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22 pages, 3926 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regulation of Mitochondria-Associated Membranes (MAMs) by NO/sGC/PKG Participates in the Control of Hepatic Insulin Response

by Arthur Bassot, Marie-Agnès Chauvin, Nadia Bendridi, Jingwei Ji-Cao, Guillaume Vial, Léa Monnier, Birke Bartosch, Anaïs Alves, Cécile Cottet-Rousselle, Yves Gouriou, Jennifer Rieusset and Béatrice Morio

Cells 2019, 8(11), 1319; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells8111319 - 25 Oct 2019

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4707

Abstract

Under physiological conditions, nitric oxide (NO) produced by the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) upregulates hepatic insulin sensitivity. Recently, contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria named mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) emerged as a crucial hub for insulin signaling in the liver. As mitochondria [...] Read more.

Under physiological conditions, nitric oxide (NO) produced by the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) upregulates hepatic insulin sensitivity. Recently, contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria named mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) emerged as a crucial hub for insulin signaling in the liver. As mitochondria are targets of NO, we explored whether NO regulates hepatic insulin sensitivity by targeting MAMs. In Huh7 cells, primary rat hepatocytes and mouse livers, enhancing NO concentration increased MAMs, whereas inhibiting eNOS decreased them. In vitro, those effects were prevented by inhibiting protein kinase G (PKG) and mimicked by activating soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and PKG. In agreement with the regulation of MAMs, increasing NO concentration improved insulin signaling, both in vitro and in vivo, while eNOS inhibition disrupted this response. Finally, inhibition of insulin signaling by wortmannin did not affect the impact of NO on MAMs, while experimental MAM disruption, using either targeted silencing of cyclophilin D or the overexpression of the organelle spacer fetal and adult testis-expressed 1 (FATE-1), significantly blunted the effects of NO on both MAMs and insulin response. Therefore, under physiological conditions, NO participates to the regulation of MAM integrity through the sGC/PKG pathway and concomitantly improves hepatic insulin sensitivity. Altogether, our data suggest that the induction of MAMs participate in the impact of NO on hepatocyte insulin response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membrane Contact Sites with Mitochondria: Molecular Determinants and Pathophysiological Role)

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18 pages, 1872 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

splitGFP Technology Reveals Dose-Dependent ER-Mitochondria Interface Modulation by α-Synuclein A53T and A30P Mutants

by Tito Calì, Denis Ottolini, Mattia Vicario, Cristina Catoni, Francesca Vallese, Domenico Cieri, Lucia Barazzuol and Marisa Brini

Cells 2019, 8(9), 1072; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells8091072 - 12 Sep 2019

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4865

Abstract

Familial Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with duplication or mutations of α-synuclein gene, whose product is a presynaptic cytosolic protein also found in mitochondria and in mitochondrial-associated ER membranes. We have originally shown the role of α-syn as a modulator of the ER-mitochondria [...] Read more.

Familial Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with duplication or mutations of α-synuclein gene, whose product is a presynaptic cytosolic protein also found in mitochondria and in mitochondrial-associated ER membranes. We have originally shown the role of α-syn as a modulator of the ER-mitochondria interface and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ transients, suggesting that, at mild levels of expression, α-syn sustains cell metabolism. Here, we investigated the possibility that α-syn action on ER-mitochondria tethering could be compromised by the presence of PD-related mutations. The clarification of this aspect could contribute to elucidate key mechanisms underlying PD. The findings reported so far are not consistent, possibly because of the different methods used to evaluate ER-mitochondria connectivity. Here, the effects of the PD-related α-syn mutations A53T and A30P on ER-mitochondria relationship were investigated in respect to Ca²⁺ handling and mitochondrial function using a newly generated SPLICS sensor and aequorin-based Ca²⁺measurements. We provided evidence that A53T and A30P amino acid substitution does not affect the ability of α-syn to enhance ER/mitochondria tethering and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ transients, but that this action was lost as soon as a high amount of TAT-delivered A53T and A30P α-syn mutants caused the redistribution of α-syn from cytoplasm to foci. Our results suggest a loss of function mechanism and highlight a possible connection between α-syn and ER-mitochondria Ca²⁺ cross-talk impairment to the pathogenesis of PD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membrane Contact Sites with Mitochondria: Molecular Determinants and Pathophysiological Role)

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19 pages, 7954 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Multifunctional Sorting Protein PACS-2 Controls Mitophagosome Formation in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells through Mitochondria-ER Contact Sites

by Manon Moulis, Elisa Grousset, Julien Faccini, Kevin Richetin, Gary Thomas and Cecile Vindis

Cells 2019, 8(6), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells8060638 - 25 Jun 2019

Cited by 61 | Viewed by 6921

Abstract

Mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs) are crucial for lipid transport and synthesis, calcium exchange, and mitochondrial functions, and they also act as signaling platforms. These contact sites also play a critical role in the decision between autophagy and apoptosis with far reaching implications for [...] Read more.

Mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs) are crucial for lipid transport and synthesis, calcium exchange, and mitochondrial functions, and they also act as signaling platforms. These contact sites also play a critical role in the decision between autophagy and apoptosis with far reaching implications for cell fate. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis accelerates atherogenesis and the progression of advanced lesions, leading to atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability and medial degeneration. Though the successful autophagy of damaged mitochondria promotes VSMC survival against pro-apoptotic atherogenic stressors, it is unknown whether MAMs are involved in VSMC mitophagy processes. Here, we investigated the role of the multifunctional MAM protein phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting protein 2 (PACS-2) in regulating VSMC survival following a challenge by atherogenic lipids. Using high-resolution confocal microscopy and proximity ligation assays, we found an increase in MAM contacts as in PACS-2-associated MAMs upon stimulation with atherogenic lipids. Correspondingly, the disruption of MAM contacts by PACS-2 knockdown impaired mitophagosome formation and mitophagy, thus potentiating VSMC apoptosis. In conclusion, our data shed new light on the significance of the MAM modulatory protein PACS-2 in vascular cell physiopathology and suggest MAMs may be a new target to modulate VSMC fate and favor atherosclerotic plaque stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membrane Contact Sites with Mitochondria: Molecular Determinants and Pathophysiological Role)

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Review

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18 pages, 662 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chemical Modulation of Mitochondria–Endoplasmic Reticulum Contact Sites

by Ana Paula Magalhães Rebelo, Federica Dal Bello, Tomas Knedlik, Natasha Kaar, Fabio Volpin, Sang Hun Shin and Marta Giacomello

Cells 2020, 9(7), 1637; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9071637 - 7 Jul 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5591

Abstract

Contact sites between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are points in which the two organelles are in close proximity. Due to their structural and functional complexity, their exploitation as pharmacological targets has never been considered so far. Notwithstanding, the number of compounds described [...] Read more.

Contact sites between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are points in which the two organelles are in close proximity. Due to their structural and functional complexity, their exploitation as pharmacological targets has never been considered so far. Notwithstanding, the number of compounds described to target proteins residing at these interfaces either directly or indirectly is rising. Here we provide original insight into mitochondria–ER contact sites (MERCs), with a comprehensive overview of the current MERCs pharmacology. Importantly, we discuss the considerable potential of MERCs to become a druggable target for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membrane Contact Sites with Mitochondria: Molecular Determinants and Pathophysiological Role)

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18 pages, 730 KiB

Open AccessReview

Inter-Organelle Membrane Contact Sites and Mitochondrial Quality Control during Aging: A Geroscience View

by Anna Picca, Riccardo Calvani, Hélio José Coelho-Junior, Francesco Landi, Roberto Bernabei and Emanuele Marzetti

Cells 2020, 9(3), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9030598 - 3 Mar 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 7217

Abstract

Mitochondrial dysfunction and failing mitochondrial quality control (MQC) are major determinants of aging. Far from being standalone organelles, mitochondria are intricately related with cellular other compartments, including lysosomes. The intimate relationship between mitochondria and lysosomes is reflected by the fact that lysosomal degradation [...] Read more.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and failing mitochondrial quality control (MQC) are major determinants of aging. Far from being standalone organelles, mitochondria are intricately related with cellular other compartments, including lysosomes. The intimate relationship between mitochondria and lysosomes is reflected by the fact that lysosomal degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria is the final step of mitophagy. Inter-organelle membrane contact sites also allow bidirectional communication between mitochondria and lysosomes as part of nondegradative pathways. This interaction establishes a functional unit that regulates metabolic signaling, mitochondrial dynamics, and, hence, MQC. Contacts of mitochondria with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) have also been described. ER-mitochondrial interactions are relevant to Ca²⁺ homeostasis, transfer of phospholipid precursors to mitochondria, and integration of apoptotic signaling. Many proteins involved in mitochondrial contact sites with other organelles also participate to degradative MQC pathways. Hence, a comprehensive assessment of mitochondrial dysfunction during aging requires a thorough evaluation of degradative and nondegradative inter-organelle pathways. Here, we present a geroscience overview on (1) degradative MQC pathways, (2) nondegradative processes involving inter-organelle tethering, (3) age-related changes in inter-organelle degradative and nondegradative pathways, and (4) relevance of MQC failure to inflammaging and age-related conditions, with a focus on Parkinson’s disease as a prototypical geroscience condition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membrane Contact Sites with Mitochondria: Molecular Determinants and Pathophysiological Role)

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20 pages, 785 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mitochondria Associated Germinal Structures in Spermatogenesis: piRNA Pathway Regulation and Beyond

by Xiaoli Wang, Chunyu Lv, Ying Guo and Shuiqiao Yuan

Cells 2020, 9(2), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9020399 - 10 Feb 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6032

Abstract

Multiple specific granular structures are present in the cytoplasm of germ cells, termed nuage, which are electron-dense, non-membranous, close to mitochondria and/or nuclei, variant size yielding to different compartments harboring different components, including intermitochondrial cement (IMC), piP-body, and chromatoid body (CB). Since mitochondria [...] Read more.

