Deficiency of tumor suppressor Merlin facilitates metabolic adaptation by co-operative engagement of SMAD-Hippo signaling in breast cancer.

The NF2 gene encodes the tumor and metastasis suppressor protein Merlin. Merlin exerts its tumor suppressive role by inhibiting proliferation and inducing contact-growth inhibition and apoptosis. In the current investigation, we determined that loss of Merlin in breast cancer tissues is concordant with the loss of the inhibitory SMAD, SMAD7, of the TGF-ß pathway. This was reflected as dysregulated activation of TGF-ß signaling that co-operatively engaged with effectors of the Hippo pathway (YAP/TAZ/TEAD). As a consequence, the loss of Merlin in breast cancer resulted in a significant metabolic and bioenergetic adaptation of cells characterized by increased aerobic glycolysis and decreased oxygen consumption. Mechanistically, we determined that the co-operative activity of the Hippo and TGF-ß transcription effectors caused upregulation of the long non-coding RNA Urothelial Cancer-Associated 1 (UCA1) that disengaged Merlin's check on STAT3 activity. The consequent upregulation of Hexokinase 2 (HK2) enabled a metabolic shift towards aerobic glycolysis. In fact, Merlin deficiency engendered cellular dependence on this metabolic adaptation, endorsing a critical role for Merlin in regulating cellular metabolism. This is the first report of Merlin functioning as a molecular restraint on cellular metabolism. Thus, breast cancer patients whose tumors demonstrate concordant loss of Merlin and SMAD7 may benefit from an approach of incorporating STAT3 inhibitors.

Nitration of Hsp90 on Tyrosine 33 Regulates Mitochondrial Metabolism.

Peroxynitrite production and tyrosine nitration are present in several pathological conditions, including neurodegeneration, stroke, aging, and cancer. Nitration of the pro-survival chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) in position 33 and 56 induces motor neuron death through a toxic gain-of-function. Here we show that nitrated Hsp90 regulates mitochondrial metabolism independently of the induction of cell death. In PC12 cells, a small fraction of nitrated Hsp90 was located on the mitochondrial outer membrane and down-regulated mitochondrial membrane potential, oxygen consumption, and ATP production. Neither endogenous Hsp90 present in the homogenate nor unmodified and fully active recombinant Hsp90 was able to compete with the nitrated protein for the binding to mitochondria. Moreover, endogenous or recombinant Hsp90 did not prevent the decrease in mitochondrial activity but supported nitrated Hsp90 mitochondrial gain-of-function. Nitrotyrosine in position 33, but not in any of the other four tyrosine residues prone to nitration in Hsp90, was sufficient to down-regulate mitochondrial activity. Thus, in addition to induction of cell death, nitrated Hsp90 can also regulate mitochondrial metabolism, suggesting that depending on the cell type, distinct Hsp90 nitration states regulate different aspects of cellular metabolism. This regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis by nitrated Hsp90 could be of particular relevance in cancer cells.

Detection of electrophile-sensitive proteins.

BACKGROUND: Redox signaling is an important emerging mechanism of cellular function. Dysfunctional redox signaling is increasingly implicated in numerous pathologies, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cancer. The molecular messengers in this type of signaling are reactive species which can mediate the post-translational modification of specific groups of proteins, thereby effecting functional changes in the modified proteins. Electrophilic compounds comprise one class of reactive species which can participate in redox signaling. Electrophiles modulate cell function via formation of covalent adducts with proteins, particularly cysteine residues. SCOPE OF REVIEW: This review will discuss the commonly used methods of detection for electrophile-sensitive proteins, and will highlight the importance of identifying these proteins for studying redox signaling and developing novel therapeutics. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: There are several methods which can be used to detect electrophile-sensitive proteins. These include the use of tagged model electrophiles, as well as derivatization of endogenous electrophile-protein adducts. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: In order to understand the mechanisms by which electrophiles mediate redox signaling, it is necessary to identify electrophile-sensitive proteins and quantitatively assess adduct formation. Strengths and limitations of these methods will be discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Current methods to study reactive oxygen species - pros and cons and biophysics of membrane proteins. Guest Editor: Christine Winterbourn.

