RESUMO
Differently from higher eukaryotic cells, in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae there are two mitochondrial carrier proteins involved in the transport of citrate: Ctp1 and Yhm2. Very little is known about the physiological role of these proteins. Wild-type and mutant yeast strains deleted in CTP1 and YHM2 were grown in media supplemented with a fermentable (glucose) or a nonfermentable (ethanol) carbon source. To assess changes in Ctp1 and Yhm2 mRNA expression levels, real-time PCR was performed after total RNA extraction. In the wild-type strain, the metabolic switch from the exponential to the stationary phase is associated with an increase in the expression level of the two citrate transporters. In addition, the results obtained in the mutant strains suggest that the presence of a single citrate transporter can partially compensate for the absence of the other. Ctp1 and Yhm2 differently contribute to fermentative and respiratory metabolism. Moreover, the two mitochondrial carriers represent a link between the Krebs cycle and the glyoxylate cycle, which play a key role in the metabolic adaptation strategies of S. cerevisiae.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Transporte da Membrana Mitocondrial , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Citratos/metabolismo , Ácido Cítrico/metabolismo , Proteínas de Transporte da Membrana Mitocondrial/metabolismo , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genética , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genética , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismoRESUMO
The citrate carrier (CIC) is an integral protein of the inner mitochondrial membrane which catalyzes the efflux of mitochondrial citrate (or other tricarboxylates) in exchange with a cytosolic anion represented by a tricarboxylate or a dicarboxylate or phosphoenolpyruvate. In this way, the CIC provides the cytosol with citrate which is involved in many metabolic reactions. Several studies have been carried out over the years on the structure, function and regulation of this metabolite carrier protein both in mammals and in many other organisms. A lot of data on the characteristics of this protein have therefore accumulated over time thereby leading to a complex framework of metabolic and physiological implications connected to the CIC function. In this review, we critically analyze these data starting from the multiple roles played by the mitochondrial CIC in many cellular processes and then examining the regulation of its activity in different nutritional and hormonal states. Finally, the metabolic significance of the citrate flux, mediated by the CIC, across distinct subcellular compartments is also discussed.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Transporte , Mitocôndrias , Animais , Proteínas de Transporte/metabolismo , Citratos/metabolismo , Citosol/metabolismo , Mamíferos/metabolismo , Mitocôndrias/metabolismoRESUMO
Phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, are bioactive compounds found in plants with defense and protection functions. In the human body, they simulate the behavior of the hormone estradiol and can modulate the function of the male hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This study aims to describe the effects of genistein on sperm quality of Wistar rats (male/adult) after a short oral administration protocol (50 mg/day, for 5 days), focusing on mitochondrial function. No signs of toxicity were observed in the animals during the period. The testicular mass of rats from the genistein-treated group was lower than that from the control group. Isoflavone increased the number of viable Leydig and Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and primary spermatocytes in the treated group. The rounded spermatid count was similar to the control group, and a decrease in elongated spermatids was observed in the treated group. Genistein treatment increased plasma testosterone levels in the treated group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an in vivo short protocol demonstrating that genistein administration stimulates the overall oxygen consumption in rat seminal samples. Therefore, genistein induced a pro-spermatogenesis effect, enhanced plasma testosterone levels, and increased oxygen consumption, improving sperm mitochondrial efficiency. Similar protocols can be explored in animal and human infertility issues.
Assuntos
Genisteína , Isoflavonas , Adulto , Humanos , Masculino , Animais , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Genisteína/farmacologia , Sêmen , Espermatozoides , Mitocôndrias , TestosteronaRESUMO
Diet might affect male reproductive potential, but the biochemical mechanisms involved in the modulation of sperm quality remain poorly understood. While a Western diet is considered a risk factor for male infertility, the Mediterranean diet seems to protect against male infertility; moreover, the role of a vegetarian habitus in the preservation of sperm quality is controversial. The aim of this review is to analyze the molecular effects of single nutrients on sperm quality, focusing on their involvement in biochemical mechanisms related to sperm bioenergetics. It appears that diets rich in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and low in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) negatively affect sperm quality, whereas unsaturated fatty acids supplementation ameliorates sperm quality. In fact, the administration of PUFA, especially omega-3 PUFA, determined an increase in mitochondrial energetic metabolism and a reduction in oxidative damage. Carbohydrates and proteins are also nutritional modulators of oxidative stress and testosterone levels, which are strictly linked to sperm mitochondrial function, a key element for sperm quality. Moreover, many dietary natural polyphenols differentially affect (positively or negatively) the mitochondrial function, depending on their concentration. We believe that an understanding of the biochemical mechanisms responsible for sperm quality will lead to more targeted and effective therapeutics for male infertility.
