Extracellular calcium depletion transiently elevates oxygen consumption in neurosecretory PC12 cells through activation of mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchange.

Fluctuating extracellular Ca2+ regulates many aspects of neuronal (patho)physiology including cell metabolism and respiration. Using fluorescence-based intracellular oxygen sensing technique, we demonstrate that depletion of extracellular Ca2+ from 1.8 to < or = 0.6 mM by chelation with EGTA induces a marked spike in O2 consumption in differentiated PC12 cells. This respiratory response is associated with the reduction in cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+, minor depolarization on the mitochondrial membrane, moderate depolarization of plasma membrane, and no changes in NAD(P)H and ATP. The response is linked to the influx of extracellular Na+ and the subsequent activation of mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ and Na+/H+ exchange. The mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger ((m)NCX) activated by Na+ influx reduces Ca2+ and increases Na+ levels in the mitochondrial matrix. The excess of Na+ activates the mitochondrial Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) increasing the outward pumping of protons, electron transport and O2 consumption. Reduction in extracellular Na+ and inhibition of Na+ influx through the receptor operated calcium channels and plasmalemmal NHE reduce the respiratory response. Inhibition of the (m)NCX, L-type voltage gated Ca2+ channels or the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum also reduces the respiratory spike, indicating that unimpaired intercompartmental Ca2+ exchange is critical for response development.

Structural basis for phototoxicity of the genetically encoded photosensitizer KillerRed.

KillerRed is the only known fluorescent protein that demonstrates notable phototoxicity, exceeding that of the other green and red fluorescent proteins by at least 1,000-fold. KillerRed could serve as an instrument to inactivate target proteins or to kill cell populations in photodynamic therapy. However, the nature of KillerRed phototoxicity has remained unclear, impeding the development of more phototoxic variants. Here we present the results of a high resolution crystallographic study of KillerRed in the active fluorescent and in the photobleached non-fluorescent states. A unique and striking feature of the structure is a water-filled channel reaching the chromophore area from the end cap of the beta-barrel that is probably one of the key structural features responsible for phototoxicity. A study of the structure-function relationship of KillerRed, supported by structure-based, site-directed mutagenesis, has also revealed the key residues most likely responsible for the phototoxic effect. In particular, Glu(68) and Ser(119), located adjacent to the chromophore, have been assigned as the primary trigger of the reaction chain.