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The cDNA for the sea urchin mitochondrial D-loop-binding protein (mtDBP), a 40 kDa protein which binds two homologous regions of mitochondrial DNA (the D-loop region and the boundary between the oppositely transcribed ND5 and ND6 genes), has been cloned. Four different 3'-untranslated regions have been detected that are related to each other in pairs and do not contain the canonical polyadenylation signal. The in vitro synthesised mature protein (348 amino acids), deprived of the putative signal sequence, binds specifically to its DNA target sequence and produces a DNase I footprint identical to that given by the natural protein. mtDBP contains two leucine zippers, one of which is bipartite, and two small N- and C-terminal basic domains. A deletion mutation analysis of the recombinant protein has shown that the N-terminal region and the two leucine zippers are necessary for the binding. Furthermore, evidence was provided that mtDBP binds DNA as a monomer. This rules out a dimerization role for the leucine zippers and rather suggests that intramolecular interactions between leucine zippers take place. A database search has revealed as the most significative homology a match with the human mitochondrial transcription termination factor (mTERF), a protein that also binds DNA as a monomer and contains three leucine zippers forming intramolecular interactions. These similarities, and the observation that mtDBP-binding sites contain the 3'-ends of mtRNAs coded by opposite strands and the 3'-end of the D-loop structure, point to a dual function of the protein in modulating sea urchin mitochondrial DNA transcription and replication.

Proline transport in rat kidney mitochondria was investigated both by using isotopic techniques and by spectroscopic measurements, in which proline metabolism was essentially allowed to occur. Widely used criteria for demonstrating the occurrence of carrier-mediated transport were successfully applied in both cases. Differences found in the K_m and V_max values, in pH and temperature dependence of proline transport, and in the inhibitor sensitivity demonstrate the existence of two separate translocators for proline in rat kidney mitochondria, i.e., the proline uniporter and the proline/glutamate antiporter. Efflux of glutamate via glutamate/OH− translocator following proline uptake by mitochondria was experimentally ruled out. Discussion is also made of the possible role of such translocators in proline metabolism and in the putative proline/glutamate shuttle.Copyright 1994, 1999 Academic Press, Inc.

Glutamine transport in both normal and acidotic rat kidney mitochondria was investigated using both isotopic techniques and by spectroscopic measurements in which glutamine metabolism was allowed to occur. Widely used criteria for demonstrating the occurrence of carrier-mediated transport were successfully applied in both cases. Three transport mechanisms were found to occur, namely glutamine uniport, active only during acidosis and glutamine/glutamate and glutamine/malate antiports, active in both normal and acidotic mitochondria. Efflux of glutamate, via a glutamate/OH− translocator, following glutamine uptake by mitochondria was experimentally ruled out. Glutamine uniport in acidotic mitochondria and glutamine/glutamate and glutamine/malate antiports in both normal and acidotic mitochondria were investigated in detail: differences found in K_m and V_max values, in pH and temperature dependence, and in the pattern of inhibitor sensitivity of glutamine transport demonstrated the existence of five different translocators whose activities were found to fit with the physiological requirements of renal ammoniogenesis.Copyright 1994, 1999 Academic Press, Inc.

Myelin basic protein has been isolated from bovine brain using the nonionic detergent n-octyl-polydisperse oligooxyethylene. The purified basic protein contains large amounts of heterogeneous lipids.

Annexin p34 spin label has been used as a probe for studying annexin-membrane Ca-mediated interaction. The EPR spectrum of the purified probe is able to monitor the binding of the protein to phospholipid vesicles and isolated mitochondrial membranes, with increasing calcium concentration, as revealed by the calculated rotational correlation time. A novel mathematical approach is proposed to provide a direct estimation of annexin percentage binding to membranes, based on the correlation time calculated from experimental EPR spectra.

Treatment of mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase from rat liver with trypsin leads to specific cleavage of the bonds between residues 26 and 27, and residues 31 and 32. The proteolysed enzyme has only a small residual catalytic activity, but retains a conformation similar to that of the native form as judged by accessibility and reactivity of cysteine residues. Proteolysis abolishes the ability of the enzyme either to bind to mitochondria or to be imported into the organelles. This suggests that the N-terminal segment of the native enzyme is essential for both of these functions, at least in the model system used to study the import process.