Assuntos
Ácidos Graxos Ômega-3 , Infertilidade Masculina , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Dieta , Ácidos Graxos Ômega-3/metabolismo , Ácidos Graxos Insaturados/metabolismo , Fertilidade , Humanos , Infertilidade Masculina/metabolismo , Masculino , Nutrientes , Espermatozoides/metabolismoRESUMO
The cytochrome bc1 complex is an essential component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is composed of ten protein subunits, three of them playing an important role in electron transfer and proton pumping across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Cytochrome b, the central component of this respiratory complex, is encoded by the mitochondrial genome, whereas all the other subunits are of nuclear origin. The assembly of all these subunits into the mature and functional cytochrome bc1 complex is therefore a complicated process which requires the participation of several chaperone proteins. It has been found that the assembly process of the mitochondrial bc1 complex proceeds through the formation of distinct sub-complexes in an ordered sequence. Most of these sub-complexes have been thoroughly characterized, and their molecular compositions have also been defined. This study critically analyses the results obtained so far and highlights new possible areas of investigation.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Citocromos b/genética , Citocromos b/metabolismo , Complexo III da Cadeia de Transporte de Elétrons/genética , Complexo III da Cadeia de Transporte de Elétrons/metabolismo , Subunidades Proteicas/metabolismo , Prótons , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genética , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genética , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismoRESUMO
Several studies demonstrated that some types of physical exercise might affect male reproductive potential, even though the potential mechanisms involved in the modulation of sperm quality remain poorly understood. Therefore, we propose a new role for gamete mitochondria as a key hub that coordinates molecular events related to the effects induced by physical exercise.
Assuntos
Exercício Físico , Mitocôndrias , Células Germinativas , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the most widely used model organisms for investigating various aspects of basic cellular functions that are conserved in human cells. This organism, as well as human cells, can modulate its metabolism in response to specific growth conditions, different environmental changes, and nutrient depletion. This adaptation results in a metabolic reprogramming of specific metabolic pathways. Mitochondrial carriers play a fundamental role in cellular metabolism, connecting mitochondrial with cytosolic reactions. By transporting substrates across the inner membrane of mitochondria, they contribute to many processes that are central to cellular function. The genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes 35 members of the mitochondrial carrier family, most of which have been functionally characterized. The aim of this review is to describe the role of the so far identified yeast mitochondrial carriers in cell metabolism, attempting to show the functional connections between substrates transport and specific metabolic pathways, such as oxidative phosphorylation, lipid metabolism, gluconeogenesis, and amino acids synthesis. Analysis of the literature reveals that these proteins transport substrates involved in the same metabolic pathway with a high degree of flexibility and coordination. The understanding of the role of mitochondrial carriers in yeast biology and metabolism could be useful for clarifying unexplored aspects related to the mitochondrial carrier network. Such knowledge will hopefully help in obtaining more insight into the molecular basis of human diseases.
