Identification of a muscle-specific isoform of VMA21 as a potent actor in X-linked myopathy with excessive autophagy pathogenesis.

Defective lysosomal acidification is responsible for a large range of multi-systemic disorders associated with impaired autophagy. Diseases caused by mutations in the VMA21 gene stand as exceptions, specifically affecting skeletal muscle (X-linked Myopathy with Excessive Autophagy, XMEA) or liver (Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation). VMA21 chaperones vacuolar (v-) ATPase assembly, which is ubiquitously required for proper lysosomal acidification. The reason VMA21 deficiencies affect specific, but divergent tissues remains unknown. Here, we show that VMA21 encodes a yet-unreported long protein isoform, in addition to the previously described short isoform, which we name VMA21-120 and VMA21-101, respectively. In contrast to the ubiquitous pattern of VMA21-101, VMA21-120 was predominantly expressed in skeletal muscle, and rapidly up-regulated upon differentiation of mouse and human muscle precursors. Accordingly, VMA21-120 accumulated during development, regeneration and denervation of mouse skeletal muscle. In contrast, neither induction nor blockade of autophagy, in vitro and in vivo, strongly affected VMA21 isoform expression. Interestingly, VMA21-101 and VMA21-120 both localized to the sarcoplasmic reticulum of muscle cells, and interacted with the v-ATPase. While VMA21 deficiency impairs autophagy, VMA21-101 or VMA21-120 overexpression had limited impact on autophagic flux in muscle cells. Importantly, XMEA-associated mutations lead to both VMA21-101 deficiency and loss of VMA21-120 expression. These results provide important insights into the clinical diversity of VMA21-related diseases and uncover a muscle-specific VMA21 isoform that potently contributes to XMEA pathogenesis.

Punicalagin Targets Atherosclerosis: Gene Expression Profiling of THP-1 Macrophages Treated with Punicalagin and Molecular Docking.

Atherosclerosis is an important cause of cardiovascular disorders worldwide. Natural botanical drugs have attracted attention due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherogenic properties in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Punicalagin is the major bioactive component of pomegranate peel, and has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti proliferation, and anticancer properties. To explore its antiatherogenic properties at a molecular level, we investigated the genome-wide expression changes that occur in differentiated THP1 cells following treatment with a non-toxic dose of punicalagin. We also conducted a molecular docking simulation study to identify the molecular targets of punicalagin.

Thymoquinone (TQ) Inhibits Inflammation and Migration of THP-1 Macrophages: Mechanistic Insights into the Prevention of Atherosclerosis Using In-Vitro and In-Silico Analysis.

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease mediated by interferon (IFN-γ) in concert with cell adhesion molecules and chemokines. Thymoquinone (TQ), a flavonoid derived from Nigella sativa, is reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardiovascular protective properties. We evaluated the effects of TQ on the key pathogenic stages of atherosclerosis, including cell viability, inflammatory gene expression, cell migration, and cholesterol efflux, on human THP-1 macrophages in-vitro. Moreover, in-silico analysis was performed to predict the molecular targets and signaling mechanisms. We demonstrated that TQ treatment had no effect on cell viability and decreased the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) in response to IFN-γ. In addition, we have also demonstrated that the THP-1 cell migration was inhibited by TQ in the absence or presence of MCP-1. Thymoquinone had no effect on cholesterol efflux from monocytes. In-silico analysis also identified several putative targets for TQ that are associated with inflammatory diseases and associated signaling pathways. Collectively, these results suggest that TQ has anti-inflammatory effects and may be a potential nutraceutical candidate for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Citrinin induces apoptosis in human HCT116 colon cancer cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress.

The mycotoxin citrinin (CTN) is a natural contaminant of various human foods that may produce serious adverse health problems. Several studies demonstrated that citrinin exerts cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in both in vivo and in vitro systems. However, the precise mechanisms of action (MOA), particularly in intestinal cells remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the precise MOA of citrinin in vitro. Data demonstrated that CTN significantly decreased the number of viable human intestinal HCT116 cells and induced apoptotic events including (1) decrease in ΔÑ°m indicative of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, (2) activation of caspase 3, (3) elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and (4) relative persistence of plasma membrane integrity. Further, the genetic deficiency of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax protected cells against CTN-induced apoptosis, indicating that Bax is required for CTN-mediated toxicity. It was also found that CTN triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activated different arms of the unfolded protein response (UPR) as demonstrated by increase in expression of GRP78 (glucose-regulated protein-78), GRP94 (glucose-regulated protein-94), GADD34 (growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein-34), the protein disulfide isomerase associated 6 (PDIA6), CHOP (C/EBP-homologous protein) and the splicing of XBP1 (X-Box Binding Protein 1). Pretreatment of cells with the chemical chaperone 4-phenylbutyrate (PBA), known to alleviate ER stress, prevented significantly the apoptotic process triggered by CTN. Taken together, these results suggest that CTN exerts its cytotoxic effects in HCT116 cells by inducing apoptosis, at least in part, through induction of ER stress.