Mitochondria-targeted heme oxygenase-1 decreases oxidative stress in renal epithelial cells.

Mitochondria are both a source and target of the actions of reactive oxygen species and possess a complex system of inter-related antioxidants that control redox signaling and protect against oxidative stress. Interestingly, the antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is not present in the mitochondria despite the fact that the organelle is the site of heme synthesis and contains multiple heme proteins. Detoxification of heme is an important protective mechanism since the reaction of heme with hydrogen peroxide generates pro-oxidant ferryl species capable of propagating oxidative stress and ultimately cell death. We therefore hypothesized that a mitochondrially localized HO-1 would be cytoprotective. To test this, we generated a mitochondria-targeted HO-1 cell line by transfecting HEK293 cells with a plasmid construct containing the manganese superoxide dismutase mitochondria leader sequence fused to HO-1 cDNA (Mito-HO-1). Nontargeted HO-1-overexpressing cells were generated by transfecting HO-1 cDNA (HO-1) or empty vector (Vector). Mitochondrial localization of HO-1 with increased HO activity in the mitochondrial fraction of Mito-HO-1 cells was observed, but a significant decrease in the expression of heme-containing proteins occurred in these cells. Both cytosolic HO-1- and Mito-HO-1-expressing cells were protected against hypoxia-dependent cell death and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, but these effects were more pronounced with Mito-HO-1. Furthermore, decrement in production of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates following hypoxia was significantly mitigated in Mito-HO-1 cells. These data suggest that specific mitochondrially targeted HO-1 under acute pathological conditions may have beneficial effects, but the selective advantage of long-term expression is constrained by a negative impact on the synthesis of heme-containing mitochondrial proteins.

Redox regulation of soluble epoxide hydrolase by 15-deoxy-delta-prostaglandin J2 controls coronary hypoxic vasodilation.

RATIONALE: 15-Deoxy-Δ-prostaglandin (15d-PG)J(2) is an electrophilic oxidant that dilates the coronary vasculature. This lipid can adduct to redox active protein thiols to induce oxidative posttranslational modifications that modulate protein and tissue function. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of oxidative protein modifications in 15d-PGJ(2)-mediated coronary vasodilation and define the distal signaling pathways leading to enhanced perfusion. METHODS AND RESULTS: Proteomic screening with biotinylated 15d-PGJ(2) identified novel vascular targets to which it adducts, most notably soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). 15d-PGJ(2) inhibited sEH by specifically adducting to a highly conserved thiol (Cys521) adjacent to the catalytic center of the hydrolase. Indeed a Cys521Ser sEH "redox-dead" mutant was resistant to 15d-PGJ(2)-induced hydrolase inhibition. 15d-PGJ(2) dilated coronary vessels and a role for hydrolase inhibition was supported by 2 structurally different sEH antagonists each independently inducing vasorelaxation. Furthermore, 15d-PGJ(2) and sEH antagonists also increased coronary effluent epoxyeicosatrienoic acids consistent with their vasodilatory actions. Indeed 14,15-EET alone induced relaxation and 15d-PGJ(2)-mediated vasodilation was blocked by the EET receptor antagonist 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (14,15-EEZE). Additionally, the coronary vasculature of sEH-null mice was basally dilated compared to wild-type controls and failed to vasodilate in response to 15d-PGJ(2). Coronary vasodilation to hypoxia in wild-types was accompanied by 15d-PGJ(2) adduction to and inhibition of sEH. Consistent with the importance of hydrolase inhibition, sEH-null mice failed to vasodilate during hypoxia. CONCLUSION: This represents a new paradigm for the regulation of sEH by an endogenous lipid, which is integral to the fundamental physiological response of coronary hypoxic vasodilation.

Cell signalling by reactive lipid species: new concepts and molecular mechanisms.

