Glutamine oxidation maintains the TCA cycle and cell survival during impaired mitochondrial pyruvate transport.

Alternative modes of metabolism enable cells to resist metabolic stress. Inhibiting these compensatory pathways may produce synthetic lethality. We previously demonstrated that glucose deprivation stimulated a pathway in which acetyl-CoA was formed from glutamine downstream of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). Here we show that import of pyruvate into the mitochondria suppresses GDH and glutamine-dependent acetyl-CoA formation. Inhibiting the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) activates GDH and reroutes glutamine metabolism to generate both oxaloacetate and acetyl-CoA, enabling persistent tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle function. Pharmacological blockade of GDH elicited largely cytostatic effects in culture, but these effects became cytotoxic when combined with MPC inhibition. Concomitant administration of MPC and GDH inhibitors significantly impaired tumor growth compared to either inhibitor used as a single agent. Together, the data define a mechanism to induce glutaminolysis and uncover a survival pathway engaged during compromised supply of pyruvate to the mitochondria.

Different mtDNA mutations modify tumor progression in dependence of the degree of respiratory complex I impairment.

Mitochondrial DNA mutations are currently investigated as modifying factors impinging on tumor growth and aggressiveness, having been found in virtually all cancer types and most commonly affecting genes encoding mitochondrial complex I (CI) subunits. However, it is still unclear whether they exert a pro- or anti-tumorigenic effect. We here analyzed the impact of three homoplasmic mtDNA mutations (m.3460G>A/MT-ND1, m.3571insC/MT-ND1 and m.3243A>G/MT-TL1) on osteosarcoma progression, chosen since they induce different degrees of oxidative phosphorylation impairment. In fact, the m.3460G>A/MT-ND1 mutation caused only a reduction in CI activity, whereas the m.3571insC/MT-ND1 and the m.3243A>G/MT-TL1 mutations induced a severe structural and functional CI alteration. As a consequence, this severe CI dysfunction determined an energetic defect associated with a compensatory increase in glycolytic metabolism and AMP-activated protein kinase activation. Osteosarcoma cells carrying such marked CI impairment displayed a reduced tumorigenic potential both in vitro and in vivo, when compared with cells with mild CI dysfunction, suggesting that mtDNA mutations may display diverse impact on tumorigenic potential depending on the type and severity of the resulting oxidative phosphorylation dysfunction. The modulation of tumor growth was independent from reactive oxygen species production but correlated with hypoxia-inducible factor 1α stabilization, indicating that structural and functional integrity of CI and oxidative phosphorylation are required for hypoxic adaptation and tumor progression.

The cytochrome b p.278Y>C mutation causative of a multisystem disorder enhances superoxide production and alters supramolecular interactions of respiratory chain complexes.

Cytochrome b is the only mtDNA-encoded subunit of the mitochondrial complex III (CIII), the functional bottleneck of the respiratory chain. Previously, the human cytochrome b missense mutation m.15579A>G, which substitutes the Tyr 278 with Cys (p.278Y>C), was identified in a patient with severe exercise intolerance and multisystem manifestations. In this study, we characterized the biochemical properties of cybrids carrying this mutation and report that the homoplasmic p.278Y>C mutation caused a dramatic reduction in the CIII activity and in CIII-driven mitochondrial ATP synthesis. However, the CI, CI + CIII and CII + CIII activities and the rate of ATP synthesis driven by the CI or CII substrate were only partially reduced or unaffected. Consistent with these findings, mutated cybrids maintained the mitochondrial membrane potential in the presence of oligomycin, indicating that it originated from the respiratory electron transport chain. The p.278Y>C mutation enhanced superoxide production, as indicated by direct measurements in mitochondria and by the imbalance of glutathione homeostasis in intact cybrids. Remarkably, although the assembly of CI or CIII was not affected, the examination of respiratory supercomplexes revealed that the amounts of CIII dimer and III2IV1 were reduced, whereas those of I1III2IVn slightly increased. We therefore suggest that the deleterious effects of p.278Y>C mutation on cytochrome b are palliated when CIII is assembled into the supercomplexes I1III2IVn, in contrast to when it is found alone. These findings underline the importance of supramolecular interactions between complexes for maintaining a basal respiratory chain activity and shed light to the molecular basis of disease manifestations associated with this mutation.