Hypothalamic AgRP-neurons control peripheral substrate utilization and nutrient partitioning.

Obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and dyslipidemia result from metabolic alterations including the defective conversion, storage and utilization of nutrients, but the central mechanisms that regulate this process of nutrient partitioning remain elusive. As positive regulators of feeding behaviour, agouti-related protein (AgRP) producing neurons are indispensible for the hypothalamic integration of energy balance. Here, we demonstrate a role for AgRP-neurons in the control of nutrient partitioning. We report that ablation of AgRP-neurons leads to a change in autonomic output onto liver, muscle and pancreas affecting the relative balance between lipids and carbohydrates metabolism. As a consequence, mice lacking AgRP-neurons become obese and hyperinsulinemic on regular chow but display reduced body weight gain and paradoxical improvement in glucose tolerance on high-fat diet. These results provide a direct demonstration of a role for AgRP-neurons in the coordination of efferent organ activity and nutrient partitioning, providing a mechanistic link between obesity and obesity-related disorders.

Crocin and quercetin prevent PAT-induced apoptosis in mammalian cells: Involvement of ROS-mediated ER stress pathway.

Patulin (PAT) is a secondary metabolite produced by several species of the genera of Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Byssochlamys that can be found in rotting fruits, especially in apples and apple-based products. Exposure to this mycotoxin has been reported to induce intestinal and kidney injuries. The mechanism underlying such toxicity has been linked to the induction of apoptosis which occurred with reactive oxygen species production and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induction. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the two common dietary compounds Quercetin (QUER), a natural flavonoid, and Crocin (CRO), a natural carotenoid, on PAT-induced toxicity in human colon carcinoma (HCT116) and embryonic kidney cells (HEK293). We showed that antioxidant properties of QUER and CRO help to prevent ER stress activation and lipid peroxidation as evidenced by the reduction in GRP78 and GADD34 expressions and the decrease in malondialdehyde production. Furthermore, we demonstrated their ability to re-establish the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential to inhibit caspase 3 activation and DNA fragmentation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1851-1858, 2016.

Hsp90 inhibition by PU-H71 induces apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial pathway in cancer cells and overcomes the resistance conferred by Bcl-2.

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) has recently emerged as an attractive therapeutic target in cancer treatment because of its role in stabilizing the active form of a wide range of client oncoproteins. This study investigated the mechanism of apoptosis induced by the purine-scaffold Hsp90 inhibitor PU-H71 in different human cancer cell lines and examined the role of Bcl-2 and Bax in this process. We demonstrated that Hsp90 inhibition by PU-H71 generated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activated the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) as evidenced by XBP1 mRNA splicing and up-regulation of Grp94, Grp78, ATF4 and CHOP. In response to PU-H71-induced ER stress, apoptosis was triggered in melanoma, cervix, colon, liver and lung cancer cells, but not in normal human fibroblasts. Apoptosis was executed through the mitochondrial pathway as shown by down-regulation of Bcl-2, up-regulation and activation of Bax, permeabilization of mitochondrial membranes, release of cytochrome c and activation of caspases. We also found that, in contrast to the ER stressor thapsigargin, PU-H71 induced apoptosis in cells overexpressing Bcl-2 and thus overcame the resistance conferred by this anti-apoptotic protein. In addition, although Bax deficiency rendered cells resistant to PU-H71, combined treatment with the anticancer drugs cisplatin or melphalan greatly sensitized these cells to PU-H71. Taken together, these data suggest that inhibition of Hsp90 by PU-H71 is a promising strategy for cancer treatment, particularly in the case of tumors resistant to conventional chemotherapy.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Promotes the Expansion of Human Myoblasts and Favors the In Vitro Generation of Human Muscle Reserve Cells in a Deeper State of Quiescence.