The process of lipid peroxidation is widespread in biology and is mediated through both enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways. A significant proportion of the oxidized lipid products are electrophilic in nature, the RLS (reactive lipid species), and react with cellular nucleophiles such as the amino acids cysteine, lysine and histidine. Cell signalling by electrophiles appears to be limited to the modification of cysteine residues in proteins, whereas non-specific toxic effects involve modification of other nucleophiles. RLS have been found to participate in several physiological pathways including resolution of inflammation, cell death and induction of cellular antioxidants through the modification of specific signalling proteins. The covalent modification of proteins endows some unique features to this signalling mechanism which we have termed the 'covalent advantage'. For example, covalent modification of signalling proteins allows for the accumulation of a signal over time. The activation of cell signalling pathways by electrophiles is hierarchical and depends on a complex interaction of factors such as the intrinsic chemical reactivity of the electrophile, the intracellular domain to which it is exposed and steric factors. This introduces the concept of electrophilic signalling domains in which the production of the lipid electrophile is in close proximity to the thiol-containing signalling protein. In addition, we propose that the role of glutathione and associated enzymes is to insulate the signalling domain from uncontrolled electrophilic stress. The persistence of the signal is in turn regulated by the proteasomal pathway which may itself be subject to redox regulation by RLS. Cell death mediated by RLS is associated with bioenergetic dysfunction, and the damaged proteins are probably removed by the lysosome-autophagy pathway.

Nitric oxide and hypoxia exacerbate alcohol-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes.

Chronic alcohol consumption results in hepatotoxicity, steatosis, hypoxia, increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and decreased activities of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes. The impact of these changes on cellular respiration and their interaction in a cellular setting is not well understood. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO)-dependent modulation of cellular respiration and the sensitivity to hypoxic stress is increased following chronic alcohol consumption. This is important since NO has been shown to regulate mitochondrial function through its interaction with cytochrome c oxidase, although at higher concentrations, and in combination with reactive oxygen species, can result in mitochondrial dysfunction. We found that hepatocytes isolated from alcohol-fed rats had decreased mitochondrial bioenergetic reserve capacity and were more sensitive to NO-dependent inhibition of respiration under room air and hypoxic conditions. We reasoned that this would result in greater hypoxic stress in vivo, and to test this, wild-type and iNOS(-/-) mice were administered alcohol-containing diets. Chronic alcohol consumption resulted in liver hypoxia in the wild-type mice and increased levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α in the peri-venular region of the liver lobule. These effects were attenuated in the alcohol-fed iNOS(-/-) mice suggesting that increased mitochondrial sensitivity to NO and reactive nitrogen species in hepatocytes and iNOS plays a critical role in determining the response to hypoxic stress in vivo. These data support the concept that the combined effects of NO and ethanol contribute to an increased susceptibility to hypoxia and the deleterious effects of alcohol consumption on liver.

Hemin causes mitochondrial dysfunction in endothelial cells through promoting lipid peroxidation: the protective role of autophagy.

The hemolysis of red blood cells and muscle damage results in the release of the heme proteins myoglobin, hemoglobin, and free heme into the vasculature. The mechanisms of heme toxicity are not clear but may involve lipid peroxidation, which we hypothesized would result in mitochondrial damage in endothelial cells. To test this, we used bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) in culture and exposed them to hemin. Hemin led to mitochondrial dysfunction, activation of autophagy, mitophagy, and, at high concentrations, apoptosis. To detect whether hemin induced lipid peroxidation and damaged proteins, we used derivatives of arachidonic acid tagged with biotin or Bodipy (Bt-AA, BD-AA). We found that in cells treated with hemin, Bt-AA was oxidized and formed adducts with proteins, which were inhibited by α-tocopherol. Hemin-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction was also attenuated by α-tocopherol. Protein thiol modification and carbonyl formation occurred on exposure and was not inhibited by α-tocopherol. Supporting a protective role of autophagy, the inhibitor 3-methyladenine potentiated cell death. These data demonstrate that hemin mediates cytotoxicity through a mechanism which involves protein modification by oxidized lipids and other oxidants, decreased respiratory capacity, and a protective role for the autophagic process. Attenuation of lipid peroxidation may be able to preserve mitochondrial function in the endothelium and protect cells from heme-dependent toxicity.

