scholarly journals Mitochondrial dynamics during spermatogenesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 133 (14) ◽  
pp. jcs235937
Author(s):  
Grigor Varuzhanyan ◽  
David C. Chan

ABSTRACTMitochondrial fusion and fission (mitochondrial dynamics) are homeostatic processes that safeguard normal cellular function. This relationship is especially strong in tissues with constitutively high energy demands, such as brain, heart and skeletal muscle. Less is known about the role of mitochondrial dynamics in developmental systems that involve changes in metabolic function. One such system is spermatogenesis. The first mitochondrial dynamics gene, Fuzzy onions (Fzo), was discovered in 1997 to mediate mitochondrial fusion during Drosophila spermatogenesis. In mammals, however, the role of mitochondrial fusion during spermatogenesis remained unknown for nearly two decades after discovery of Fzo. Mammalian spermatogenesis is one of the most complex and lengthy differentiation processes in biology, transforming spermatogonial stem cells into highly specialized sperm cells over a 5-week period. This elaborate differentiation process requires several developmentally regulated mitochondrial and metabolic transitions, making it an attractive model system for studying mitochondrial dynamics in vivo. We review the emerging role of mitochondrial biology, and especially its dynamics, during the development of the male germ line.

2021 ◽  
Vol 220 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Labbé ◽  
Shona Mookerjee ◽  
Maxence Le Vasseur ◽  
Eddy Gibbs ◽  
Chad Lerner ◽  
...  

Mitochondrial function is integrated with cellular status through the regulation of opposing mitochondrial fusion and division events. Here we uncover a link between mitochondrial dynamics and lipid metabolism by examining the cellular role of mitochondrial carrier homologue 2 (MTCH2). MTCH2 is a modified outer mitochondrial membrane carrier protein implicated in intrinsic cell death and in the in vivo regulation of fatty acid metabolism. Our data indicate that MTCH2 is a selective effector of starvation-induced mitochondrial hyperfusion, a cytoprotective response to nutrient deprivation. We find that MTCH2 stimulates mitochondrial fusion in a manner dependent on the bioactive lipogenesis intermediate lysophosphatidic acid. We propose that MTCH2 monitors flux through the lipogenesis pathway and transmits this information to the mitochondrial fusion machinery to promote mitochondrial elongation, enhanced energy production, and cellular survival under homeostatic and starvation conditions. These findings will help resolve the roles of MTCH2 and mitochondria in tissue-specific lipid metabolism in animals.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Luwen Wang ◽  
Mengyu Liu ◽  
Ju Gao ◽  
Amber M. Smith ◽  
Hisashi Fujioka ◽  
...  

Background: Abnormalities of mitochondrial fission and fusion, dynamic processes known to be essential for various aspects of mitochondrial function, have repeatedly been reported to be altered in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Neurofibrillary tangles are known as a hallmark feature of AD and are commonly considered a likely cause of neurodegeneration in this devastating disease. Objective: To understand the pathological role of mitochondrial dynamics in the context of tauopathy. Methods: The widely used P301S transgenic mice of tauopathy (P301S mice) were crossed with transgenic TMFN mice with the forced expression of Mfn2 specifically in neurons to obtain double transgenic P301S/TMFN mice. Brain tissues from 11-month-old non-transgenic (NTG), TMFN, P301S, and P301S/TMFN mice were analyzed by electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, immunoblot, histological staining, and immunostaining for mitochondria, tau pathology, and tau pathology-induced neurodegeneration and gliosis. The cognitive function was assessed by the Barnes maze. Results: P301S mice exhibited mitochondrial fragmentation and a consistent decrease in Mfn2 compared to age-matched NTG mice. When P301S mice were crossed with TMFN mice (P301S/TMFN mice), neuronal loss, as well as mitochondria fragmentation were significantly attenuated. Greatly alleviated tau hyperphosphorylation, filamentous aggregates, and thioflavin-S positive tangles were also noted in P301S/TMFN mice. Furthermore, P301S/TMFN mice showed marked suppression of neuroinflammation and improved cognitive performance in contrast to P301S mice. Conclusion: These in vivo findings suggest that promoted mitochondrial fusion suppresses toxic tau accumulation and associated neurodegeneration, which may protect against the progression of AD and related tauopathies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 977.1-977
Author(s):  
A. Potapova ◽  
O. Egorova ◽  
O. Alekseeva ◽  
A. Volkov ◽  
S. Radenska-Lopovok