Assuntos
Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Proteínas de Transporte da Membrana Mitocondrial/metabolismo , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , Transporte Biológico Ativo , Mitocôndrias/genética , Proteínas de Transporte da Membrana Mitocondrial/genética , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genética , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genéticaRESUMO
Mitochondria play an important role in a number of fundamental cellular processes, including energy production, biosynthetic pathways and cellular oxidoreductive homeostasis (redox status), and their dysfunction can lead to numerous pathophysiological consequences. As the biochemical mechanisms orchestrating mitochondrial metabolism and redox homeostasis are functionally linked, mitochondria have been identified as a potential therapeutic target. Consequently, considerable effort has been made to evaluate the efficacy of natural compounds that modulate mitochondrial function. Molecules produced by plants (for example, polyphenols and isothiocyanates) have been shown to modulate mitochondrial metabolism/biogenesis and redox status; however, despite the existence of a functional link, few studies have considered the combined efficacy of these mitochondrial functions. The present review provides a complete overview of the molecular pathways involved in modulating mitochondrial metabolism/biogenesis and redox status. Crosstalk between these critical mechanisms is also discussed, whilst major data from the literature regarding their antioxidant abilities are described and critically analysed. We also provide a summary of recent evidence regarding the ability of several plant-derived compounds to target these mitochondrial functions. An in-depth understanding of the functional link between mitochondrial metabolism/biogenesis and redox status could facilitate the analysis of the biological effects of natural compounds as well as the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Assuntos
Mitocôndrias , Polifenóis , Homeostase , Humanos , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Oxirredução , Estresse Oxidativo , Polifenóis/metabolismo , Polifenóis/farmacologia , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismoRESUMO
Mitochondrial carriers are a family of structurally related proteins responsible for the exchange of metabolites, cofactors and nucleotides between the cytoplasm and mitochondrial matrix. The in silico analysis of the Drosophila melanogaster genome has highlighted the presence of 48 genes encoding putative mitochondrial carriers, but only 20 have been functionally characterized. Despite most Drosophila mitochondrial carrier genes having human homologs and sharing with them 50% or higher sequence identity, D. melanogaster genes display peculiar differences from their human counterparts: (1) in the fruit fly, many genes encode more transcript isoforms or are duplicated, resulting in the presence of numerous subfamilies in the genome; (2) the expression of the energy-producing genes in D. melanogaster is coordinated from a motif known as Nuclear Respiratory Gene (NRG), a palindromic 8-bp sequence; (3) fruit-fly duplicated genes encoding mitochondrial carriers show a testis-biased expression pattern, probably in order to keep a duplicate copy in the genome. Here, we review the main features, biological activities and role in the metabolism of the D. melanogaster mitochondrial carriers characterized to date, highlighting similarities and differences with their human counterparts. Such knowledge is very important for obtaining an integrated view of mitochondrial function in D. melanogaster metabolism.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Transporte/metabolismo , Proteínas de Drosophila/metabolismo , Proteínas de Transporte da Membrana Mitocondrial/genética , Proteínas de Transporte da Membrana Mitocondrial/metabolismo , Translocador 1 do Nucleotídeo Adenina/química , Translocador 1 do Nucleotídeo Adenina/genética , Translocador 1 do Nucleotídeo Adenina/metabolismo , Animais , Proteínas de Transporte/química , Proteínas de Transporte/genética , Proteínas de Drosophila/química , Proteínas de Drosophila/genética , Drosophila melanogaster/genética , Humanos , Proteínas de Transporte da Membrana Mitocondrial/química , Proteínas Mitocondriais/genética , Proteínas Mitocondriais/metabolismo , Proteínas Musculares/genética , Proteínas Musculares/metabolismo , Transportadores de Ânions Orgânicos/genética , Transportadores de Ânions Orgânicos/metabolismoRESUMO
Sperm motility is the most important parameter involved in the fertilization process and it is strictly required for reproductive success. Although sperm movements are essential for the physiologic fertilization process, the data, deriving from studies focused on the research of altered cell pathways involved in asthenozoospermia, offer only limited information about the molecular mechanism underlying sperm motility. The aim of this study was to identify proteins involved in human sperm motility deficiency by using label-free mass-spectrometry liquid chromatography (LC-MS/MS). For this purpose, we selected sperm samples with three different classes of progressive motility: low, medium (asthenozoospermic samples) and high (normozoospermic samples). We found that several differential expressed proteins in asthenozoospermic samples were related to energetic metabolism, suggesting an interesting link between bioenergetics pathways and the regulation of sperm motility, necessary for the flagellum movement. Therefore, our results provide strong evidence that mass spectrometry-based proteomics represents an integrated approach to detect novel biochemical markers of sperm motility and quality with diagnostic relevance for male infertility and unravel the molecular etiology of idiopathic cases.