Acquisition of temozolomide chemoresistance in gliomas leads to remodeling of mitochondrial electron transport chain.

Temozolomide (TMZ) is an oral alkylating agent used for the treatment of high-grade gliomas. Acquired chemoresistance is a severe limitation to this therapy with more than 90% of recurrent gliomas showing no response to a second cycle of chemotherapy. Efforts to better understand the underlying mechanisms of acquired chemoresistance to TMZ and potential strategies to overcome chemoresistance are, therefore, critically needed. TMZ methylates nuclear DNA and induces cell death; however, the impact on mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) and mitochondrial bioenergetics is not known. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that TMZ-mediated alterations in mtDNA and respiratory function contribute to TMZ-dependent acquired chemoresistance. Using an in vitro model of TMZ-mediated acquired chemoresistance, we report 1) a decrease in mtDNA copy number and the presence of large heteroplasmic mtDNA deletions in TMZ-resistant glioma cells, 2) remodeling of the entire electron transport chain with significant decreases of complexes I and V and increases of complexes II/III and IV, and 3) pharmacologic and genetic manipulation of cytochrome c oxidase, which restores sensitivity to TMZ-dependent apoptosis in resistant glioma cells. Importantly, human primary and recurrent pairs of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) biopsies as well as primary and TMZ-resistant GBM xenograft lines exhibit similar remodeling of the ETC. Overall these results suggest that TMZ-dependent acquired chemoresistance may be due to a mitochondrial adaptive response to TMZ genotoxic stress with a major contribution from cytochrome c oxidase. Thus, abrogation of this adaptive response may reverse chemoresistance and restore sensitivity to TMZ, providing a strategy for improved therapeutic outcomes in GBM patients.

Mitochondrial targeting of the electrophilic lipid 15-deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 increases apoptotic efficacy via redox cell signalling mechanisms.

Prototypical electrophiles such as the lipid 15-deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) are well recognized for their therapeutic potential. Electrophiles modify signalling proteins in both the cytosol and mitochondrion, which results in diverse cellular responses, including cytoprotective effects and, at high doses, cell death. These findings led us to the hypothesis that targeting electrophiles to specific compartments in the cell could fine-tune their biological effects. To examine this, we synthesized a novel mitochondrially targeted analogue of 15d-PGJ2 (mito-15d-PGJ2) and tested its effects on redox cell signalling. Mito-15d-PGJ2 caused profound defects in mitochondrial bioenergetics and mitochondrial membrane depolarization when compared with 15d-PGJ2. We also found that mito-15d-PGJ2 modified different members of the electrophile-responsive proteome, was more potent at initiating intrinsic apoptotic cell death and was less effective than 15d-PGJ2 at up-regulating the expression of HO-1 (haem oxygenase-1) and glutathione. These results demonstrate the feasibility of modulating the biological effects of electrophiles by targeting the pharmacophore to mitochondria.

Modulation of mammary cancer cell migration by 15-deoxy-delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2): implications for anti-metastatic therapy.

Recently, a number of steps in the progression of metastatic disease have been shown to be regulated by redox signalling. Electrophilic lipids affect redox signalling through the post-translational modification of critical cysteine residues in proteins. However, the therapeutic potential as well as the precise mechanisms of action of electrophilic lipids in cancer cells is poorly understood. In the present study, we investigate the effect of the electrophilic prostaglandin 15d-PGJ2 (15-deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2) on metastatic properties of breast cancer cells. 15d-PGJ2 was shown to decrease migration, stimulate focal-adhesion disassembly and cause extensive F-actin (filamentous actin) reorganization at low concentrations (0.03-0.3 microM). Importantly, these effects seem to be independent of PPARgamma (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma) and modification of actin or Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1), which are known protein targets of 15d-PGJ2 at higher concentrations. Interestingly, the p38 inhibitor SB203580 was able to prevent both 15d-PGJ2-induced F-actin reorganization and focal-adhesion disassembly. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that electrophiles such as 15d-PGJ2 are potential anti-metastatic agents which exhibit specificity for migration and adhesion pathways at low concentrations where there are no observed effects on Keap1 or cytotoxicity.

