic Reticulum Contact Sites (MERCS) are dynamic structures whose physiological interaction is vital to direct life and death of the cell. A bevy of tethering proteins, mitofusin-1/2 (Mfn-1/2), glucose-regulated protein-75 (Grp-75), voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC1), and dynamic-related protein-1 (Drp1), plays an integral role in establishing and regulating this intricate intracellular communication. Dysregulation of this interplay leads to various neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Although there is an absence of a well-defined molecular background that dictates the pathway of MERCS, adequate exploration has resulted in preliminary data that suggests its cardinal role in neuroregeneration. The juxtaposition of mitochondria and ER has a critical function in cell senescence, thus regulating regeneration. Axonal regeneration and brain tissue regeneration, using reactive astrocytes, are studied most extensively. Overexpression of Grp-75 promoted axonal regeneration post a nerve injury. Attempts have been made to exploit MERCS as potential therapeutic drug targets for enhancing neuroregeneration and impeding neurodegeneration. Novel strategies have been developed to aid the delivery of mitochondria into the neuronal cell body, which in turn establishes a network with the presiding ER resulting in contact site formation. The fascinating aspect of this mechanism is that despite the lack of inherent regenerative capacity in neurons, it can be induced by modifying MERCS.

Keywords:  Axonal regeneration; Mitochondria-Endoplasmic Reticulum Contact Sites (MERCS); Neurodegenerative diseases; Targeted therapy

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-024-03971-6
Metab Eng. 2024 Feb 07. pii: S1096-7176(24)00018-1. [Epub ahead of print]

KETCHUP: Parameterizing of large-scale kinetic models using multiple datasets with different reference states.

Mengqi Hu, Patrick F Suthers, Costas D Maranas.

Large-scale kinetic models provide the computational means to dynamically link metabolic reaction fluxes to metabolite concentrations and enzyme levels while also conforming to substrate level regulation. However, the development of broadly applicable frameworks for efficiently and robustly parameterizing models remains a challenge. Challenges arise due to both the heterogeneity, paucity, and difficulty in obtaining flux and/or concentration data but also due to the computational difficulties of the underlying parameter identification problem. Both the computational demands for parameterization, degeneracy of obtained parameter solutions and interpretability of results has so far limited widespread adoption of large-scale kinetic models despite their potential. Herein, we introduce the Kinetic Estimation Tool Capturing Heterogeneous Datasets Using Pyomo (KETCHUP), a flexible parameter estimation tool that leverages a primal-dual interior-point algorithm to solve a nonlinear programming (NLP) problem that identifies a set of parameters capable of recapitulating the (non)steady-state fluxes and concentrations in wild-type and perturbed metabolic networks. KETCHUP is benchmarked against previously parameterized large-scale kinetic models demonstrating an at least an order of magnitude faster convergence than the tool K-FIT while at the same time attaining better data fits. This versatile toolbox accepts different kinetic descriptions, metabolic fluxes, enzyme levels and metabolite concentrations, under either steady-state or instationary conditions to enable robust kinetic model construction and parameterization. KETCHUP supports the SBML format and can be accessed at https://github.com/maranasgroup/KETCHUP.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymben.2024.02.002
Cancer Lett. 2024 Feb 07. pii: S0304-3835(24)00051-X. [Epub ahead of print] 216657

Simultaneous targeting of AMPK and mTOR is a novel therapeutic strategy against prostate cancer.

Gangyin Zhao, Gabriel Forn-Cuní, Marvin Scheers, Pier Pieterszoon Lindenbergh, Jie Yin, Quint van Loosen, Leonardo Passarini, Lanpeng Chen, B Ewa Snaar-Jagalska.

  Metastatic colonization by circulating cancer cells is a highly inefficient process. To colonize distant organs, disseminating cancer cells must overcome many obstacles in foreign microenvironments, and only a small fraction of them survives this process. How these disseminating cancer cells cope with stress and initiate metastatic process is not fully understood. In this study, we report that the metastatic onset of prostate cancer cells is associated with the dynamic conversion of metabolism signaling pathways governed by the energy sensors AMPK and mTOR. While in circulation in blood flow, the disseminating cancer cells display decreased mTOR and increased AMPK activities that protect them from stress-induced death. However, after metastatic onset, the mTOR-AMPK activities are reversed, enabling mTOR-dependent tumor growth. Suppression of this dynamic conversion by co-targeting of AMPK and mTOR signaling significantly suppresses prostate cancer cell and tumor organoid growth in vitro and experimental metastasis in vivo, suggesting that this can be a therapeutic approach against metastasizing prostate cancer.

Keywords:  AMPK; LAPC9 organoids; Metabolic stress; Prostate cancer metastasis; Zebrafish xenografts; mTOR crosstalk

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216657