Assuntos
Metabolismo Energético , Redes e Vias Metabólicas , Proteoma , Proteômica , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Regulação da Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Infertilidade Masculina/etiologia , Infertilidade Masculina/metabolismo , Masculino , Fosforilação Oxidativa , Proteômica/métodos , Espermatozoides/fisiologia , TranscriptomaRESUMO
In Saccharomyces cerevisiae the mature cytochrome bc1 complex exists as an obligate homo-dimer in which each monomer consists of ten distinct protein subunits inserted into or bound to the inner mitochondrial membrane. Among them, the Rieske iron-sulfur protein (Rip1), besides its catalytic role in electron transfer, may be implicated in the bc1 complex dimerization. Indeed, Rip1 has the globular domain containing the catalytic center in one monomer while the transmembrane helix interacts with the adjacent monomer. In addition, the lack of Rip1 leads to the accumulation of an immature bc1 intermediate, only loosely associated with cytochrome c oxidase. In this study we have investigated the biogenesis of the yeast cytochrome bc1 complex using epitope tagged proteins to purify native assembly intermediates. We showed that the dimerization process is an early event during bc1 complex biogenesis and that the presence of Rip1, differently from previous proposals, is not essential for this process. We also investigated the multi-step model of bc1 assembly thereby lending further support to the existence of bona fide subcomplexes during bc1 maturation in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Finally, a new model of cytochrome bc1 complex assembly, in which distinct intermediates sequentially interact during bc1 maturation, has been proposed.
Assuntos
Complexo III da Cadeia de Transporte de Elétrons/metabolismo , Complexo de Proteínas Formadoras de Poros Nucleares/metabolismo , Multimerização Proteica , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , Complexo IV da Cadeia de Transporte de Elétrons/metabolismo , Deleção de Genes , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Modelos Biológicos , Complexos Multiproteicos/metabolismoRESUMO
The red pigment caulerpin, a secondary metabolite from the marine invasive green algae Caulerpa cylindracea can be accumulated and transferred along the trophic chain, with detrimental consequences on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Despite increasing research efforts to understand how caulerpin modifies fish physiology, little is known on the effects of algal metabolites on mammalian cells. Here we report for the first time the mitochondrial targeting activity of both caulerpin, and its closely related derivative caulerpinic acid, by using as experimental model rat liver mitochondria, a system in which bioenergetics mechanisms are not altered. Mitochondrial function was tested by polarographic and spectrophotometric methods. Both compounds were found to selectively inhibit respiratory complex II activity, while complexes I, III, and IV remained functional. These results led us to hypothesize that both algal metabolites could be used as antitumor agents in cell lines with defects in mitochondrial complex I. Ovarian cancer cisplatin-resistant cells are a good example of cell lines with a defective complex I function on which these molecules seem to have a toxic effect on proliferation. This provided novel insight toward the potential use of metabolites from invasive Caulerpa species for the treatment of human ovarian carcinoma cisplatin-resistant cells.
Assuntos
Clorófitas/metabolismo , Complexo II de Transporte de Elétrons/antagonistas & inibidores , Indóis/administração & dosagem , Mitocôndrias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Proteínas Mitocondriais/metabolismo , Respiração Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Respiração Celular/fisiologia , Estudos de Viabilidade , Feminino , Humanos , Indóis/metabolismo , Mitocôndrias Hepáticas/patologia , Neoplasias Ovarianas/terapiaRESUMO
Yeast cells deficient in the Rieske iron-sulfur subunit (Rip1) of ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase (bc1) accumulate a late core assembly intermediate, which weakly associates with cytochrome oxidase (CcO) in a respiratory supercomplex. Expression of the N-terminal half of Rip1, which lacks the C-terminal FeS-containing globular domain (designated N-Rip1), results in a marked stabilization of trimeric and tetrameric bc1-CcO supercomplexes. Another bc1 mutant (qcr9Δ) stalled at the same assembly intermediate is likewise converted to stable supercomplex species by the expression of N-Rip1, but not by expression of intact Rip1. The N-Rip1-induced stabilization of bc1-CcO supercomplexes is independent of the Bcs1 translocase, which mediates Rip1 translocation during bc1 biogenesis. N-Rip1 induces the stabilization of bc1-CcO supercomplexes through an enhanced formation of CcO. The association of N-Rip1 with the late core bc1 assembly intermediate appears to confer stabilization of a CcO assembly intermediate. This induced stabilization of CcO is dependent on the Rcf1 supercomplex stabilization factor and only partially dependent on the presence of cardiolipin. N-Rip1 exerts a related induction of CcO stabilization in WT yeast, resulting in enhanced respiration. Additionally, the impact of CcO stabilization on supercomplexes was observed by means other than expression of N-Rip1 (via overexpression of CcO subunits Cox4 and Cox5a), demonstrating that this is a general phenomenon. This study presents the first evidence showing that supercomplexes can be stabilized by the stimulated formation of CcO.