Cybrid studies establish the causal link between the mtDNA m.3890G>A/MT-ND1 mutation and optic atrophy with bilateral brainstem lesions.

Complex I (CI) deficiency is a frequent cause of mitochondrial disorders and, in most cases, is due to mutations in CI subunit genes encoded by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). In this study, we establish the pathogenic role of the heteroplasmic mtDNA m.3890G>A/MT-ND1 (p.R195Q) mutation, which affects an extremely conserved amino acid position in ND1 subunit of CI. This mutation was found in a young-adult male with optic atrophy resembling Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and bilateral brainstem lesions. The only previously reported case with this mutation was a girl with fatal infantile Leigh syndrome with bilateral brainstem lesions. Transfer of the mutant mtDNA in the cybrid cell system resulted in a marked reduction of CI activity and CI-dependent ATP synthesis in the presence of a normally assembled enzyme. These findings establish the pathogenicity of the m.3890G>A/MT-ND1 mutation and remark the link between CI mutations affecting the mtDNA-encoded ND subunits and LHON-like optic atrophy, which may be complicated by bilateral and symmetric lesions affecting the central nervous system. Peculiar to this mutation is the distribution of the brainstem lesions, with sparing of the striatum in both patients.

Mitochondrial complex III stabilizes complex I in the absence of NDUFS4 to provide partial activity.

Mitochondrial complex I (CI) is a multi-subunit enzyme that forms the major entry point of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) electrons into the respiratory chain. Mutations in the NDUFS4 gene, encoding an accessory subunit of this complex, cause a Leigh-like phenotype in humans. To study the nature and penetrance of the CI defect in different tissues, we investigated the role of NDUFS4 in mice with fatal mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, caused by a systemic inactivation of the Ndufs4 gene. We report that the absence of NDUFS4 in different mouse tissues results in decreased activity and stability of CI. This CI instability leads to an increased disconnection of electron influx of the NADH dehydrogenase module from the holo-complex. However, the formation of respiratory supercomplexes still allows formation of active CI in these Ndufs4 knock-out mice. These results reveal the importance of these supramolecular interactions not only for stabilization but also for the assembly of CI, which becomes especially relevant in pathological conditions.

Electrophoresis techniques to investigate defects in oxidative phosphorylation.

Defects in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) are a frequent cause of severe inherited metabolic disorders and also contribute to aging. The OXPHOS system constitutes five multi-subunit complexes embedded in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Correct function of this system requires proper assembly of the approximately 80 proteins in the complexes, as well as numerous assembly factors. Blue native electrophoresis has become a crucial tool to investigate OXPHOS-related defects in mitochondrial disease patients. In addition, OXPHOS-assembly profiles can be obtained by two dimensional blue native/SDS gel electrophoresis, which provides additional information for identifying disease-causing mutations and insight in the role of specific proteins in the biogenesis of the OXPHOS system. Here we provide a practical guide on how to set-up the basic technique to study OXPHOS defects in patient-derived cells and tissues.

A unique combination of rare mitochondrial ribosomal RNA variants affects the kinetics of complex I assembly.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in respiratory complexes subunits contribute to a large spectrum of human diseases. Nonetheless, ribosomal RNA variants remain largely under-investigated from a functional point of view. We here report a unique combination of two rare mitochondrial rRNA variants detected by serendipity in a subject with chronic granulomatous disease and never reported to co-occur within the same mitochondrial haplotype. In silico prediction of the mitochondrial ribosomal structure showed a dramatic rearrangement of the rRNA secondary structure. Functional investigation of cybrids carrying this unique haplotype demonstrated that the co-occurrence of the two rRNA variants determines a slow-down of the mitochondrial protein synthesis, especially in cells with an elevated metabolic rate, which impairs the assembly kinetics of Complex I, induces a bioenergetic defect and stimulates reactive oxygen species production. In conclusion, our results point to a sub-pathogenic role for these two rare mitochondrial rRNA variants, when found in the unique combination here reported in a single individual.

Analysis of the mitochondrial proteome of cybrid cells harbouring a truncative mitochondrial DNA mutation in respiratory complex I.

