cytochrome-c-t and fluorexon

Peroxidase activity of cytochrome c stimulated by interaction of the protein with cardiolipin is considered to be involved in the induction of mitochondrial apoptosis associated with cytochrome c release from mitochondria. In model systems, this activity has been previously shown to cause permeabilization of cardiolipin-containing membranes. Here, we found that the antibiotic minocycline, known to have neuroprotective properties, inhibited both the binding of cyt c to cardiolipin-containing membranes and the cyt c/H

Topics: Animals; Cardiolipins; Cattle; Cytochromes c; Fluoresceins; Lipid Bilayers; Luminescent Measurements; Luminol; Minocycline; Permeability; Peroxidase; Protein Binding

Non-fluidic bio-layer interferometry (BLI) has rapidly become a standard tool for monitoring almost all biomolecular interactions in a label-free, real-time and high-throughput manner. High-efficiency screening methods which measure the kinetics of liposomes with a variety of compounds require the immobilization of liposomes. In this work, a method is described for immobilizing liposomes for interaction studies, based on the biophysical principles of this biosensor platform. The immobilization approach includes the loading of DSPE-PEG

Topics: 1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine; Adsorption; Biosensing Techniques; Biotin; Cardiolipins; Cytochromes c; Drosophila Proteins; Fluoresceins; Fluorescent Dyes; High-Throughput Screening Assays; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; Interferometry; Kinetics; Liposomes; Micelles; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Phosphatidylcholines; Phosphatidylethanolamines; Phosphatidylglycerols; Polyethylene Glycols; Protein Phosphatase 1; Reproducibility of Results

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive astrocytoma, and therapeutic options are generally limited to surgical resection, radiotherapy, and Temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. TMZ is a DNA alkylating agent that causes DNA damage and induces cell death. Unfortunately, glioma cells often develop resistance to TMZ treatment, with DNA de-methylation of the MGMT promoter identified as the primary reason. However, the contributions from proteins that normally protect cells against cytotoxic stress in TMZ-induced apoptosis have not been extensively explored. Here, we showed that increasing the level of the gap junction protein, Cx43, in human LN18 and LN229 glioma cells enhances resistance to TMZ treatment while knockdown of Cx43 in these same cells sensitizes them to TMZ treatment. By expressing a channel-dead or a C-terminal truncation mutant of Cx43, we show that Cx43-mediated TMZ resistance involves both channel dependent and independent functions. Expression of Cx43 in LN229 cells decreases TMZ-induced apoptosis, as determined by Annexin V staining. Cx43-mediated chemoresistance appears to be acting via a mitochondrial apoptosis pathway as manifested by the reduction in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and the release of cytochrome C. Our findings highlight additional mechanisms and proteins that contribute to TMZ resistance, and raise the possibility of increasing TMZ efficiency by targeting Cx43 protein. This article is part of the Special Issue Section entitled 'Current Pharmacology of Gap Junction Channels and Hemichannels'.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Annexin A5; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Apoptosis; Brain Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Connexin 43; Cytochromes c; Dacarbazine; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Fluoresceins; Glioma; Humans; Mitochondria; Mutation; Phosphorylation; RNA, Small Interfering; Signal Transduction; Temozolomide; Time Factors; Transfection

Bax is a cytosolic protein that responds to various apoptotic signals by binding to the outer mitochondrial membrane, resulting in membrane permeabilization, release of cytochrome c, and caspase-mediated cell death. Currently discussed mechanisms of membrane perforation include formation of hetero-oligomeric complexes of Bax with other pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bak, or membrane insertion of multiple hydrophobic helices of Bax, or formation of lipidic pores physically aided by mitochondrial membrane-inserted proteins. There is compelling evidence provided by our and other groups indicating that the C-terminal "helix 9" of Bax mediates membrane binding and pore formation, yet the mechanism of pore forming capability of Bax C-terminus remains unclear. Here we show that a 20-amino acid peptide corresponding to Bax C-terminus (VTIFVAGVLTASLTIWKKMG) and two mutants where the two lysines are replaced with glutamate or leucine have potent membrane pore forming activities in zwitterionic and anionic phospholipid membranes. Analysis of the kinetics of calcein release from lipid vesicles allows determination of rate constants of pore formation, peptide-peptide affinities within the membrane, the oligomeric state of transmembrane pores, and the importance of the lysine residues. These data provide insight into the molecular details of membrane pore formation by a Bax-derived peptide and open new opportunities for design of peptide-based cytotoxic agents.

Topics: Amino Acid Sequence; Apoptosis; bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; Caspases; Cytochromes c; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Fluoresceins; Humans; Kinetics; Mitochondrial Membranes; Models, Statistical; Molecular Sequence Data; Mutation; Peptides; Phosphatidylcholines; Phosphatidylglycerols; Protein Structure, Tertiary; Time Factors