Stem cell therapy holds significant potential for skeletal muscle repair, with in vitro-generated human muscle reserve cells (MuRCs) emerging as a source of quiescent myogenic stem cells that can be injected to enhance muscle regeneration. However, the clinical translation of such therapies is hampered by the need for fetal bovine serum (FBS) during the in vitro generation of human MuRCs. This study aimed to determine whether fresh allogeneic human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined or not with hyaluronic acid (PRP-HA) could effectively replace xenogeneic FBS for the ex vivo expansion and differentiation of human primary myoblasts. Cells were cultured in media supplemented with either PRP or PRP-HA and their proliferation rate, cytotoxicity and myogenic differentiation potential were compared with those cultured in media supplemented with FBS. The results showed similar proliferation rates among human myoblasts cultured in PRP, PRP-HA or FBS supplemented media, with no cytotoxic effects. Human myoblasts cultured in PRP or PRP-HA showed reduced fusion ability upon differentiation. Nevertheless, we also observed that human MuRCs generated from PRP or PRP-HA myogenic cultures, exhibited increased Pax7 expression and delayed re-entry into the cell cycle upon reactivation, indicating a deeper quiescent state of human MuRCs. These results suggest that allogeneic human PRP effectively replaces FBS for the ex vivo expansion and differentiation of human myoblasts and favors the in vitro generation of Pax7High human MuRCs, with important implications for the advancement of stem cell-based muscle repair strategies.

PINK1 deficiency alters muscle stem cell fate decision and muscle regenerative capacity.

Maintenance of mitochondrial function plays a crucial role in the regulation of muscle stem cell (MuSC), but the underlying mechanisms remain ill defined. In this study, we monitored mitophagy in MuSCS under various myogenic states and examined the role of PINK1 in maintaining regenerative capacity. Results indicate that quiescent MuSCs actively express mitophagy genes and exhibit a measurable mitophagy flux and prominent mitochondrial localization to autophagolysosomes, which become rapidly decreased during activation. Genetic disruption of Pink1 in mice reduces PARKIN recruitment to mitochondria and mitophagy in quiescent MuSCs, which is accompanied by premature activation/commitment at the expense of self-renewal and progressive loss of muscle regeneration, but unhindered proliferation and differentiation capacity. Results also show that impaired fate decisions in PINK1-deficient MuSCs can be restored by scavenging excess mitochondrial ROS. These data shed light on the regulation of mitophagy in MuSCs and position PINK1 as an important regulator of their mitochondrial properties and fate decisions.

Cardiolipin deficiency disrupts CoQ redox state and induces steatohepatitis.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a progressive disorder marked by lipid accumulation, leading to steatohepatitis (MASH). A key feature of the transition to MASH involves oxidative stress resulting from defects in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Here, we show that pathological alterations in the lipid composition of the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) directly instigate electron transfer inefficiency to promote oxidative stress. Specifically, cardiolipin (CL) was downregulated across four mouse models of MASLD. Hepatocyte-specific CL synthase knockout (CLS-LKO) led to spontaneous MASH with elevated mitochondrial electron leak. Loss of CL interfered with the ability of coenzyme Q (CoQ) to transfer electrons, promoting leak primarily at sites IIF and IIIQ0. Data from human liver biopsies revealed a highly robust correlation between mitochondrial CL and CoQ, co-downregulated with MASH. Thus, reduction in mitochondrial CL promotes oxidative stress and contributes to pathogenesis of MASH.

Hacd2 deficiency in mice leads to an early and lethal mitochondrial disease.

OBJECTIVE: Mitochondria fuel most animal cells with ATP, ensuring proper energetic metabolism of organs. Early and extensive mitochondrial dysfunction often leads to severe disorders through multiorgan failure. Hacd2 gene encodes an enzyme involved in very long chain fatty acid (C ≥ 18) synthesis, yet its roles in vivo remain poorly understood. Since mitochondria function relies on specific properties of their membranes conferred by a particular phospholipid composition, we investigated if Hacd2 gene participates to mitochondrial integrity. METHODS: We generated two mouse models, the first one leading to a partial knockdown of Hacd2 expression and the second one, to a complete knockout of Hacd2 expression. We performed an in-depth analysis of the associated phenotypes, from whole organism to molecular scale. RESULTS: Thanks to these models, we show that Hacd2 displays an early and broad expression, and that its deficiency in mice is lethal. Specifically, partial knockdown of Hacd2 expression leads to death within one to four weeks after birth, from a sudden growth arrest followed by cachexia and lethargy. The total knockout of Hacd2 is even more severe, characterized by embryonic lethality around E9.5 following developmental arrest and pronounced cardiovascular malformations. In-depth mechanistic analysis revealed that Hacd2 deficiency causes altered mitochondrial efficiency and ultrastructure, as well as accumulation of oxidized cardiolipin. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these data indicate that the Hacd2 gene is essential for energetic metabolism during embryonic and postnatal development, acting through the control of proper mitochondrial organization and function.