Background:Ultrasound (US) is a non-invasive and safe imaging method that allows in vivo differentiation of the morphological structures of subcutaneous fat (SCF) tissue in in normal and pathology.Objectives:Reveal features of ultrasound changes in SCF in panniculitis (Pn).Methods:57 patients (f – 45, m - 12) aged 18 - 67 years with an initial diagnosis of erythema nodosum and a disease duration of 3.6 ± 1.4 years were examined. In addition to the general clinical examination, a computed tomography of the chest organs and a pathomorphological examination of a skin biopsy from the site of the node were performed. Ultrasound was performed on a MyLabTwice apparatus (ESAOTE, Italy) using a multi-frequency linear transducer (10-18 MHz) with the PD technique, the parameters of which were adapted for recording low-speed flows (PRF 300-600 Hz, low filter, dynamic range - 20-40 dB), the presence of vascularization was assessed not only in the affected area, but also on the contralateral side using high-energy Doppler.Results:33 patients were diagnosed with septal Pn (SPn), 24 - lobular Pn (LPn). In all cases, the diagnosis was verified by histological examination. Ultrasound made it possible to assess the thickness, echoicity and vascularization of the SCF. In 35 patients, significant thickening of the SCF was revealed (as compared to the contralateral side), of which in 14 cases with SPn, in 21 - with LPn. Significant diffuse thickening of the SCF with the contralateral side was observed in 18 patients, incl. in 12 (66%) patients with LPn. Limited thickening was more typical for SPn (73%). A significant increase in the echoicity of the SCF was noted in all forms of Pn. A “lobular” echo pattern with an anechogenic environment was observed in 25 patients, of which 18 (72%) had LPn. An increase in vascularization compared to the contralateral side was recorded in 30 cases (SPn-17, LPn-13).Conclusion:The obtained preliminary results indicate the important role of ultrasound in assessing the depth and prevalence of the inflammatory process at Pn. To clarify the diagnostic value of this method, further studies are needed on a larger sample of patients.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


Diabetologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yukina Takeichi ◽  
Takashi Miyazawa ◽  
Shohei Sakamoto ◽  
Yuki Hanada ◽  
Lixiang Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims/hypothesis Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles continuously undergoing fission and fusion, referred to as mitochondrial dynamics, to adapt to nutritional demands. Evidence suggests that impaired mitochondrial dynamics leads to metabolic abnormalities such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) phenotypes. However, how mitochondrial dynamics are involved in the development of NASH is poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the role of mitochondrial fission factor (MFF) in the development of NASH. Methods We created mice with hepatocyte-specific deletion of MFF (MffLiKO). MffLiKO mice fed normal chow diet (NCD) or high-fat diet (HFD) were evaluated for metabolic variables and their livers were examined by histological analysis. To elucidate the mechanism of development of NASH, we examined the expression of genes related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and lipid metabolism, and the secretion of triacylglycerol (TG) using the liver and primary hepatocytes isolated from MffLiKO and control mice. Results MffLiKO mice showed aberrant mitochondrial morphologies with no obvious NASH phenotypes during NCD, while they developed full-blown NASH phenotypes in response to HFD. Expression of genes related to ER stress was markedly upregulated in the liver from MffLiKO mice. In addition, expression of genes related to hepatic TG secretion was downregulated, with reduced hepatic TG secretion in MffLiKO mice in vivo and in primary cultures of MFF-deficient hepatocytes in vitro. Furthermore, thapsigargin-induced ER stress suppressed TG secretion in primary hepatocytes isolated from control mice. Conclusions/interpretation We demonstrated that ablation of MFF in liver provoked ER stress and reduced hepatic TG secretion in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, MffLiKO mice were more susceptible to HFD-induced NASH phenotype than control mice, partly because of ER stress-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes and suppression of TG secretion from hepatocytes. This study provides evidence for the role of mitochondrial fission in the development of NASH. Graphical abstract


Toxins ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junhua Yang ◽  
Wenbo Guo ◽  
Jianhua Wang ◽  
Xianli Yang ◽  
Zhiqi Zhang ◽  
...  