Multiple specific granular structures are present in the cytoplasm of germ cells, termed nuage, which are electron-dense, non-membranous, close to mitochondria and/or nuclei, variant size yielding to different compartments harboring different components, including intermitochondrial cement (IMC), piP-body, and chromatoid body (CB). Since mitochondria exhibit different morphology and topographical arrangements to accommodate specific needs during spermatogenesis, the distribution of mitochondria-associated nuage is also dynamic. The most relevant nuage structure with mitochondria is IMC, also called pi-body, present in prospermatogonia, spermatogonia, and spermatocytes. IMC is primarily enriched with various Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) proteins and mainly functions as piRNA biogenesis, transposon silencing, mRNA translation, and mitochondria fusion. Importantly, our previous work reported that mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs) are abundant in spermatogenic cells and contain many crucial proteins associated with the piRNA pathway. Provocatively, IMC functionally communicates with other nuage structures, such as piP-body, to perform its complex functions in spermatogenesis. Although little is known about the formation of both IMC and MAMs, its distinctive characters have attracted considerable attention. Here, we review the insights gained from studying the structural components of mitochondria-associated germinal structures, including IMC, CB, and MAMs, which are pivotal structures to ensure genome integrity and male fertility. We discuss the roles of the structural components in spermatogenesis and piRNA biogenesis, which provide new insights into mitochondria-associated germinal structures in germ cell development and male reproduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membrane Contact Sites with Mitochondria: Molecular Determinants and Pathophysiological Role)

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21 pages, 1518 KiB

Open AccessReview

ER-Mitochondria Communication in Cells of the Innate Immune System

by Dmitry Namgaladze, Vera Khodzhaeva and Bernhard Brüne

Cells 2019, 8(9), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells8091088 - 15 Sep 2019

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 11559

Abstract

In cells the interorganelle communication comprises vesicular and non-vesicular mechanisms. Non-vesicular material transfer predominantly takes place at regions of close organelle apposition termed membrane contact sites and is facilitated by a growing number of specialized proteins. Contacts of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and [...] Read more.

In cells the interorganelle communication comprises vesicular and non-vesicular mechanisms. Non-vesicular material transfer predominantly takes place at regions of close organelle apposition termed membrane contact sites and is facilitated by a growing number of specialized proteins. Contacts of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria are now recognized to be essential for diverse biological processes such as calcium homeostasis, phospholipid biosynthesis, apoptosis, and autophagy. In addition to these universal roles, ER-mitochondria communication serves also cell type-specific functions. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on ER-mitochondria contacts in cells of the innate immune system, especially in macrophages. We discuss ER- mitochondria communication in the context of macrophage fatty acid metabolism linked to inflammatory and ER stress responses, its roles in apoptotic cell engulfment, activation of the inflammasome, and antiviral defense. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membrane Contact Sites with Mitochondria: Molecular Determinants and Pathophysiological Role)

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21 pages, 2193 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mechanistic Connections between Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Redox Control and Mitochondrial Metabolism

by Yuxiang Fan and Thomas Simmen

Cells 2019, 8(9), 1071; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells8091071 - 12 Sep 2019

Cited by 98 | Viewed by 11180

Abstract

The past decade has seen the emergence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperones as key determinants of contact formation between mitochondria and the ER on the mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM). Despite the known roles of ER–mitochondria tethering factors like PACS-2 and mitofusin-2, it is not [...] Read more.

The past decade has seen the emergence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperones as key determinants of contact formation between mitochondria and the ER on the mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM). Despite the known roles of ER–mitochondria tethering factors like PACS-2 and mitofusin-2, it is not yet entirely clear how they mechanistically interact with the ER environment to determine mitochondrial metabolism. In this article, we review the mechanisms used to communicate ER redox and folding conditions to the mitochondria, presumably with the goal of controlling mitochondrial metabolism at the Krebs cycle and at the electron transport chain, leading to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). To achieve this goal, redox nanodomains in the ER and the interorganellar cleft influence the activities of ER chaperones and Ca²⁺-handling proteins to signal to mitochondria. This mechanism, based on ER chaperones like calnexin and ER oxidoreductases like Ero1α, controls reactive oxygen production within the ER, which can chemically modify the proteins controlling ER–mitochondria tethering, or mitochondrial membrane dynamics. It can also lead to the expression of apoptotic or metabolic transcription factors. The link between mitochondrial metabolism and ER homeostasis is evident from the specific functions of mitochondria–ER contact site (MERC)-localized Ire1 and PERK. These functions allow these two transmembrane proteins to act as mitochondria-preserving guardians, a function that is apparently unrelated to their functions in the unfolded protein response (UPR). In scenarios where ER stress cannot be resolved via the activation of mitochondrial OXPHOS, MAM-localized autophagosome formation acts to remove defective portions of the ER. ER chaperones such as calnexin are again critical regulators of this MERC readout. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membrane Contact Sites with Mitochondria: Molecular Determinants and Pathophysiological Role)

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