Heme oxygenase-1 inhibits renal tubular macroautophagy in acute kidney injury.

Autophagy is a tightly regulated, programmed mechanism to eliminate damaged organelles and proteins from a cell to maintain homeostasis. Cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic agent, accumulates in the proximal tubules of the kidney and causes dose-dependent nephrotoxicity, which may involve autophagy. In the kidney, cisplatin induces the protective antioxidant heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). In this study, we examined the relationship between autophagy and HO-1 during cisplatin-mediated acute kidney injury (AKI). In wild-type primary proximal tubule cells (PTC), we observed a time-dependent increase in autophagy after cisplatin. In HO-1(-/-) PTC, however, we observed significantly higher levels of basal autophagy, impaired progression of autophagy, and increased apoptosis after cisplatin. Restoring HO-1 expression in these cells reversed the autophagic response and inhibited apoptosis after treatment with cisplatin. In vivo, although both wild-type and HO-1-deficient mice exhibited autophagosomes in the proximal tubules of the kidney in response to cisplatin, HO-1-deficient mice had significantly more autophagosomes, even in saline-treated animals. In addition, ecdysone-induced overexpression of HO-1 in cells led to a delay in autophagy progression, generated significantly lower levels of reactive oxygen species, and protected against cisplatin cytotoxicity. These findings demonstrate that HO-1 inhibits autophagy, suggesting that the heme oxygenase system may contain therapeutic targets for AKI.

Analysis of the liver mitochondrial proteome in response to ethanol and S-adenosylmethionine treatments: novel molecular targets of disease and hepatoprotection.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) minimizes alcohol hepatotoxicity; however, the molecular mechanisms responsible for SAM hepatoprotection remain unknown. Herein, we use proteomics to determine whether the hepatoprotective action of SAM against early-stage alcoholic liver disease is linked to alterations in the mitochondrial proteome. For this, male rats were fed control or ethanol-containing liquid diets +/- SAM and liver mitochondria were prepared for proteomic analysis. Two-dimensional isoelectric focusing (2D IEF/SDS-PAGE) and blue native gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) were used to determine changes in matrix and oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) proteins, respectively. SAM coadministration minimized alcohol-dependent inflammation and preserved mitochondrial respiration. SAM supplementation preserved liver SAM levels in ethanol-fed rats; however, mitochondrial SAM levels were increased by ethanol and SAM treatments. With use of 2D IEF/SDS-PAGE, 30 proteins showed significant changes in abundance in response to ethanol, SAM, or both. Classes of proteins affected by ethanol and SAM treatments were chaperones, beta oxidation proteins, sulfur metabolism proteins, and dehydrogenase enzymes involved in methionine, glycine, and choline metabolism. BN-PAGE revealed novel changes in the levels of 19 OxPhos proteins in response to ethanol, SAM, or both. Ethanol- and SAM-dependent alterations in the proteome were not linked to corresponding changes in gene expression. In conclusion, ethanol and SAM treatment led to multiple changes in the liver mitochondrial proteome. The protective effects of SAM against alcohol toxicity are mediated, in part, through maintenance of proteins involved in key mitochondrial energy conserving and biosynthetic pathways. This study demonstrates that SAM may be a promising candidate for treatment of alcoholic liver disease.

The permissive role of mitochondria in the induction of haem oxygenase-1 in endothelial cells.