To gain further insight into the mitochondrial receptor area which allows selective uptake of both purified aspartate aminotransferase and malate dehydrogenase into mitochondria, the inhibition of metal complexing agents such as bathophenanthroline and tiron on the uptake of both enzymes has been investigated. In view of the nature of the inhibition found, we propose the existence of metal ion(s) at or near the aspartate aminotransferase, but far from the malate dehydrogenase binding site.

MyelinBasic proteinProtein purificationLipidProtein structureMultiple sclerosis

To gain further insight into the effect of He-Ne laser irradiation on the mitochondrial biosynthetic apparatus, DNA synthesis was measured in mitochondna, mitoplasts and mitochondrial matrix fraction irradiated with low power continuous wave He-Ne laser (energy dose 5 Joules/cm2 laser power 12 mW). As a result of irradiation, the amount of α-[32P]dATP incorporated in acid insoluble materials was found to increase. Electrophoretic analysis of in vitro synthesised DNA purified from mitochondria, mitoplasts and matrix fraction shows an increase of 50-60 % of DNA synthesis in the irradiated samples. These data show that He-Ne laser stimulates the replication of mitochondrial DNA in both intact organelles and soluble matrix fraction, thus suggesting an interaction of laser light with matrix soluble molecule/s.Copyright 1993, 1999 Academic Press

Two fused genes were constructed which encode for two chimeric proteins in which either 10 or 191 N-terminal amino acids of mature mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase had been attached to the entire polypeptide chain of cytosolic dihydrofolate reductase. The precursor and mature form of mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase, dihydrofolate reductase and both chimeric proteins were synthesized in vitro and their import into isolated mitochondria was studied. Both chimeric proteins were taken up by isolated organelles, where they became protease resistant, thus indicating the ability of the N-terminal portion of the mature moiety of the precursor of mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase to direct cytosolic dihydrofolate reductase into mitochondria.Copyright 1994, 1999 Academic Press, Inc.

MitochondriaLaserTransmembrane proton gradientMembrane potentialATP synthesisOxygen uptake

1. The mechanism of sulphite and sulphate permeation into rat liver mitochondria was investigated. 2. Extramitochondrial sulphite and sulphate elicit efflux of intramitochondrial phosphate, malate, succinate and malonate. The sulphate-dependent effluxes and the sulphite-dependent efflux of dicarboxylate anions are inhibited by butylmalonate, phenylsuccinate and mersalyl. Inhibition of the phosphate efflux produced by sulphite is caused by mersalyl alone and by N-ethylmaleimide and butylmalonate when present together. 3. External sulphite and sulphate cause efflux of intramitochondrial sulphate, and this is inhibited by butylmalonate, phenylsuccinate and mersalyl. 4. External sulphite and sulphate do not cause efflux of oxoglutarate or citrate. 5. Mitochondria swell when suspended in an iso-osmotic solution of ammonium sulphite; this is not inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide or mersalyl. 6. Low concentrations of sulphite, but not sulphate, produce mitochondrial swelling in iso-osmotic solutions of ammonium malate, succinate, malonate, sulphate, or phosphate in the presence of N-ethylmaleimide. 7. It is concluded that both sulphite and sulphate may be transported by the dicarboxylate carrier of rat liver mitochondria and also that sulphite may permeate by an additional mechanism; the latter may involve the permeation of sulphurous acid or SO2 or an exchange of the sulphite anion for hydroxyl ion(s).

Mutant genes were constructed which coded for the precursor form of mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase in which residue cysteine 166 was mutated to either serine or alanine and or forms of the protein lacking both the presequence and residues 1-9 of the mature protein but carrying the same cysteine mutations. The protein products of all of these mutant genes were imported into mitochondria that had been added to the expression system but with varying degrees of efficiency. The results showed that the effects of mutation of cysteine 166 and of deletion of residues 1-9 of the mature protein on sequestration into mitochondria were essentially cumulative, suggesting that these parts of the protein are involved in distinct steps on the recognition/uptake pathway.Copyright 1995, 1999 Academic Press, Inc.

