Mitochondrial citrate transporters Ctp1-Yhm2 and respiratory chain: A coordinated functional connection in Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolism.

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.

Ctp1 and Yhm2: Two Mitochondrial Citrate Transporters to Support Metabolic Flexibility of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

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.

Evaluation of Genistein as a Mitochondrial Modulator and Its Effects on Sperm Quality.

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.

Insights into the malfunctioning of the mitochondrial citrate carrier: Implications for cell pathology.

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.

Assembly of the Multi-Subunit Cytochrome bc1 Complex in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

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.

Multiple roles played by the mitochondrial citrate carrier in cellular metabolism and physiology.

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.

Diet and Male Fertility: The Impact of Nutrients and Antioxidants on Sperm Energetic Metabolism.

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.

Mitochondrial Carriers and Substrates Transport Network: A Lesson from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

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.

Blood, urine and semen Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) pattern analysis for assessing health environmental impact in highly polluted areas in Italy.

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) analysis is usually applied in pollution assessment by checking for toxic or harmful volatile compounds in air, water and soil samples. In this study, exogenous VOCs and their derivatives, metabolized by cells, were valued into specific body fluids. In particular, the VOC profiles of blood, urine and human semen samples collected from young men living in two high pollution areas in Italy, i.e. Land of Fires and Valley of Sacco River, were fingerprinted. The analysis is based on Headspace Solid Phase MicroExtraction (HS-SPME) followed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric detection (GC-MS). The volatile composition of the three body fluids showed that some VOCs are in common between blood, urine and human semen samples, whereas others are present only in a body fluid. Some compounds, as well as also some chemical classes show a higher affinity for a specific body fluid. Statistical analysis allowed to discriminate the two contaminated areas and identify those compounds which significantly contribute to the two areas classification. Some of these compounds are toxic and found prevalently in Valley of Sacco River samples, correspondingly to sperm analysis results for young men living in this zona worse than those living in Land of Fires.

Physical Activity and Male Reproductive Function: A New Role for Gamete Mitochondria.

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.

Modulation of Human Sperm Mitochondrial Respiration Efficiency by Plant Polyphenols.

Plant bioactives, such as polyphenols, can differentially affect (positively or negatively) sperm quality, depending on their concentration. These molecules have been proposed as natural scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for male infertility treatment. However, few data are available about their effects on the molecular mechanisms related to sperm quality and, in particular, to sperm mitochondrial function. We investigated the effects of quercetin, naringenin, genistein, apigenin, luteolin, and resveratrol at the concentration of 0.1-1000 nM on mitochondrial respiration efficiency. Upon chemical exposure, spermatozoa were swollen in a hypotonic solution and used for polarographic assays of mitochondrial respiration. All tested compounds, except for apigenin, caused a significant increase in the mitochondrial respiration efficiency at the concentration of 0.1 nM, and a significant decrease starting from concentrations of 10 nM. The analysis of oxygen consumption rate in the active and in the resting state of mitochondrial respiration suggested different mechanisms by which the tested compounds modulate mitochondrial function. Therefore, by virtue of their ability to stimulate the respiration active state, quercetin, genistein, and luteolin were found to improve mitochondrial function in asthenozoospermic samples. Our results are relevant to the debate on the promises and perils of natural antioxidants in nutraceutical supplementation.

The mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier (AGC or Aralar1) isoforms in D. melanogaster: biochemical characterization, gene structure, and evolutionary analysis.

BACKGROUND: In man two mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier (AGC) isoforms, known as aralar and citrin, are required to accomplish several metabolic pathways. In order to fill the existing gap of knowledge in Drosophila melanogaster, we have studied aralar1 gene, orthologue of human AGC-encoding genes in this organism. METHODS: The blastp algorithm and the "reciprocal best hit" approach have been used to identify the human orthologue of AGCs in Drosophilidae and non-Drosophilidae. Aralar1 proteins have been overexpressed in Escherichia coli and functionally reconstituted into liposomes for transport assays. RESULTS: The transcriptional organization of aralar1 comprises six isoforms, three constitutively expressed (aralar1-RA, RD and RF), and the remaining three distributed during the development or in different tissues (aralar1-RB, RC and RE). Aralar1-PA and Aralar1-PE, representative of all isoforms, have been biochemically characterized. Recombinant Aralar1-PA and Aralar1-PE proteins share similar efficiency to exchange glutamate against aspartate, and same substrate affinities than the human isoforms. Interestingly, although Aralar1-PA and Aralar1-PE diverge only in their EF-hand 8, they greatly differ in their specific activities and substrate specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The tight regulation of aralar1 transcripts expression and the high request of aspartate and glutamate during early embryogenesis suggest a crucial role of Aralar1 in this Drosophila developmental stage. Furthermore, biochemical characterization and calcium sensitivity have identified Aralar1-PA and Aralar1-PE as the human aralar and citrin counterparts, respectively. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The functional characterization of the fruit fly mitochondrial AGC transporter represents a crucial step toward a complete understanding of the metabolic events acting during early embryogenesis.

