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Insights into the molecular mechanism of mitochondrial toxicity by AIDS drugs.

Several of the nucleoside analogs used in the treatment of AIDS exhibit a delayed clinical toxicity limiting their usefulness. The toxicity of nucleoside analogs may be related to their effects on the human mitochondrial DNA polymerase (Pol gamma), the polymerase responsible for mitochondrial DNA replication. Among the AIDS drugs approved by the FDA for clinical use, two are modified cytosine analogs, Zalcitabine (2',3'-dideoxycytidine (ddC)) and Lamivudine (beta-d-(+)-2',3'-dideoxy-3'-thiacytidine ((-)3TC])). (-)3TC is the only analog containing an unnatural l(-) nucleoside configuration and is well tolerated by patients even after long term administration. In cell culture (-)3TC is less toxic than its d(+) isomer, (+)3TC, containing the natural nucleoside configuration, and both are considerably less toxic than ddC. We have investigated the mechanistic basis for the differential toxicity of these three cytosine analogs by comparing the effects of dideoxy-CTP), (+)3TC-triphosphate (TP), and (-)3TC-TP on the polymerase and exonuclease activities of recombinant human Pol gamma. This analysis reveals that Pol gamma incorporates (-)3TC-triphosphate 16-fold less efficiently than the corresponding (+)isomer and 1140-fold less efficiently than dideoxy-CTP, showing a good correlation between incorporation rate and toxicity. The rates of excision of the incorporated analogs from the chain-terminated 3'-end of the DNA primer by the 3'-5'-exonuclease activity of Pol gamma were similar (0.01 s(-)1) for both 3TC analogs. In marked contrast, the rate of exonuclease removal of a ddC chain-terminated DNA occurs at least 2 orders of magnitude slower, suggesting that the failure of the exonuclease to remove ddC may play a major role in its greater toxicity. This study demonstrates that direct analysis of the mitochondrial DNA polymerase structure/function relationships may provide valuable insights leading to the design of less toxic inhibitors.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Nuclear and mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid replication during mitosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

To study nuclear and mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis during the cell cycle, a 15N-labeled log-phase population of Saccharomyces cervisiae was shifted to 14N medium. After one-half generation, the cells were centrifuged on a sorbitol gradient in a zonal rotor to fractionate the population according to cell size and age into fractions representing the yeast cell cycle. DNA samples isolated from the zonal rotor cell samples were centrifuged to equilibrium in CsC1 in an analytical ultracentrifuge to separate the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA components. The amount of 14N incorporated into each 15N-labeled DNA species was measured. The extent of nuclear DNA replication per sample was obtained by measuring the amount of hybrid DNA. The percentage of hybrid nuclear DNA increased from 6 to 68% and then decreased to 44% during the cell cycle. Upon ultracentrifugation, mitochondrial DNA banded as a unimodal peak in all zonal rotor samples. Mitochondrial DNA replication could be ascertained only by the 14N level in each mitochondrial peak and not, as with nuclear DNA, by hybrid DNA level. In contrast to the nuclear incorporation pattern, the 14N percentage in mitochondrial DNA remained effectively constant during the cell cycle. Comparison of the data to theoretical distributions showed that nuclear DNA was replicated discontinuously during the cell cycle, whereas mitochondrial DNA was replicated continuously throughout the entire mitotic cycle.

Cell Nucleus↗

Association of a protein structure of probable membrane derivation with HeLa cell mitochondrial DNA near its origin of replication.

Almost all (about 95%) of the mitochondrial DNA molecules released by Triton X-100 lysis of HeLa cell mitochondria in the presence of 0.15 M salt are associated with a single protein-containing structure varying in appearance between a 10-20 nm knob and a 100-500 nm membrane-like patch. Analysis by high resolution electron microscopy and by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after cleavage of mitochondrial DNA with the endonucleases EcoRI, HindIII, and Hpa II has shown that the protein structure is attached to the DNA in the region of the D-loop, and probably near the origin of mitochondrial DNA replication. The data strongly suggest that HeLa cell mitochondrial DNA is attached in vivo to the inner mitochondrial membrane at or near the origin of replication, and that a membrane fragment of variable size remains associated with the DNA during the isolation. After sodium dodecyl sulfate extraction of mitochondrial DNA, a small 5-10 nm protein is found at the same site on a fraction of the mitochondrial DNA molecules.