To gain insight into the mechanism by which cell irradiation with low power continuous wave He-Ne laser (632.8 nm) causes a general stimulation of biosynthetic properties, separate components of transcription and translation systems were irradiated (energy dose 2 Joules/cm2; laser power 12 mW) with measurements made of in vitroRNA and protein synthesis. In addition, all tested components were investigated with respect to influence of laser irradiation on their conformation, as spectroscopically monitored. In all cases an increase in both transcription and translation activities was found with a significant change in absorbance/fluorescence spectra.

Different proteolytic enzymes were tested for their ability to degrade the myelin basic protein of the central nervous system, purified in two different forms, the lipid-free form and the lipid-bound form. As shown by SDS gel electrophoresis only clostripain, a thiol protease, was able to distinguish between the two MBPs since it degraded MBP only in the lipid-free form. The failure to degrade lipid-bound MBP by clostripain could not be ascribed to the presence of lipids, since the other proteolytic enzymes tested degraded both MBPs independently from lipids giving fragments with different size. These results may be related to different conformations of MBPs possibly relevant for the study of myelin structure and antigenic properties of the protein.

Sensitivity to digestion with pronase has been used to show that the precursor form of mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase, the form lacking the N-terminal presequence, that with a deletion of the first 9 residues and mutants of the mature enzyme in which residue Cys-166 is mutated to alanine or serine, all retain unfolded conformations after synthesis in a reticulocyte lysate. In the presence of lysed mitochondria the various forms of mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase retained their susceptibilities to pronase in a way that mirrored the efficiencies with which they are imported into intact mitochondria. The results are interpreted as showing that the presequence of mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase is not uniquely required for interaction with cytosolic factors required to maintain the newly synthesised protein in a form competent for interacting with, and being imported into, mitochondria.Copyright 1995, 1999 Academic Press, Inc.

Hydroxyproline uptake by rat kidney mitochondria is here first shown by monitoring the reduction of the intramitochondrial pyridine nucleotides which occurs as a result of metabolism of imported hydroxyproline via hydroxyproline oxidase and 3-hydroxy-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase. Widely used criteria for demonstrating the occurrence of carrier-mediated transport were applied to this process. Hydroxyproline uptake shows saturation features (Km and Vmax values, measured at 20°C and at pH 7.20, were found to be about 1.4 mM and 5 nmoles/min × mg mitochondrial protein, respectively) and proves to be inhibited by the impermeable compound phenylsuccinate, but insensitive to externally added methylglutamate. Difference found in the Km and Vmax values, a different inhibitor sensitivity and the failure of hydroxyproline to cause efflux of glutamate from the mitochondria show that hydroxyproline enters mitochondria by means of a translocator different from those which transport proline.Copyright 1994, 1999 Academic Press

We have previously shown that CNS myelin basic protein (MBP) can be purified in the lipid-bound, native-like form by using a procedure based on myelin solubilization with detergents at pH above 7, and on the filter-like use of hydroxyapatite to separate non-adsorbed MBP from other myelin proteins. Here, we report on the isolation of MBP in the zwitterionic detergent 3-((3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio)-l-propane sulfonate (CHAPS), which does not interfere at 280 nm and can be removed by dialysis. This detergent appears to improve MBP purification and to be suitable for fluorescence and reconstitution studies that can be useful to understand both structure and function of MBP in its natural environment.

Abstract: The structure of (Deibler) myelin basic protein in solution and in a lysolecithin lipid complex has been studied by using the emission properties of the single tryptophan residue of the protein (Trp-115). The studies have been carried out using both static and time-resolved fluorescence techniques. Relative to the free protein, the lipid bound myelin basic protein showed a, twofold increase in fluorescence intensity and a marked blue-shift in the emission maximum wavelength. The multiexponential fluorescence decays and the decay associated spectra indicated that the protein exists in at least three different conformations both in buffer and in lipids. Fluorescence polarization and acrylamide quenching experiments showed that the tryptophan containing region of the protein is embedded in the lipid matrix. The binding of the protein to the lipid appears to be comparable with that predicted for the interaction of amphipathic helices with nonpolar lipids.