Muscle creatine kinase deficiency triggers both actin depolymerization and desmin disorganization by advanced glycation end products in dilated cardiomyopathy.

Alterations in the balance of cytoskeleton as well as energetic proteins are involved in the cardiac remodeling occurring in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We used two-dimensional DIGE proteomics as a discovery approach to identify key molecular changes taking place in a temporally controlled model of DCM triggered by cardiomyocyte-specific serum response factor (SRF) knock-out in mice. We identified muscle creatine kinase (MCK) as the primary down-regulated protein followed by α-actin and α-tropomyosin down-regulation leading to a decrease of polymerized F-actin. The early response to these defects was an increase in the amount of desmin intermediate filaments and phosphorylation of the αB-crystallin chaperone. We found that αB-crystallin and desmin progressively lose their striated pattern and accumulate at the intercalated disk and the sarcolemma, respectively. We further show that desmin is a preferential target of advanced glycation end products (AGE) in mouse and human DCM. Inhibition of CK in cultured cardiomyocytes is sufficient to recapitulate both the actin depolymerization defect and the modification of desmin by AGE. Treatment with either cytochalasin D or glyoxal, a cellular AGE, indicated that both actin depolymerization and AGE contribute to desmin disorganization. Heat shock-induced phosphorylation of αB-crystallin provides a transient protection of desmin against glyoxal in a p38 MAPK-dependent manner. Our results show that the strong down-regulation of MCK activity contributes to F-actin instability and induces post-translational modification of αB-crystallin and desmin. Our results suggest that AGE may play an important role in DCM because they alter the organization of desmin filaments that normally support stress response and mitochondrial functions in cardiomyocytes.

Cardiolipin Alterations during Obesity: Exploring Therapeutic Opportunities.

Cardiolipin is a specific phospholipid of the mitochondrial inner membrane that participates in many aspects of its organization and function, hence promoting proper mitochondrial ATP production. Here, we review recent data that have investigated alterations of cardiolipin in different tissues in the context of obesity and the related metabolic syndrome. Data relating perturbations of cardiolipin content or composition are accumulating and suggest their involvement in mitochondrial dysfunction in tissues from obese patients. Conversely, cardiolipin modulation is a promising field of investigation in a search for strategies for obesity management. Several ways to restore cardiolipin content, composition or integrity are emerging and may contribute to the improvement of mitochondrial function in tissues facing excessive fat storage. Inversely, reduction of mitochondrial efficiency in a controlled way may increase energy expenditure and help fight against obesity and in this perspective, several options aim at targeting cardiolipin to achieve a mild reduction of mitochondrial coupling. Far from being just a victim of the deleterious consequences of obesity, cardiolipin may ultimately prove to be a possible weapon to fight against obesity in the future.

Isolation and Phospholipid Enrichment of Muscle Mitochondria and Mitoplasts.

The efficient ATP production in mitochondria relies on the highly specific organization of its double membrane. Notably, the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) displays a massive surface extension through its folding into cristae, along which concentrate respiratory complexes and oligomers of the ATP synthase. Evidence has accumulated to highlight the importance of a specific phospholipid composition of the IMM to support mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Contribution of specific phospholipids to mitochondrial ATP production is classically studied by modulating the activity of enzymes involved in their synthesis, but the interconnection of phospholipid synthesis pathways often impedes the determination of the precise role of each phospholipid. Here, we describe a protocol to specifically enrich mitochondrial membranes with cardiolipin or phosphatidylcholine, as well as a fluorescence-based method to quantify phospholipid enrichment. This method, based on the fusion of lipid vesicles with isolated mitochondria, may further allow a precise evaluation of phospholipid contribution to mitochondrial functions.

Endurance Is Improved in Female Rats After Living High-Training High Despite Alterations in Skeletal Muscle.