DNA Replication↗

A computational model of mitochondrial deoxynucleotide metabolism and DNA replication.

We present a computational model of mitochondrial deoxynucleotide metabolism and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) synthesis. The model includes the transport of deoxynucleosides and deoxynucleotides into the mitochondrial matrix space, as well as their phosphorylation and polymerization into mtDNA. Different simulated cell types (cancer, rapidly dividing, slowly dividing, and postmitotic cells) are represented in this model by different cytoplasmic deoxynucleotide concentrations. We calculated the changes in deoxynucleotide concentrations within the mitochondrion during the course of a mtDNA replication event and the time required for mtDNA replication in the different cell types. On the basis of the model, we define three steady states of mitochondrial deoxynucleotide metabolism: the phosphorylating state (the net import of deoxynucleosides and export of phosphorylated deoxynucleotides), the desphosphorylating state (the reverse of the phosphorylating state), and the efficient state (the net import of both deoxynucleosides and deoxynucleotides). We present five testable hypotheses based on this simulation. First, the deoxynucleotide pools within a mitochondrion are sufficient to support only a small fraction of even a single mtDNA replication event. Second, the mtDNA replication time in postmitotic cells is much longer than that in rapidly dividing cells. Third, mitochondria in dividing cells are net sinks of cytoplasmic deoxynucleotides, while mitochondria in postmitotic cells are net sources. Fourth, the deoxynucleotide carrier exerts the most control over the mtDNA replication rate in rapidly dividing cells, but in postmitotic cells, the NDPK and TK2 enzymes have the most control. Fifth, following from the previous hypothesis, rapidly dividing cells derive almost all of their mtDNA precursors from the cytoplasmic deoxynucleotides, not from phosphorylation within the mitochondrion.

Animals↗

Inhibition of mitochondrial beta-oxidation as a mechanism of hepatotoxicity.

Severe and prolonged impairment of mitochondrial beta-oxidation leads to microvesicular steatosis, and, in severe forms, to liver failure, coma and death. Impairment of mitochondrial beta-oxidation may be either genetic or acquired, and different causes may add their effects to inhibit beta-oxidation severely and trigger the syndrome. Drugs and some endogenous compounds can sequester coenzyme A and/or inhibit mitochondrial beta-oxidation enzymes (aspirin, valproic acid, tetracyclines, several 2-arylpropionate anti-inflammatory drugs, amineptine and tianeptine); they may inhibit both mitochondrial beta-oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation (endogenous bile acids, amiodarone, perhexiline and diethylaminoethoxyhexestrol), or they may impair mitochondrial DNA transcription (interferon-alpha), or decrease mitochondrial DNA replication (dideoxynucleoside analogues), while other compounds (ethanol, female sex hormones) act through a combination of different mechanisms. Any investigational molecule should be screened for such effects.

Animals↗

Arrest of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and T. brucei brucei in the S-phase of the cell cycle by (S)-9-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine ((S)-HPMPA).

African trypanosomes are incapable of purine de novo synthesis. They use salvage pathways to meet their purine requirements. Therefore, purine analogues appear as potential candidates to interfere in trypanosome metabolism. The acyclic adenosine analogue (S)-9-(-3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine ((S)-HPMPA) expressed antitrypanosomal activity in vitro and vivo. When exposed to 20 microM (S)-HPMPA, trypanosomes were arrested in the S-phase of the cell cycle and were unable to enter G2-phase. Thymidine uptake and incorporation was inhibited almost completely. Only nuclear DNA replication was inhibited, while mitochondrial DNA replication and kinetoplast division was not inhibited. The antitrypanosomal effect was reversible when cells were exposed for 12 h. As a control, aphidicolin arrested trypanosomes in the G1-phase of the cell cycle at a concentration of 30 microM. At 20 microM (S)-HPMPA, glycolysis was not effected, while leucine and adenine uptake were reduced with prolonged exposure.