To gain further insight into the mitochondrial receptor area which allows selective uptake of both purified aspartate aminotransferase and malate dehydrogenase into mitochondria, the inhibition of metal complexing agents such as bathophenanthroline and tiron on the uptake of both enzymes has been investigated. In view of the nature of the inhibition found, we propose the existence of metal ion(s) at or near the aspartate aminotransferase, but far from the malate dehydrogenase binding site.

Kinetic measurements of the uptake of native mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase and malate dehydrogenase into mitochondria in vitro were carried out. The uptake of both the enzymes is essentially complete in 1 min and shows saturation characteristics. The rate of uptake of aspartate aminotransferase into mitochondria is decreased by malate dehydrogenase, and vice versa. The inhibition is exerted by isoenzyme remaining outside the mitochondria rather than by isoenzyme that has been imported. The thiol compound beta-mercaptoethanol decreases the rate of uptake of the tested enzymes; inhibition is a result of interaction of beta-mercaptoethanol with the mitochondria and not with the enzymes themselves. The rate of uptake of aspartate aminotransferase is inhibited non-competitively by malate dehydrogenase, but competitively by beta-mercaptoethanol. The rate of uptake of malate dehydrogenase is inhibited non-competitively by aspartate aminotransferase and by beta-mercaptoethanol. beta-Mercaptoethanol prevents the inhibition of the rate of uptake of malate dehydrogenase by aspartate aminotransferase. These results are interpreted in terms of a model system in which the two isoenzymes have separate but interacting binding sites within a receptor in the mitochondrial membrane system.

1. It was previously shown [Passarella, Marra, Doonan & Quagliariello (1980) Biochem. J. 192, 649-658] that, when mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase from rat liver is incubated with sulphite-loaded mitochondria from the same source, uptake of the enzyme occurs, as judged by a fluorimetric assay of intramitochondrial enzyme activity. Confirmation of sequestration of the enzyme inside the organelles is provided by its proteinase-resistance after uptake. 2. Enzyme uptake into mitochondria is inhibited by enzyme treatment with mersalyl at concentrations that do not affect its catalytic activity. 3. Enzyme uptake is energy-dependent, as shown by inhibition of the process by carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone and by antimycin. ATP and oligomycin, on the other hand, both stimulate the process, but stimulation by ATP is inhibited by oligomycin. These results suggest that uptake depends on maintenance of transmembrane ion gradient rather than direct ATP involvement. 4. Measurements of delta psi by means of the ‘redistribution signal’ probe safranine suggest no dependence of malate dehydrogenase uptake on membrane potential. 5. Comparison of the effects of the ionophores valinomycin, nonactin, gramicidin and nigericin shows that uptake depends on maintenance of a transmembrane pH gradient.

The effect of hypothyroidism on kinetic characteristics of cytochrome oxidase in rat heart mitochondria was studied. Mitochondrial preparations from control and hypothyroid rats had equivalent K_m values for cytochrome c, while the maximal activity of the oxidase was significantly decreased (more than 30%) in mitochondrial preparations from hypothyroid rats. This decrease is associated to a parallel decrease in state 3 respiration. The cytochrome aa₃ content was slightly decreased (by around 15%) in mitochondria from hypothyroid rats. The Arrhenius plot characteristics differ for cytochrome oxidase activity in mitochondria from hypothyroid rats as compared with control rats in that the breakpoint of the biphasic plot is shifted to a higher temperature. Cardiolipin content was markedly decreased in the mitochondrial membrane from hypothyroid rats. No alterations were found in the pattern of cardiolipin fatty acid distribution of mitochondrial membrane from control and hypothyroid rats. The effects of the hypothyroid state on the activity of cytochrome oxidase, on cytochrome aa₃ levels, and on cardiolipin contents were completely reversed by following the treatment of hypothyroid rats with thyroid hormone. The results support the conclusion that the depressed mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase activity in the hypothyroid state is due, at least in part, to a decrease in the cardiolipin content of the mitochondrial inner membrane.Copyright 1993, 1999 Academic Press

MitochondriaLaserTransmembrane proton gradientMembrane potentialATP synthesisOxygen uptake

We have applied a double tagging system in order to study whether purified myelin basic protein is able to adhere to normal human peripheral T lymphocytes without the need to purify cells. Evaluation of myelin basic protein adherence to peripheral blood mononuclear cells was determined with biotinylated myelin basic protein and fluoresceinated avidin, and lymphocyte population was identified by the corresponding phycoerythrinated monoclonal antibody. The observed adherence of myelin basic protein to T lymphocytes was found to depend on protein conformation.