Transmitochondrial cytoplasmic hybrids (cybrids) are well established model systems to reveal the effects of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations on cell metabolism excluding the interferences of a different nuclear background. The m.3571insC mutation in the MTND1 gene of respiratory complex I (CI) is commonly detected in oncocytic tumors, in which it causes a severe CI dysfunction leading to an energetic impairment when present above 83% mutant load. To assess whether the energetic deficit may alter the mitochondrial proteome, OS-78 and OS-93 cybrid cell lines bearing two different degrees of the m.3571insC mutation (78% and 92.8%, respectively) and control cybrids bearing wild-type mtDNA (CC) were analyzed. Two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry revealed significant alterations only in cybrids above the threshold (OS-93). All differentially expressed proteins are decreased. In particular, the levels of the pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 chain B subunit (E1ß), of lipoamide dehydrogenase (E3), the enzyme component of pyruvate and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complexes, and of lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) were reduced. Moreover, a significant decrease of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex activity was found when OS-93 cybrid cells were grown in galactose medium, a metabolic condition that forces cells to use respiration. These results demonstrate that the energetic impairment caused by the almost homoplasmic m.3571insC mutation perturbs cellular metabolism leading to a decreased steady state level of components of very important mitochondrial NAD-dependent dehydrogenases.

Complex I impairment in mitochondrial diseases and cancer: parallel roads leading to different outcomes.

Respiratory chain complex I (CI) dysfunctions have been recognized as one of the most frequent causes of mitochondrial neuro-muscular disorders. Moreover, latest reports reveal that CI impairment is a major contributing factor in many other pathological processes, including cancer. In fact, energy depletion, oxidative stress and metabolites unbalance are frequently associated with CI functional and structural alterations. The occurrence of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations is a shared feature in neuro-muscular diseases and cancer; however, the two diverging phenotypes arise depending on the mutation type (disassembling versus non-disassembling mutations), the mutant load and the cytotype. In this review, we unify our knowledge on CI impairment caused by mutations in structural CI genes and assembly chaperones, both in mitochondrial disorders and cancer, stratifying such mutations based on their functional versus structural effects. We summarize shared and specific metabolic consequences of CI dysfunction in these pathologies, which allow us to draw two parallel roads that lead to different clinical outcomes. This article is part of a Directed Issue entitled: Bioenergetic dysfunction, adaptation and therapy.

Genome-wide expression profiling and functional characterization of SCA28 lymphoblastoid cell lines reveal impairment in cell growth and activation of apoptotic pathways.

BACKGROUND: SCA28 is an autosomal dominant ataxia associated with AFG3L2 gene mutations. We performed a whole genome expression profiling using lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from four SCA28 patients and six unrelated healthy controls matched for sex and age. METHODS: Gene expression was evaluated with the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Genome U133A 2.0 Arrays and data were validated by real-time PCR. RESULTS: We found 66 genes whose expression was statistically different in SCA28 LCLs, 35 of which were up-regulated and 31 down-regulated. The differentially expressed genes were clustered in five functional categories: (1) regulation of cell proliferation; (2) regulation of programmed cell death; (3) response to oxidative stress; (4) cell adhesion, and (5) chemical homeostasis. To validate these data, we performed functional experiments that proved an impaired SCA28 LCLs growth compared to controls (p < 0.005), an increased number of cells in the G0/G1 phase (p < 0.001), and an increased mortality because of apoptosis (p < 0.05). We also showed that respiratory chain activity and reactive oxygen species levels was not altered, although lipid peroxidation in SCA28 LCLs was increased in basal conditions (p < 0.05). We did not detect mitochondrial DNA large deletions. An increase of TFAM, a crucial protein for mtDNA maintenance, and of DRP1, a key regulator of mitochondrial dynamic mechanism, suggested an alteration of fission/fusion pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Whole genome expression profiling, performed on SCA28 LCLs, allowed us to identify five altered functional categories that characterize the SCA28 LCLs phenotype, the first reported in human cells to our knowledge.

Respiratory complex I is essential to induce a Warburg profile in mitochondria-defective tumor cells.