Adenine↗

Mismatch-specific 3'----5' exonuclease associated with the mitochondrial DNA polymerase from Drosophila embryos.

The mitochondrial DNA polymerase from Drosophila embryos lacks dNTP turnover activity. However, a potent 3'----5' exonuclease activity can be detected by a specific assay in which the exonuclease excises mispaired nucleotides at the 3' termini of primed synthetic and natural DNA templates. The excision of a mispaired nucleotide occurs at a significantly greater rate than excision of a correctly paired nucleotide and, under conditions of DNA synthesis, hydrolysis of a mispaired terminal nucleotide occurs prior to primer extension. The 3'----5' exonuclease copurifies quantitatively with DNA polymerase gamma and cosediments with the nearly homogeneous enzyme under native conditions. These results suggest that the 3'----5' exonuclease provides a proofreading function to enhance the fidelity of DNA synthesis during Drosophila mitochondrial DNA replication.

Animals↗

A single p34cdc2 protein kinase (encoded by nimXcdc2) is required at G1 and G2 in Aspergillus nidulans.

We have cloned and sequenced a homolog of cdc2 from Aspergillus nidulans that can complement the Schizosaccharomyces pombe cdc2-33 mutation. The gene was deleted and is required for continued nuclear DNA replication but not for mitochondrial DNA replication. Three different temperature-sensitive alleles were generated by reverse genetics. All of the mutations generate the nim phenotype of A. nidulans. The new gene was designated nimXcdc2 as it is not allelic to any of the other nim genes (nimA to nimW) of A. nidulans. Reciprocal shift experiments place an essential function for nimXcdc2 in G1 and G2. Antipeptide antibodies were generated that detect NIMXcdc2, and antisera were also generated to detect NIMEcyclinB. The two p34cdc2 protein species previously detected in A. nidulans, p34 and p37, both precipitate using NIMXcdc2 C-terminus-specific antibodies but only p34 co-precipitates with NIMEcyclinB. Dephosphorylation of denatured p34 converts it to the p37 form, showing p37 to be the non-phosphorylated form of NIMXcdc2. The phosphorylation of p34 is therefore associated with its interaction with NIMEcyclinB.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Transcription and replication of mitochondrial DNA.

The physical isolation of mammalian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) over 30 years ago marked the beginning of studies of its structure, replication and the expression of its genetic content. Such analyses have revealed a number of surprises: novel DNA structural features of the circular genome such as the displacement loop (D-loop); multiple sized and deleted forms of the circular genome; a minimal set of mitochondrially encoded rRNAs and tRNAs needed for translation; a bacteriophage-like, nuclear-encoded mitochondrial RNA polymerase for transcription; and a direct linkage between transcription and the commitment to replication of the leading mtDNA strand that centres on the nuclear encoded mitochondrial transcription factor A. One of the more recent revelations is the existence, near the D-loop, of an atypical, stable RNA-DNA hybrid (or R-loop) at the origin of mammalian leading-strand DNA replication, composed of the parent DNA strands and an RNA transcript. In mammalian mitochondrial systems, all of the proteins known to be involved in DNA replication are encoded in the nucleus. Thus alterations and deficiencies in mtDNA replication must arise from mutations in mtDNA regulatory sequences and nuclear gene defects. Further studies of the relationships between nuclear-encoded proteins and their mtDNA target sequences could result in strategies to manipulate genotypes within cellular mtDNA populations.

Animals↗

Subcellular localization of DNA polymerase gamma and changes in its activity in sea urchin embryos.

1. Subcellular localization and changes in the activity of DNA polymerase gamma were examined in sea urchin eggs and embryos. 2. The enzyme was shown to be localized predominantly in mitochondria by differential and isopycnic centrifugation. 3. During embryogenesis, the enzyme activity per embryo remained constant until blastula stage, and thereafter increased. 4. Similarly mitochondrial DNA per embryo increased, indicating that mitochondrial DNA replication starts during embryogenesis. 5. The gamma-activity per mitochondrial DNA remained constant during embryogenesis. 6. These results suggest that mitochondria contain a constant amount of replicative enzyme (DNA polymerase gamma) regardless of mitochondrial DNA replication, which differs from the case of nuclear DNA replication.