T-2 toxin, as a highly toxic mycotoxin to humans and animals, induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in various cells and tissues. Apoptosis and mitochondrial fusion/fission are two tightly interconnected processes that are crucial for maintaining physiological homeostasis. However, the role of mitochondrial fusion/fission in apoptosis of T-2 toxin remains unknown. Hence, we aimed to explore the putative role of mitochondrial fusion/fission on T-2 toxin induced apoptosis in normal human liver (HL-7702) cells. T-2 toxin treatment (0, 0.1, 1.0, or 10 μg/L) for 24 h caused decreased cell viability and ATP concentration and increased production of (ROS), as seen by a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) and increase in mitochondrial fragmentation. Subsequently, the mitochondrial dynamic imbalance was activated, evidenced by a dose-dependent decrease and increase in the protein expression of mitochondrial fusion (OPA1, Mfn1, and Mfn2) and fission (Drp1 and Fis1), respectively. Furthermore, the T-2 toxin promoted the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytoplasm and induced cell apoptosis triggered by upregulation of Bax and Bax/Bcl-2 ratios, and further activated the caspase pathways. Taken together, these results indicate that altered mitochondrial dynamics induced by oxidative stress with T-2 toxin exposure likely contribute to mitochondrial injury and HL-7702 cell apoptosis.


2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (13) ◽  
pp. 4158-4163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nelcy Thazar-Poulot ◽  
Martine Miquel ◽  
Isabelle Fobis-Loisy ◽  
Thierry Gaude

Lipid droplets/oil bodies (OBs) are lipid-storage organelles that play a crucial role as an energy resource in a variety of eukaryotic cells. Lipid stores are mobilized in the case of food deprivation or high energy demands—for example, during certain developmental processes in animals and plants. OB degradation is achieved by lipases that hydrolyze triacylglycerols (TAGs) into free fatty acids and glycerol. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, Sugar-Dependent 1 (SDP1) was identified as the major TAG lipase involved in lipid reserve mobilization during seedling establishment. Although the enzymatic activity of SDP1 is associated with the membrane of OBs, its targeting to the OB surface remains uncharacterized. Here we demonstrate that the core retromer, a complex involved in protein trafficking, participates in OB biogenesis, lipid store degradation, and SDP1 localization to OBs. We also report an as-yet-undescribed mechanism for lipase transport in eukaryotic cells, with SDP1 being first localized to the peroxisome membrane at early stages of seedling growth and then possibly moving to the OB surface through peroxisome tubulations. Finally, we show that the timely transfer of SDP1 to the OB membrane requires a functional core retromer. In addition to revealing previously unidentified functions of the retromer complex in plant cells, our work provides unanticipated evidence for the role of peroxisome dynamics in interorganelle communication and protein transport.


2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (28) ◽  
pp. 7408-7413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Jin ◽  
Yaohui Chen ◽  
Shimin Zhao ◽  
Kun-Liang Guan ◽  
Yuan Zhuang ◽  
...  

The involvement of host factors is critical to our understanding of underlying mechanisms of transposition and the applications of transposon-based technologies. Modified piggyBac (PB) is one of the most potent transposon systems in mammals. However, varying transposition efficiencies of PB among different cell lines have restricted its application. We discovered that the DNA–PK complex facilitates PB transposition by binding to PB transposase (PBase) and promoting paired-end complex formation. Mass spectrometry analysis and coimmunoprecipitation revealed physical interaction between PBase and the DNA–PK components Ku70, Ku80, and DNA-PKcs. Overexpression or knockdown of DNA–PK components enhances or suppresses PB transposition in tissue culture cells, respectively. Furthermore, germ-line transposition efficiency of PB is significantly reduced in Ku80 heterozygous mutant mice, confirming the role of DNA–PK in facilitating PB transposition in vivo. Fused dimer PBase can efficiently promote transposition. FRET experiments with tagged dimer PBase molecules indicated that DNA–PK promotes the paired-end complex formation of the PB transposon. These data provide a mechanistic explanation for the role of DNA–PK in facilitating PB transposition and suggest a transposition-promoting manipulation by enhancing the interaction of the PB ends. Consistent with this, deletions shortening the distance between the two PB ends, such as PB vectors with closer ends (PB-CE vectors), have a profound effect on transposition efficiency. Taken together, our study indicates that in addition to regulating DNA repair fidelity during transposition, DNA–PK also affects transposition efficiency by promoting paired-end complex formation. The approach of CE vectors provides a simple practical solution for designing efficient transposon vectors.