1. The effects of various inhibitors of electron transport and of oxidative phosphorylation and the effects of ionophores on the uptake of native aspartate aminotransferase into mitochondria were investigated. 2. Both antimycin and cyanide completely inhibited the uptake of the enzyme. On the other hand, uptake was stimulated to ATP and by oligomycin; however, the stimulation by ATP is inhibited by oligomycin. 3. The effects of ionophores of the valinomycin type in media containing K+ ions depended on the conditions used. Valinomycin alone stimulated the uptake of the enzyme, but in the presence of phosphate ions uptake was abolished. Nonactin was without effect at a low K+ concentration, but was stimulatory at 100 mM-KCl. Gramicidin also stimulated the uptake process. 4. Nigericin completely abolished uptake of aspartate aminotransferase into mitochondria. 5. The uptake of te enzyme was decreased by 18% in the absence of inhibitors or ionophores when the external pH was increased from 6.9 to 7.6. 6. These results indicate that ATP is not directly involved in the uptake of aspartate aminotransferase into mitochondria, neither is there a requirement for a cation gradient. Rather the uptake depends on the maintenance of a pH gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane.

1. The mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase from rat liver has been purified to a state of homogeneity as judged by starch-gel electrophoresis and the cytoplasmic isoenzyme has been obtained in a partically purified state. 2. Inhibition of the isoenzymes by sulphite has been studied. 3. In mitochondria loaded with sulphite, the catalytic activity of the (partially inhibited) internal malate dehydrogenase has been measured by addition of oxaloacetate to the suspension medium and observation of the consequent decrease in fluorescence of NADH. 4. Addition of mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase to suspensions of mitochondria loaded with sulphite resulted in an increase in the level of intramitochondrial enzymic activity as measured by the above technique. Addition of the cytoplasmic isoenzyme did not result in such an increase. 5. These results show that mitochondria in suspension are permeable to the mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase but not to the cytoplasmic isoenzyme. 6. This conclusion has been confirmed by direct measurement of a decrease of enzyme activity in solution and an increase inside the mitochondria after incubation of organelles in solutions containing mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase. No such effect was observed with the cytoplasmic isoenzyme. 7. Some features of the permeation process have been studied.

1. A method was devised to allow determination of intramitochondrial aspartate amino-transferase activity in suspensions of intact mitochondria. 2. Addition of purified rat liver mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase to suspensions of rat liver mitochondria caused an apparent increase in the intramitochondrial enzyme activity. No increase was observed when the mitochondria were preincubated with the purified cytoplasmic isoenzyme. 3. These results suggest that mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase, but not the cytoplasmic isoenzyme, is able to pass from solution into the matrix of intact rat liver mitochondria in vitro. 4. This system may provide a model for studies of the little-understood processes by which cytoplasmically synthesized components are incorporated into mitochondria in vivo.

The kinetics of sulphate uptake catalysed by the dicarboxylate carrier were measured. The Km value for sulphate is about 0.3 mM. A completely competitive relation exists between the influxes of sulphate and malonate, whereas the relation between sulphate and phosphate is of the mixed type. The inhibition of sulphate influx by mersalyl and bathophenanthroline is similar to that of malonate influx and different from the inhibition of phosphate influx. It is considered that sulphate and malonate probably bind to the same locus on the carrier, whereas phosphate occupies a different site. The possible implications of this conclusion are discussed.

Evidence is given in this paper that externally added flavin mononucleotide (FMN) induces flavin adenine dinucleotide synthesis in isolated rat liver mitochondria, as shown by fluorimetric, chromatographic, and enzymatic assays. FMN association with mitochondria is a process with hyperbolic features that is sensitive to externally added mersalyl.Copyright 1993, 1999 Academic Press