Altitude camps are used during the preparation of endurance athletes to improve performance based on the stimulation of erythropoiesis by living at high altitude. In addition to such whole-body adaptations, studies have suggested that high-altitude training increases mitochondrial mass, but this has been challenged by later studies. Here, we hypothesized that living and training at high altitude (LHTH) improves mitochondrial efficiency and/or substrate utilization. Female rats were exposed and trained in hypoxia (simulated 3,200 m) for 5 weeks (LHTH) and compared to sedentary rats living in hypoxia (LH) or normoxia (LL) or those that trained in normoxia (LLTL). Maximal aerobic velocity (MAV) improved with training, independently of hypoxia, whereas the time to exhaustion, performed at 65% of MAV, increased both with training (P = 0.009) and hypoxia (P = 0.015), with an additive effect of the two conditions. The distance run was 7.98 ± 0.57 km in LHTH vs. 6.94 ± 0.51 in LLTL (+15%, ns). The hematocrit increased >20% with hypoxia (P < 0.001). The increases in mitochondrial mass and maximal oxidative capacity with endurance training were blunted by combination with hypoxia (-30% for citrate synthase, P < 0.01, and -23% for Vmax glut-succ, P < 0.001 between LHTH and LLTL). A similar reduction between the LHTH and LLTL groups was found for maximal respiration with pyruvate (-29%, P < 0.001), for acceptor-control ratio (-36%, hypoxia effect, P < 0.001), and for creatine kinase efficiency (-48%, P < 0.01). 3-hydroxyl acyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase was not altered by hypoxia, whereas maximal respiration with Palmitoyl-CoA specifically decreased. Overall, our results show that mitochondrial adaptations are not involved in the improvement of submaximal aerobic performance after LHTH, suggesting that the benefits of altitude camps in females relies essentially on other factors, such as the transitory elevation of hematocrit, and should be planned a few weeks before competition and not several months.

Platelets Facilitate the Wound-Healing Capability of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Mitochondrial Transfer and Metabolic Reprogramming.

Platelets are known to enhance the wound-healing activity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the mechanism by which platelets improve the therapeutic potential of MSCs has not been elucidated. Here, we provide evidence that, upon their activation, platelets transfer respiratory-competent mitochondria to MSCs primarily via dynamin-dependent clathrin-mediated endocytosis. We found that this process enhances the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs following their engraftment in several mouse models of tissue injury, including full-thickness cutaneous wound and dystrophic skeletal muscle. By combining in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrate that platelet-derived mitochondria promote the pro-angiogenic activity of MSCs via their metabolic remodeling. Notably, we show that activation of the de novo fatty acid synthesis pathway is required for increased secretion of pro-angiogenic factors by platelet-preconditioned MSCs. These results reveal a new mechanism by which platelets potentiate MSC properties and underline the importance of testing platelet mitochondria quality prior to their clinical use.

Cardiolipin content controls mitochondrial coupling and energetic efficiency in muscle.

Unbalanced energy partitioning participates in the rise of obesity, a major public health concern in many countries. Increasing basal energy expenditure has been proposed as a strategy to fight obesity yet raises efficiency and safety concerns. Here, we show that mice deficient for a muscle-specific enzyme of very-long-chain fatty acid synthesis display increased basal energy expenditure and protection against high-fat diet-induced obesity. Mechanistically, muscle-specific modulation of the very-long-chain fatty acid pathway was associated with a reduced content of the inner mitochondrial membrane phospholipid cardiolipin and a blunted coupling efficiency between the respiratory chain and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) synthase, which was restored by cardiolipin enrichment. Our study reveals that selective increase of lipid oxidative capacities in skeletal muscle, through the cardiolipin-dependent lowering of mitochondrial ATP production, provides an effective option against obesity at the whole-body level.

Punicalagin Regulates Key Processes Associated with Atherosclerosis in THP-1 Cellular Model.

Atherosclerosis may lead to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are the primary cause of death globally. In addition to conventional therapeutics for CVD, use of nutraceuticals that prevents cholesterol deposition, reduce existing plaques and hence anti-atherosclerotic effects of nutraceuticals appeared to be promising. As such, in the present study we evaluated the beneficial effects of punicalagin, a phytochemical against an atherosclerotic cell model in vitro. Cytotoxicity assays were examined for 10 µM concentration of punicalagin on THP-1 macrophages. Real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and Intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) expressions. Monocyte migration and cholesterol efflux assays were performed to investigate punicalagin's further impact on the key steps of atherosclerosis. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated no significant toxicity for punicalagin (10 µM) on THP-1 macrophages. Punicalagin inhibited the IFN-γ-induced overexpression of MCP-1 and ICAM-1 in macrophages by 10 fold and 3.49 fold, respectively, compared to the control. Punicalagin also reduced the MCP-1- mediated migration of monocytes by 28% compared to the control. Percentages of cellular cholesterol efflux were enhanced in presence or absence of IFN-γ by 88% and 84% compared to control with 58 %and 62%, respectively. Punicalagin possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects. Punicalagin also did not exhibit any cytotoxicity and therefore can be considered a safe and potential candidate for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis.