HO-1 (haem oxygenase 1) is an essential antioxidant enzyme in the cell that exerts its effects through removal of pro-oxidant haem groups and the formation of antioxidant molecules and carbon monoxide. The electrophilic cyclopentenone 15d-PGJ2 (15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J2) induces the expression of HO-1 protein through the covalent modification of protein thiols. It has been shown that specific thiol residues of the redox-sensor Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) are modified by 15d-PGJ2, leading to activation of the transcription factor Nrf-2 (nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45 subunit-related factor 2) and up-regulation of genes under control of the electrophile-response element, including HO-1. However, 15d-PGJ2 has also been shown to modify other proteins which comprise the electrophile-responsive proteome. Since 15d-PGJ2 has been shown to localize to the mitochondria in endothelial cells, we hypothesized that mitochondrial protein modification may also be important in Keap1/Nrf-2 signal transduction, leading to HO-1 up-regulation. In order to determine the role of mitochondrial protein thiol modification in HO-1 induction, we used the mitochondrial-targeted thiol-reactive compound IBTP [(4-iodobutyl)triphenylphosphonium]. IBTP had no effect on basal HO-1 levels, but effectively blocked HO-1 induction by a variety of reagents including haemin, iodoacetamide and 15d-PGJ2. Mechanistically, IBTP did not prevent the covalent modification of Keap1 by 15d-PGJ2. However, IBTP prevented the 15d-PGJ2-dependent increases in HO-1 mRNA and protein. Furthermore, IBTP prevented the nuclear accumulation of Nrf-2, suggesting cross-talk between mitochondria and antioxidant-response signal transduction. This effect was independent of reactive oxygen species formation or mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, IBTP significantly enhanced the toxicity of high concentrations of 15d-PGJ2, suggesting that loss of mitochondrial control of HO-1 leads to increased susceptibility to electrophilic stress in endothelial cells. The implications for these studies in understanding the balance between cytoprotection and cytotoxicity in the context of diseases such as atherosclerosis is discussed.

Accumulation of 15-deoxy-delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J2 adduct formation with Keap1 over time: effects on potency for intracellular antioxidant defence induction.

The COX (cyclo-oxygenase) pathway generates the reactive lipid electrophile 15d-PGJ2 (15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J2), which forms covalent protein adducts that modulate cell signalling pathways. It has been shown that this regulates important biological responses, including protection against oxidative stress, and supports the proposal that 15d-PGJ2 has pharmacological potential. Protective pathways activated by 15d-PGJ2 include those controlling the synthesis of the intracellular antioxidants GSH and the enzyme HO-1 (haem oxygenase-1). The induction of the synthesis of these intracellular antioxidants is, in large part, regulated by covalent modification of Keap1 (Kelchlike erythroid cell-derived protein with 'capn'collar homologyassociated protein 1) by the lipid and the subsequent activation of the EpRE (electrophile-response element). For the first time, we show that the potency of 15d-PGJ2 as a signalling molecule in endothelial cells is significantly enhanced by the accumulation of the covalent adduct with 15d-PGJ2 and endogenous Keap1 over the time of exposure to the prostaglandin. The consequence of this finding is that signalling initiated by electrophilic lipids differs from agonists that do not form covalent adducts with proteins because the constant generation of very lowconcentrations of 15d-PGJ2 can lead to induction of GSH or HO-1. In the course of these studies we also found that a substantial amount (97-99%) of exogenously added 15d-PGJ2 is inactivated in the medium and does not enter the cells to initiate cell signalling. In summary, we propose that the accumulation of covalent adduct formation with signalling proteins provides a mechanism through which endogenous intracellular formation of electrophilic lipids from COX can exert an anti-inflammatory effect in vivo.

Free radicals, mitochondria, and oxidized lipids: the emerging role in signal transduction in vascular cells.

Mitochondria have long been known to play a critical role in maintaining the bioenergetic status of cells under physiological conditions. It was also recognized early in mitochondrial research that the reduction of oxygen to generate the free radical superoxide occurs at various sites in the respiratory chain and was postulated that this could lead to mitochondrial dysfunction in a variety of disease states. Over recent years, this view has broadened substantially with the discovery that reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and lipid species can also modulate physiological cell function through a process known as redox cell signaling. These redox active second messengers are formed through regulated enzymatic pathways, including those in the mitochondrion, and result in the posttranslational modification of mitochondrial proteins and DNA. In some cases, the signaling pathways lead to cytotoxicity. Under physiological conditions, the same mediators at low concentrations activate the cytoprotective signaling pathways that increase cellular antioxidants. Thus, it is critical to understand the mechanisms by which these pathways are distinguished to develop strategies that will lead to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we describe recent evidence that supports the hypothesis that mitochondria have an important role in cell signaling, and so contribute to both the adaptation to oxidative stress and the development of vascular diseases.