Assuntos
Complexo IV da Cadeia de Transporte de Elétrons/metabolismo , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/enzimologia , Transporte de Elétrons/fisiologia , Complexo IV da Cadeia de Transporte de Elétrons/genética , Estabilidade Enzimática/fisiologia , Mutação , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genética , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genéticaRESUMO
Mitochondrial metabolite carriers are hydrophobic proteins which catalyze the flux of several charged or hydrophilic substrates across the inner membrane of mitochondria. These proteins, like most mitochondrial proteins, are nuclear encoded and after their synthesis in the cytosol are transported into the inner mitochondrial membrane. Most metabolite carriers, differently from other nuclear encoded mitochondrial proteins, are synthesized without a cleavable presequence and contain several, poorly characterized, internal targeting signals. However, an interesting aspect is the presence of a positively charged N-terminal presequence in a limited number of mitochondrial metabolite carriers. Over the last few years the molecular mechanisms of import of metabolite carrier proteins into mitochondria have been thoroughly investigated. This review summarizes the present knowledge and discusses recent advances on the import and sorting of mitochondrial metabolite carriers.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Transporte/metabolismo , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Proteínas Mitocondriais/metabolismo , Animais , Humanos , Transporte ProteicoRESUMO
PURPOSE: Hepatic fatty acid synthesis is influenced by several nutritional and hormonal factors. In this study, we have investigated the effects of distinct experimental diets enriched in carbohydrate or in fat on hepatic lipogenesis. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups and fed distinct experimental diets enriched in carbohydrates (70% w/w) or in fat (20 and 35% w/w). Activity and expression of the mitochondrial citrate carrier and of the cytosolic enzymes acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthetase were analyzed through the study with assessments at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Liver lipids and plasma levels of lipids, glucose, and insulin were assayed in parallel. RESULTS: Whereas the high-carbohydrate diet moderately stimulated hepatic lipogenesis, a strong inhibition of this anabolic pathway was found in animals fed high-fat diets. This inhibition was time-dependent and concentration-dependent. Moreover, whereas the high-carbohydrate diet induced an increase in plasma triglycerides, the high-fat diets determined an accumulation of triglycerides in liver. An increase in the plasmatic levels of glucose and insulin was observed in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The excess of sucrose in the diet is converted into fat that is distributed by bloodstream in the organism in the form of circulating triglycerides. On the other hand, a high amount of dietary fat caused a strong inhibition of lipogenesis and a concomitant increase in the level of hepatic lipids, thereby highlighting, in these conditions, the role of liver as a reservoir of exogenous fat.
Assuntos
Carboidratos da Dieta/administração & dosagem , Gorduras na Dieta/administração & dosagem , Lipogênese/efeitos dos fármacos , Fígado/metabolismo , Acetil-CoA Carboxilase/metabolismo , Animais , Glicemia/metabolismo , Citratos/metabolismo , Dieta , Dieta Hiperlipídica , Proteínas Alimentares/administração & dosagem , Ácido Graxo Sintases/metabolismo , Insulina/sangue , Lipídeos/sangue , Lipossomos/metabolismo , Fígado/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Mitocôndrias Hepáticas/efeitos dos fármacos , Mitocôndrias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Triglicerídeos/sangueRESUMO
The mitochondrial inner membrane contains some hydrophobic proteins that mediate the exchange of metabolites between the mitochondrial matrix and the cytosol. Ctp1 and Yhm2 are two carrier proteins in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae responsible for the transport of citrate, a tricarboxylate involved in several metabolic pathways. Since these proteins also contribute to respiratory metabolism, in this study we investigated for the first time whether changes in citrate transport can affect the structural organization and functional properties of respiratory complexes. Through experiments in yeast mutant cells in which the gene encoding Ctp1 or Yhm2 was deleted, we found that in the absence of either mitochondrial citrate transporter, mitochondrial respiration was impaired. Structural analysis of the respiratory complexes III and IV revealed different expression levels of the catalytic and supernumerary subunits in the Δctp1 and Δyhm2 strains. In addition, Δyhm2 mitochondria appeared to be more sensitive than Δctp1 to the oxidative damage. Our results provide the first evidence for a coordinated modulation of mitochondrial citrate transport and respiratory chain activity in S. cerevisiae metabolism.