Mitochondrial AIF loss causes metabolic reprogramming, caspase-independent cell death blockade, embryonic lethality, and perinatal hydrocephalus.

OBJECTIVES: Apoptosis-Inducing Factor (AIF) is a protein involved in mitochondrial electron transport chain assembly/stability and programmed cell death. The relevant role of this protein is underlined because mutations altering mitochondrial AIF properties result in acute pediatric mitochondriopathies and tumor metastasis. By generating an original AIF-deficient mouse strain, this study attempted to analyze, in a single paradigm, the cellular and developmental metabolic consequences of AIF loss and the subsequent oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) dysfunction. METHODS: We developed a novel AIF-deficient mouse strain and assessed, using molecular and cell biology approaches, the cellular, embryonic, and adult mice phenotypic alterations. Additionally, we conducted ex vivo assays with primary and immortalized AIF knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) to establish the cell death characteristics and the metabolic adaptive responses provoked by the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) breakdown. RESULTS: AIF deficiency destabilized mitochondrial ETC and provoked supercomplex disorganization, mitochondrial transmembrane potential loss, and high generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). AIF-/Y MEFs counterbalanced these OXPHOS alterations by mitochondrial network reorganization and a metabolic reprogramming toward anaerobic glycolysis illustrated by the AMPK phosphorylation at Thr172, the overexpression of the glucose transporter GLUT-4, the subsequent enhancement of glucose uptake, and the anaerobic lactate generation. A late phenotype was characterized by the activation of P53/P21-mediated senescence. Notably, approximately 2% of AIF-/Y MEFs diminished both mitochondrial mass and ROS levels and spontaneously proliferated. These cycling AIF-/Y MEFs were resistant to caspase-independent cell death inducers. The AIF-deficient mouse strain was embryonic lethal between E11.5 and E13.5 with energy loss, proliferation arrest, and increased apoptotic levels. Contrary to AIF-/Y MEFs, the AIF KO embryos were unable to reprogram their metabolism toward anaerobic glycolysis. Heterozygous AIF+/- females displayed progressive bone marrow, thymus, and spleen cellular loss. In addition, approximately 10% of AIF+/- females developed perinatal hydrocephaly characterized by brain development impairment, meningeal fibrosis, and medullar hemorrhages; those mice died 5 weeks after birth. AIF+/- with hydrocephaly exhibited loss of ciliated epithelium in the ependymal layer. This phenotype was triggered by the ROS excess. Accordingly, it was possible to diminish the occurrence of hydrocephalus AIF+/- females by supplying dams and newborns with an antioxidant in drinking water. CONCLUSIONS: In a single knockout model and at 3 different levels (cell, embryo, and adult mice) we demonstrated that by controlling the mitochondrial OXPHOS/metabolism, AIF is a key factor regulating cell differentiation and fate. Additionally, by providing new insights into the pathological consequences of mitochondrial OXPHOS dysfunction, our new findings pave the way for novel pharmacological strategies.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress induces cardiac dysfunction through architectural modifications and alteration of mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes.

Aims: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has recently emerged as an important mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms by which ER stress leads to cardiac dysfunction remain poorly understood. Methods and results: In this study, we evaluated the early cardiac effects of ER stress induced by tunicamycin (TN) in mice. Echocardiographic analysis indicated that TN-induced ER stress led to a significant impairment of the cardiac function. Electron microscopic observations revealed that ultrastructural changes of cardiomyocytes in response to ER stress manifested extensively at the level of the reticular membrane system. Smooth tubules of sarcoplasmic reticulum in connection with short sections of rough ER were observed. The presence of rough instead of smooth reticulum was increased at the interfibrillar space, at the level of dyads, and in the vicinity of mitochondria. At the transcriptional level, ER stress resulted in a substantial decrease in the expression of the major regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis PGC-1α and of its targets NRF1, Tfam, CS, and COXIV. At the functional level, ER stress also induced an impairment of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, an alteration of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and a metabolic remodelling characterized by a shift from fatty acid to glycolytic substrate consumption. Conclusions: Our findings show that ER stress induces cytoarchitectural and metabolic alterations in cardiomyocytes and provide evidences that ER stress could represent a primary mechanism that contributes to the impairment of energy metabolism reported in most cardiac diseases.