Animals↗

Error catastrophe in mutant mitochondria.

The error catastrophe theory of aging, proposed by Orgel in 1963, predicted a decrease in the fidelity of information transfer that accelerated as aging progressed, until properly functioning macromolecules could no longer be reliably made. The theory was extensively tested by comparing DNA polymerases, transfer RNAs, and proteins derived from aging versus young animals, but it did not prove to have general applicability to the process of aging. Recently, the heritable eye disorder progressive external ophthalmoplegia has been found to result from mutation of the gene encoding DNA polymerase gamma, which replicates mitochondrial DNA. The mutant form of the polymerase replicates DNA less accurately than the wild-type enzyme, providing an explanation for the accumulation of mutations in the mitochondrial DNA of patients with this disorder. The affected mitochondria appear to exhibit an age-dependent error catastrophe. It is possible that other genetic diseases might result in error catastrophes in mitochondria as well.

Aging↗

The mitochondrial genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains numerous, densely spaced autonomously replicating sequences.

Restriction fragments produced by a complete Sau3A cleavage of Saccharomyces cerevisiae grande mitochondrial DNA were ligated into the yeast-Escherichia coli shuttle vector YIp5 to establish a clone library representing the mitochondrial genome. 30 hybrid plasmids with an average insert size of 1200 bp were chosen at random and tested for the presence of an autonomously replicating sequence (ars). Over two-thirds of these plasmids transformed yeast at high frequency, indicating the mitochondrial genome contains a large number of ars elements. Our calculations suggest there may be over 40 ars elements contained within the mitochondrial DNA with an average spacing of less than 1700 bp. Mapping experiments indicate that ars elements can be found at many locations on the mitochondrial genome, and in the initial example we have tested, the locations of ars elements derived from grande and petite mtDNAs appear to coincide. If we assume that these ars elements represent mitochondrial DNA replication origins used in vivo, these observations would explain in part the fact that petite mtDNAs can be derived from any location on the grande mitochondrial genome.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Regulation of mitochondrial D-loops by transcription factor A and single-stranded DNA-binding protein.

During replication, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) takes on a triple-stranded structure called a D-loop. Although their physiological roles are not understood, D-loops are implicated in replication and transcription of mtDNA. Little is known about the turnover of D-loops. We investigated the effects of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and single-stranded DNA-binding protein (mtSSB) on D-loops. In human HeLa cells, TFAM and mtSSB are, respectively, 1700- and 3000-fold more abundant than mtDNA. This level of TFAM is two orders of magnitude higher than reported previously and is sufficient to wrap human mtDNA entirely. TFAM resolves D-loops in vitro if added in similar stoichiometries. mtSSB inhibits the resolution of mtDNA by TFAM but enhances resolution by RecG, a junction-specific helicase from Escherichia coli. Hence, mtSSB functions in both stabilization and resolution. We propose that TFAM and mtSSB are cooperatively involved in stabilizing D-loops and in the maintenance of mtDNA.

Cell Line↗

Mechanism of tetrahydroxy-1,4-quinone cytotoxicity: involvement of CA2+ and H2O2 in the impairment of DNA replication and mitochondrial function.

In this work we investigated the toxicity of a polyphenolic p-benzoquinone derivative, the tetrahydroxy-1,4-quinone (THQ) toward V79 Chinese hamster fibroblasts and analyzed the role of H2O2 and Ca2+ in that mechanism. The exposure of exponentially growing cultures to THQ, in the presence of 1.0 mM Ca2+, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth and DNA synthesis. Complete prevention of those effects by catalase indicated that H2O2-induced damages should underlie both toxic processes. Further detection of a rise in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cells exposed to THQ plus Ca2+, together with the partial protection conferred by the intracellular Ca(2+)-chelator fura-2 against cell growth inhibition, indicated that a disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis is a determinant event in THQ cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the intracellular accumulation of rhodizonic acid (RDZ), the primary oxidative product of THQ, indicated that THQ, or its corresponding semiquinone form, was entering the cells and undergoing further autoxidation to RDZ. It was also evidenced that mitochondria represent an important target in the development of THQ toxicity, as shown by the disruption of the transmembrane electrical potential (delta psi) of isolated rat liver mitochondria, as well as by the Ca(2+)-release by mitochondria of permeabilized V79 cells. We concluded that disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis and generation of H2O2 are critically involved in THQ-induced impairment of DNA replication and mitochondrial functions, leading ultimately to cell growth inhibition.