BACKGROUND: Aerobic glycolysis, namely the Warburg effect, is the main hallmark of cancer cells. Mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction has been proposed to be one of the major causes for such glycolytic shift. This hypothesis has been revisited as tumors appear to undergo waves of gene regulation during progression, some of which rely on functional mitochondria. In this framework, the role of mitochondrial complex I is still debated, in particular with respect to the effect of mitochondrial DNA mutations in cancer metabolism. The aim of this work is to provide the proof of concept that functional complex I is necessary to sustain tumor progression. METHODS: Complex I-null osteosarcoma cells were complemented with allotopically expressed complex I subunit 1 (MT-ND1). Complex I re-assembly and function recovery, also in terms of NADH consumption, were assessed. Clones were tested for their ability to grow in soft agar and to generate tumor masses in nude mice. Hypoxia levels were evaluated via pimonidazole staining and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) immunoblotting and histochemical staining. 454-pyrosequencing was implemented to obtain global transcriptomic profiling of allotopic and non-allotopic xenografts. RESULTS: Complementation of a truncative mutation in the gene encoding MT-ND1, showed that a functional enzyme was required to perform the glycolytic shift during the hypoxia response and to induce a Warburg profile in vitro and in vivo, fostering cancer progression. Such trigger was mediated by HIF-1α, whose stabilization was regulated after recovery of the balance between α-ketoglutarate and succinate due to a recuperation of NADH consumption that followed complex I rescue. CONCLUSION: Respiratory complex I is essential for the induction of Warburg effect and adaptation to hypoxia of cancer cells, allowing them to sustain tumor growth. Differently from other mitochondrial tumor suppressor genes, therefore, a complex I severe mutation such as the one here reported may confer anti-tumorigenic properties, highlighting the prognostic values of such genetic markers in cancer.

New mitochondrial tRNA HIS mutation in a family with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS).

We report a new mutation in m.12146 A>G in the mt-tRNA(His) in a family with a remarkable clinical history having different degrees of lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes. Biochemical measurements of a muscle biopsy established an isolated complex IV deficiency, while similar analysis of fibroblasts showed a combined complex I,III and IV deficiency. Transmitochondrial cybrid analysis proved that this tRNA(His) mutation causes the enzymatic deficiency. This family illustrates the complexity of the clinical, biochemical and genetic characteristics of a novel mtDNA encoded disorder, as well as the challenge to prove its pathogenicity.

NOA1 is an essential GTPase required for mitochondrial protein synthesis.

Nitric oxide associated-1 (NOA1) is an evolutionarily conserved guanosine triphosphate (GTP) binding protein that localizes predominantly to mitochondria in mammalian cells. On the basis of bioinformatic analysis, we predicted its possible involvement in ribosomal biogenesis, although this had not been supported by any experimental evidence. Here we determine NOA1 function through generation of knockout mice and in vitro assays. NOA1-deficient mice exhibit midgestation lethality associated with a severe developmental defect of the embryo and trophoblast. Primary embryonic fibroblasts isolated from NOA1 knockout embryos show deficient mitochondrial protein synthesis and a global defect of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Additionally, Noa1⁻/⁻ cells are impaired in staurosporine-induced apoptosis. The analysis of mitochondrial ribosomal subunits from Noa1⁻/⁻ cells by sucrose gradient centrifugation and Western blotting showed anomalous sedimentation, consistent with a defect in mitochondrial ribosome assembly. Furthermore, in vitro experiments revealed that intrinsic NOA1 GTPase activity was stimulated by bacterial ribosomal constituents. Taken together, our data show that NOA1 is required for mitochondrial protein synthesis, likely due to its yet unidentified role in mitoribosomal biogenesis. Thus, NOA1 is required for such basal mitochondrial functions as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and apoptosis.

Random point mutations with major effects on protein-coding genes are the driving force behind premature aging in mtDNA mutator mice.

The mtDNA mutator mice have high levels of point mutations and linear deletions of mtDNA causing a progressive respiratory chain dysfunction and a premature aging phenotype. We have now performed molecular analyses to determine the mechanism whereby these mtDNA mutations impair respiratory chain function. We report that mitochondrial protein synthesis is unimpaired in mtDNA mutator mice consistent with the observed minor alterations of steady-state levels of mitochondrial transcripts. These findings refute recent claims that circular mtDNA molecules with large deletions are driving the premature aging phenotype. We further show that the stability of several respiratory chain complexes is severely impaired despite normal synthesis of the corresponding mtDNA-encoded subunits. Our findings reveal a mechanism for induction of aging phenotypes by demonstrating a causative role for amino acid substitutions in mtDNA-encoded respiratory chain subunits, which, in turn, leads to decreased stability of the respiratory chain complexes and respiratory chain deficiency.