Assuntos
Mitocôndrias , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genética , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genética , Transporte de Elétrons , Proteínas de Transporte/metabolismo , Proteínas de Transporte/genética , Proteínas de Transporte de Ânions/metabolismo , Proteínas de Transporte de Ânions/genéticaRESUMO
The mitochondrial citrate carrier (CIC) is a member of the mitochondrial carrier family and is responsible for the transit of tricarboxylates and dicarboxylates across the inner membrane. By modulating the flux of these molecules, it represents the molecular link between catabolic and anabolic reactions that take place in distinct cellular sub-compartments. Therefore, this transport protein represents an important element of investigation both in physiology and in pathology. In this review we critically analyze the involvement of the mitochondrial CIC in several human pathologies, which can be divided into two subgroups, one characterized by a decrease and the other by an increase in the flux of citrate across the inner mitochondrial membrane. In particular, a decrease in the activity of the mitochondrial CIC is responsible for several congenital diseases of different severity, which are also characterized by the increase in urinary levels of L-2- and D-2-hydroxyglutaric acids. On the other hand, an increase in the activity of the mitochondrial CIC is involved, in various ways, in the onset of inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Then, understanding the role of CIC and the mechanisms driving the flux of metabolic intermediates between mitochondria and cytosol would potentially allow for manipulation and control of metabolism in pathological conditions.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Transporte , Mitocôndrias , Humanos , Proteínas de Transporte/metabolismo , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Membranas Mitocondriais/metabolismo , Ácido Cítrico/metabolismoRESUMO
The yeast cytochrome bc(1) complex, a component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, is composed of ten distinct protein subunits. In the assembly of the bc(1) complex, some ancillary proteins, such as the chaperone Bcs1p, are actively involved. The deletion of the nuclear gene encoding this chaperone caused the arrest of the bc(1) assembly and the formation of a functionally inactive bc(1) core structure of about 500-kDa. This immature bc(1) core structure could represent, on the one hand, a true assembly intermediate or, on the other hand, a degradation product and/or an incorrect product of assembly. The experiments here reported show that the gradual expression of Bcs1p in the yeast strain lacking this protein was progressively able to rescue the bc(1) core structure leading to the formation of the functional homodimeric bc(1) complex. Following Bcs1p expression, the mature bc(1) complex was also progressively converted into two supercomplexes with the cytochrome c oxidase complex. The capability of restoring the bc(1) complex and the supercomplexes was also possessed by the mutated yeast R81C Bcsp1. Notably, in the human ortholog BCS1L, the corresponding point mutation (R45C) was instead the cause of a severe bc(1) complex deficiency. Differently from the yeast R81C Bcs1p, two other mutated Bcs1p's (K192P and F401I) were unable to recover the bc(1) core structure in yeast. This study identifies for the first time a productive assembly intermediate of the yeast bc(1) complex and gives new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the last steps of bc(1) assembly.
Assuntos
Complexo III da Cadeia de Transporte de Elétrons/metabolismo , Proteínas de Membrana/metabolismo , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Membranas Mitocondriais/metabolismo , Proteínas Mitocondriais/metabolismo , Chaperonas Moleculares/metabolismo , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , ATPases Associadas a Diversas Atividades Celulares , Substituição de Aminoácidos , Western Blotting , Humanos , Proteínas de Membrana/genética , Proteínas Mitocondriais/genética , Chaperonas Moleculares/genética , Mutagênese Sítio-Dirigida , Mutação Puntual/genética , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genética , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genéticaRESUMO
The Rieske iron-sulfur protein, one of the catalytic subunits of the cytochrome bc(1) complex, is involved in electron transfer at the level of the inner membrane of yeast mitochondria. The Rieske iron-sulfur protein is encoded by nuclear DNA and, after being synthesized in the cytosol, is imported into mitochondria with the help of a cleavable N-terminal presequence. The imported protein, besides incorporating the 2Fe-2S cluster, also interacts with other catalytic and non-catalytic subunits of the cytochrome bc(1) complex, thereby assembling into the mature and functional respiratory complex. In this paper, we summarize the most recent findings on the import and assembly of the Rieske iron-sulfur protein into Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondria, also discussing a possible role of this protein both in the dimerization of the cytochrome bc(1) complex and in the interaction of this homodimer with other complexes of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.