Herbicides glyphosate and glufosinate ammonium negatively affect human sperm mitochondria respiration efficiency.

The widespread cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) led to a widespread use of selective herbicides to which GMOs are resistant, thus increasing the concern about human exposure to them. Glyphosate (GLY) and glufosinate ammonium (GA), the active principles of the main formulations, have been investigated for their effects on human health, mainly cancer and reproductive toxicity. However, little is known about their effects on the molecular mechanisms related to sperm quality. To investigate the effects of GLY and GA on mitochondrial respiration efficiency, we took advantage of our already established ex vivo human sperm mitochondria assay. Since spermatozoa are highly regulated by sex steroids, we tested at first testosterone (T), di-hydroxytestosterone (DHT), 17ß-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). Then, we tested the effects of GLY and GA and of the hormone-like flavonoid quercetin (QRC) in a dose-dependent manner. The 0.1-1000 nM concentration range has been considered because it covers both the sexual hormones physiologically relevant concentrations (10 nM), triggering endogenously hormone-dependent signaling pathways, and the estimated (nM range) QRC dietary intake. Subsequently, co-incubation experiments were carried out with the two herbicides in the presence of 10 nM of each sex steroid and QRC. We found that: i) DHT and QRC are able to significantly reduce mitochondrial functionality at concentrations ≥ 10 nM; ii) GLY and GA negatively affect mitochondrial respiration efficiency; iii) in the presence of 10 nM DHT, the negative effect of GLY was increased; iiii) DHT, QRC and GA target mitochondria by using a mechanism different from GLY.

Mitochondrial Protein Network: From Biogenesis to Bioenergetics in Health and Disease.

Mitochondria are double membrane-bound organelles which are essential for the viability of eukaryotic cells, because they play a crucial role in bioenergetics, metabolism and signaling [...].

Drosophila melanogaster Mitochondrial Carriers: Similarities and Differences with the Human Carriers.

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.

Brief daily access to cafeteria-style diet impairs hepatic metabolism even in the absence of excessive body weight gain in rats.

Numerous nutritional approaches aimed at reducing body weight have been developed as a strategy to reduce obesity. Most of these interventions rely on reducing caloric intake or limiting calories access to a few hours per day. In this work, we analyzed the effects of the extended (24 hours/day) or restricted (1 hour/day) access to a cafeteria-style (CAF) diet, on rat body weight and hepatic lipid metabolism, with respect to control rats (CTR) fed with a standard chow diet. The body weight gain of restricted-fed rats was not different from CTR, despite the slightly higher total caloric intake, but resulted significantly lower than extended-fed rats, which showed a CAF diet-induced obesity and a dramatically higher total caloric intake. However, both CAF-fed groups of rats showed, compared to CTR, unhealthy serum and hepatic parameters such as higher serum glucose level, lower HDL values, and increased hepatic triacylglycerol and cholesterol amount. The hepatic expression and activity of key enzymes of fatty acid synthesis, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS), was similarly reduced in both CAF-fed groups of rats with respect to CTR. Anyway, while in extended-fed rats this reduction was associated to a long-term mechanism involving sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), in restricted-fed animals a short-term mechanism based on PKA and AMPK activation occurred in the liver. Furthermore, hepatic fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and oxidative stress resulted significantly increased in extended, but not in restricted-fed rats, as compared to CTR. Overall, these results demonstrate that although limiting the total caloric intake might successfully fight obesity development, the nutritional content of the diet is the major determinant for the health status.