Animals↗

Mitochondrial DNA ligase function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC9 gene encodes a DNA ligase protein that is targeted to both the nucleus and the mitochondria. While nuclear Cdc9p is known to play an essential role in nuclear DNA replication and repair, its role in mitochondrial DNA dynamics has not been defined. It is also unclear whether additional DNA ligase proteins are present in yeast mitochondria. To address these issues, mitochondrial DNA ligase function in S.cerevisiae was analyzed. Biochemical analysis of mitochondrial protein extracts supported the conclusion that Cdc9p was the sole DNA ligase protein present in this organelle. Inactivation of mitochondrial Cdc9p function led to a rapid decline in cellular mitochondrial DNA content in both dividing and stationary yeast cultures. In contrast, there was no apparent defect in mitochondrial DNA dynamics in a yeast strain deficient in Dnl4p (Deltadnl4). The Escherichia coli ECO:RI endonuclease was targeted to yeast mitochondria. Transient expression of this recombinant ECO:RI endonuclease led to the formation of mitochondrial DNA double-strand breaks. While wild-type and Deltadnl4 yeast were able to rapidly recover from this mitochondrial DNA damage, clones deficient in mitochondrial Cdc9p were not. These results support the conclusion that yeast rely upon a single DNA ligase, Cdc9p, to carry out mitochondrial DNA replication and recovery from both spontaneous and induced mitochondrial DNA damage.

Cell Division↗

Replication of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA in X-ray-damaged cells: evidence for a nuclear-specific mechanism that down-regulates replication.

The mechanism by which X rays inhibit DNA replication has been investigated in three distinct populations of DNA molecules in human cells: (a) large chromosomal DNA, (b) a population of 50-100 10.3-kb nuclear episomal plasmids per cell, and (c) a population of about 500 16-kb cytoplasmic mitochondrial DNA molecules per cell. DNA replication was inhibited by X rays in nuclear chromosomal and plasmid DNA, but not in mitochondrial DNA. The mechanism by which ionizing radiation inhibits DNA replication must therefore be nuclear-specific and is unlikely to involve diffusible low-molecular-weight substances. Since mitochondrial DNA exists in the cell as independent 16-kb circular molecules and responds to radiation as would be expected for small targets, the implication for nuclear plasmids is that their replication is regulated by a large target. A current model for DNA replication involves the movement of DNA through replication centers made up of polymerases, helicases, and associated replication enzymes that are attached to a matrix. The difference in the response to X rays between mitochondrial DNA and nuclear plasmid DNA can be explained if nuclear plasmids are tightly associated with chromosomal DNA and attached to the matrix, and are coordinately replicated.

DNA Replication↗

Mouse L cell mitochondrial DNA molecules are selected randomly for replication throughout the cell cycle.

The number of mitochondrial DNA molecules in a cell population doubles at the same rate as the cell generation time. This could occur by a random selection of molecules for replication or by a process that ensures the replication of each individual molecule in the cell. We have investigated the rate at which mouse L cell mitochondrial DNA molecules labeled with 3H-thymidine during one round of replication are reselected for a second round of replication. Mouse L cells were labeled with 3H-thymidine for 2 hr, chased for various periods of time and then labeled with 5-bromodeoxyuridine for 4 hr immediately before mitochondrial DNA isolation. A constant fraction of 3H-thymidine-labeled mitochondrial DNA incorporated 5-bromodeoxyuridine after chase intervals ranging from 1.5-22 hr. This result demonstrates that mitochondrial DNA molecules replicated in a short time interval are randomly selected for later rounds of replication, and that replication of mitochondrial DNA continues throughout the cell cycle in mouse L cells.

Animals↗