Proteomic approaches to identify and characterize alterations to the mitochondrial proteome in alcoholic liver disease.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is recognized as a contributing factor to a number of diseases, including chronic alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity. Although there is a detailed understanding of the metabolic pathways and proteins of the liver mitochondrion, little is known of how changes in the mitochondrial proteome contribute to the development of hepatic pathologies. In this short overview the insights gained from study of changes in the mitochondrial proteome in alcoholic liver disease will be described. Profiling the liver mitochondrial proteome has the potential to shed light on the alcohol-mediated molecular defects responsible for mitochondrial and cellular dysfunction. The methods presented herein demonstrate the power of using complementary proteomics approaches, that is, 2-D IEF/SDS-PAGE and BN-PAGE, to identify changes in the abundance of mitochondrial proteins after chronic alcohol consumption. These proteomic data can then be integrated into a logical and mechanistic framework to further our understanding of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of alcohol-induced liver disease.

Evidence for oxygen as the master regulator of the responsiveness of soluble guanylate cyclase and cytochrome c oxidase to nitric oxide.

Haem is used as a versatile receptor for redox active molecules; most notably NO (nitric oxide) and oxygen. Three haem-containing proteins, myoglobin, haemoglobin and cytochrome c oxidase, are now known to bind NO, and in all these cases competition with oxygen plays an important role in the biological outcome. NO also binds to the haem group of sGC (soluble guanylate cyclase) and initiates signal transduction through the formation of cGMP in a process that is oxygen-independent. From biochemical studies, it has been shown that sGC is substantially more sensitive to NO than is cytochrome c oxidase, but a direct comparison in a cellular setting under various oxygen levels has not been reported previously. In this issue of the Biochemical Journal, Cadenas and co-workers reveal how oxygen can act as the master regulator of the relative sensitivity of the cytochrome c oxidase and sGC signalling pathways to NO. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the interplay between NO and oxygen in both physiology and the pathology of diseases associated with hypoxia.

Novel interactions of mitochondria and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species in alcohol mediated liver disease.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is known to be a contributing factor to a number of diseases including chronic alcohol induced liver injury. While there is a detailed understanding of the metabolic pathways and proteins of the liver mitochondrion, little is known regarding how changes in the mitochondrial proteome may contribute to the development of hepatic pathologies. Emerging evidence indicates that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species disrupt mitochondrial function through post-translational modifications to the mitochondrial proteome. Indeed, various new affinity labeling reagents are available to test the hypothesis that post-translational modification of proteins by reactive species contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction and alcoholic fatty liver disease. Specialized proteomic techniques are also now available, which allow for identification of defects in the assembly of multi-protein complexes in mitochondria and the resolution of the highly hydrophobic proteins of the inner membrane. In this review knowledge gained from the study of changes to the mitochondrial proteome in alcoholic hepatotoxicity will be described and placed into a mechanistic framework to increase understanding of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in liver disease.

Induction of the permeability transition and cytochrome c release by 15-deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 in mitochondria.

The electrophilic lipid 15-deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) is known to allow adaptation to oxidative stress in cells at low concentrations and apoptosis at high levels. The mechanisms leading to adaptation involve the covalent modification of regulatory proteins, such as Keap1, and augmentation of antioxidant defences in the cell. The targets leading to apoptosis are less well defined, but mitochondria have been indirectly implicated in the mechanisms of cell death mediated by electrophilic lipids. To determine the potential of electrophilic cyclopentenones to induce pro-apoptotic effects in the mitochondrion, we used isolated liver mitochondria and demonstrated that 15d-PGJ2 promotes Ca2+-induced mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c release. The mechanisms involved are consistent with direct modification of protein thiols in the mitochondrion, rather than secondary formation of reactive oxygen species or lipid peroxidation. Using proteomic analysis in combination with biotinylated 15d-PGJ2, we were able to identify 17 potential targets of the electrophile-responsive proteome in isolated liver mitochondria. Taken together, these results suggest that electrophilic lipid oxidation products can target a sub-proteome in mitochondria, and this in turn results in the transduction of the electrophilic stimulus to the cell through cytochrome c release.