2015 ◽  
Vol 224 (3) ◽  
pp. R139-R159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Joseph-Bravo ◽  
Lorraine Jaimes-Hoy ◽  
Jean-Louis Charli

Energy homeostasis relies on a concerted response of the nervous and endocrine systems to signals evoked by intake, storage, and expenditure of fuels. Glucocorticoids (GCs) and thyroid hormones are involved in meeting immediate energy demands, thus placing the hypothalamo–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) and hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axes at a central interface. This review describes the mode of regulation of hypophysiotropic TRHergic neurons and the evidence supporting the concept that they act as metabolic integrators. Emphasis has been be placed on i) the effects of GCs on the modulation of transcription ofTrhin vivoandin vitro, ii) the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which acute or chronic situations of stress and energy demands affect the activity of TRHergic neurons and the HPT axis, and iii) the less explored role of non-hypophysiotropic hypothalamic TRH neurons. The partial evidence gathered so far is indicative of a contrasting involvement of distinct TRH cell types, manifested through variability in cellular phenotype and physiology, including rapid responses to energy demands for thermogenesis or physical activity and nutritional status that may be modified according to stress history.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Ronkina ◽  
K. Schuster-Gossler ◽  
F. Hansmann ◽  
H. Kunze-Schumacher ◽  
I. Sandrock ◽  
...  

AbstractMAPK6/ERK3 is an atypical member of the MAPKs. An essential role has been suggested by the perinatal lethal phenotype of ERK3 knockout mice carrying a lacZ insertion in exon 2 due to pulmonary disfunction and by defects in function, activation and positive selection of T cells. To study the role of ERK3 in vivo, we generated mice carrying a conditional Erk3 allele with exon3 flanked by LoxP sites. Loss of ERK3 protein was validated after deletion of Erk3 in the female germ line using zona pellucida 3 (Zp3)-cre and a clear reduction of the protein kinase MK5 is detected, providing first evidence for the existence of the ERK3/MK5 signaling complex in vivo. In contrast to the previously reported Erk3 knockout phenotype, these mice are viable and fertile, do not display pulmonary hypoplasia, acute respiratory failure, abnormal T cell development, reduction of thymocyte numbers or altered T cells selection. Hence, ERK3 is dispensable for pulmonary and T-cell functions. The perinatal lethality, lung and T-cell defects of the previous ERK3 knockout mice are likely due to ERK3-unrelated effects of the inserted lacZ-neomycin-resistance-cassette. The knockout mouse of the closely related atypical MAPK ERK4/MAPK4 is also normal suggesting redundant functions of both protein kinases.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiangen Liu ◽  
Xianjing Song ◽  
Youyou Yan ◽  
Bin Liu

Heart function maintenance requires a large amount of energy, which is supplied by the mitochondria. In addition to providing energy to cardiomyocytes, mitochondria also play an important role in maintaining cell function and homeostasis. Although adult cardiomyocyte mitochondria appear as independent, low-static organelles, morphological changes have been observed in cardiomyocyte mitochondria under stress or pathological conditions. Indeed, cardiac mitochondrial fission and fusion are involved in the occurrence and development of heart diseases. As mitochondrial fission and fusion are primarily regulated by mitochondrial dynamins in a GTPase-dependent manner, GTPase-dependent mitochondrial fusion (MFN1, MFN2, and OPA1) and fission (DRP1) proteins, which are abundant in the adult heart, can also be regulated in heart diseases. In fact, these dynamic proteins have been shown to play important roles in specific diseases, including ischemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, and metabolic cardiomyopathy. This article reviews the role of GTPase-dependent mitochondrial fusion and fission protein-mediated mitochondrial dynamics in the occurrence and development of heart diseases.


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