Centrifugation Force and Time Alter CASA Parameters and Oxidative Status of Cryopreserved Stallion Sperm.

Conventional sperm selection techniques used in ARTs rely on centrifugation steps. To date, the different studies reported on the effects of centrifugation on stallion sperm motility provided contrasting results and do not include effects on mitochondrial functionality and different oxidative parameters. The effects of different centrifugation protocols (300 ×g for 5', 300 ×g for 10', 1500 ×g for 5' and 1500 ×g for 10' vs no centrifugation) on motility and oxidative status in cryopreserved stallion sperm, were analyzed. After centrifugation, almost all motility parameters were significantly altered, as observed by computer-assisted sperm analysis. A polarographic assay of oxygen consumption showed a progressive decrease in mitochondria respiration from the gentlest to the strongest protocol. By laser scanning confocal microscopy, significant reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential, at any tested protocol, and time-dependent effects, at the same centrifugal force, were found. Increased DNA fragmentation index at any tested protocol and time-dependent effects at the same centrifugal force were found, whereas increased protein carbonylation was observed only at the strongest centrifugal force. These results provide more comprehensive understandings on centrifugation-induced effects on cryopreserved stallion sperm and suggest that, even at a weak force for a short time, centrifugation impairs different aspects of equine sperm metabolism and functionality.

Sperm selection in assisted reproduction: A review of established methods and cutting-edge possibilities.

Male infertility often involves idiopathic or unknown causes, leading to an increasing demand for assisted reproduction technologies (ART). Conventional sperm sorting techniques rely on centrifugation steps that are known to cause oxidative stress and consequently damage cells. Alternative novel techniques have been introduced but offer disadvantages that need to be overcome. These techniques are also employed to increase the number and the quality of subjects in the animal breeding industry, to obtain purebred subjects or to preserve endangered animal species. Microfluidics deals with the manipulation of small amounts of volume within a microdevice known as lab-on-a-chip (LOC), which offers rapid analyses, ease of use, small reagent sample volumes, high-throughput processing and wide reproducibility owing to automation and standardization. As the LOC allows gamete handling within a microenvironment that strictly mimics physiological in vivo conditions and avoids centrifugation steps and long processing time, the use of microfluidics for sperm sorting and selection have been proposed during the last 15 years and is currently under investigation. Moreover, LOC technologies to sort, identify and analyse other kinds of cells could be transferred to sperm selection and analysis, thus opening the way to a novel approach to the sperm cell selection and manipulation. This review describes the techniques routinely performed in human and animal clinical practice for sorting good-quality sperm for in vitro fertilization procedures, and focuses on the positive and negative aspects of each method. Emerging microfluidic devices, recently proposed for sperm selection, are also described and, when possible, compared with standard methods.

Crosstalk between mitochondrial metabolism and oxidoreductive homeostasis: a new perspective for understanding the effects of bioactive dietary compounds.

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.

Prunus Mahaleb Fruit Extract Prevents Chemically Induced Colitis and Enhances Mitochondrial Oxidative Metabolism via the Activation of the Nrf2 Pathway.

SCOPE: Polyphenols exhibit their antioxidant activity downstream the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway (Nrf2), but the connection between lipid metabolism and the Nrf2 pathway is still unknown. Flavonoid-rich concentrated extract from Prunus mahaleb (mahaleb concentrated fruit extract; MCFE) may act on oxido-reductive homeostasis and hepatic lipid metabolism via Nrf2. METHODS & RESULTS: MCFE ability to enhance the activity of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant/detoxifying enzymes is investigated in liver and colon of BALB/c mice. After a 4-week supplementation, macroscopic, histological, and biochemical signs of colitis are examined in mouse colon pulsed with 5% (w/v) dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Untreated or DSS-supplemented mice are used as negative or positive control. MCFE effect on liver lipid metabolism and its possible link with the Nrf2 pathway is investigated. MCFE intake increases antioxidant defenses in mice colon and its pretreatment blunts pathological signs of colitis, as compared to positive control. In the liver, the increase in antioxidant defenses is associated with enhanced oxidative metabolism and with higher levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and of hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), in comparison with negative controls. CONCLUSION: Cytoprotective and hypolipidemic effect produced by MCFE intake results, at least in part, by the activation of the Nrf2 pathway.