Many cellular functions are driven by changes in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) that are highly organized in time and space. Ca(2+) oscillations are particularly important in this respect and are based on positive and negative [Ca(2+)](i) feedback on inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (InsP(3)Rs). Connexin hemichannels are Ca(2+)-permeable plasma membrane channels that are also controlled by [Ca(2+)](i). We aimed to investigate how hemichannels may contribute to Ca(2+) oscillations. Madin-Darby canine kidney cells expressing connexin-32 (Cx32) and Cx43 were exposed to bradykinin (BK) or ATP to induce Ca(2+) oscillations. BK-induced oscillations were rapidly (minutes) and reversibly inhibited by the connexin-mimetic peptides (32)Gap27/(43)Gap26, whereas ATP-induced oscillations were unaffected. Furthermore, these peptides inhibited the BK-triggered release of calcein, a hemichannel-permeable dye. BK-induced oscillations, but not those induced by ATP, were dependent on extracellular Ca(2+). Alleviating the negative feedback of [Ca(2+)](i) on InsP(3)Rs using cytochrome c inhibited BK- and ATP-induced oscillations. Cx32 and Cx43 hemichannels are activated by <500 nm [Ca(2+)](i) but inhibited by higher concentrations and CT9 peptide (last 9 amino acids of the Cx43 C terminus) removes this high [Ca(2+)](i) inhibition. Unlike interfering with the bell-shaped dependence of InsP(3)Rs to [Ca(2+)](i), CT9 peptide prevented BK-induced oscillations but not those triggered by ATP. Collectively, these data indicate that connexin hemichannels contribute to BK-induced oscillations by allowing Ca(2+) entry during the rising phase of the Ca(2+) spikes and by providing an OFF mechanism during the falling phase of the spikes. Hemichannels were not sufficient to ignite oscillations by themselves; however, their contribution was crucial as hemichannel inhibition stopped the oscillations.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Bradykinin; Calcium; Calcium Channel Blockers; Calcium Channels; Calcium Signaling; Carbenoxolone; Cell Line; Connexin 43; Connexins; Cytochromes c; Cytoplasm; Dogs; Fluoresceins; Gap Junction beta-1 Protein; Gene Knockdown Techniques; Humans; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate; Oligopeptides; Peptides; Rats; Recombinant Proteins; RNA Interference

Massive hepatectomy (MHX) leads to failure of remnant livers. Excessive metabolic burden in remnant livers may cause mitochondrial dysfunction. This study investigated whether blockade of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) with N-methyl-4-isoleucine cyclosporine (NIM811) improves the outcome of MHX.. Mice were gavaged with NIM811 (10 mg/kg before surgery and 5 mg/kg daily afterward) and underwent sham-operation or approximately 90% partial hepatectomy.. Serum alanine aminotransferase, necrosis, and apoptosis increased, respectively, to approximately 1200 U/L, 6.1%, and 7% after MHX. NIM811 decreased peak alanine aminotransferase release, necrosis, and apoptosis by 70%, 100%, and 42%, respectively. 5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation, proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression, and the remnant liver weights were all increased significantly by NIM811 treatment, indicating improved liver regeneration. NIM811 also blunted hyperbilirubinemia by 54%, increased serum albumin by 51%, and improved survival from 6% to 40% after MHX. Hepatic mitochondrial depolarization, cell death, and MPT were detected by intravital confocal/multiphoton microscopy of rhodamine 123, propidium iodide, and calcein. Mitochondrial depolarization occurred in many viable hepatocytes (13 cells/high-power field), and nonviable hepatocytes increased slightly to approximately 1 cell/high-power field at 3 hr after MHX. Entry of calcein into mitochondria after MHX indicated MPT onset. Importantly, NIM811 decreased mitochondria depolarization by more than 60%, blocked MPT onset, and prevented cell death. Decreases of hepatic ATP, mitochondrial cytochrome c release, and caspase-3 activation after MHX were also partially blocked by NIM811.. NIM811 minimized liver injury and improved liver regeneration after MHX, at least in part, by preventing MPT onset and subsequent compromised energy supply and proapoptotic cytochrome c release.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Caspase 3; Cell Death; Cyclosporine; Cytochromes c; Fluoresceins; Hepatectomy; Liver; Liver Regeneration; Male; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mitochondrial Diseases; Organ Size; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen

To clarify the relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death during ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), we studied cell death mechanisms in a cellular model of I/R. Oxidant stress during simulated ischemia was detected in the mitochondrial matrix using mito-roGFP, a ratiometric redox sensor, and by Mito-Sox Red oxidation. Reperfusion-induced death was attenuated by over-expression of Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) or mitochondrial phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (mito-PHGPx), but not by catalase, mitochondria-targeted catalase, or Cu,Zn-SOD. Protection was also conferred by chemically distinct antioxidant compounds, and mito-roGFP oxidation was attenuated by NAC, or by scavenging of residual O(2) during the ischemia (anoxic ischemia). Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) oscillation/opening was monitored by real-time imaging of mitochondrial calcein fluorescence. Oxidant stress caused release of calcein to the cytosol during ischemia, a response that was inhibited by chemically diverse antioxidants, anoxia, or over-expression of Mn-SOD or mito-PHGPx. These findings suggest that mitochondrial oxidant stress causes oscillation of the mPTP prior to reperfusion. Cytochrome c release from mitochondria to the cytosol was not detected until after reperfusion, and was inhibited by anoxic ischemia or antioxidant administration during ischemia. Although DNA fragmentation was detected after I/R, no evidence of Bax activation was detected. Over-expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-X(L) in cardiomyocytes did not confer protection against I/R-induced cell death. Moreover, murine embryonic fibroblasts with genetic depletion of Bax and Bak, or over-expression of Bcl-X(L), failed to show protection against I/R. These findings indicate that mitochondrial ROS during ischemia triggers mPTP activation, mitochondrial depolarization, and cell death during reperfusion through a Bax/Bak-independent cell death pathway. Therefore, mitochondrial apoptosis appears to represent a redundant death pathway in this model of simulated I/R. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mitochondria and Cardioprotection.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; Cell Hypoxia; Cells, Cultured; Chick Embryo; Cytochromes c; Fluoresceins; Gene Knockout Techniques; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Mitochondria, Heart; Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins; Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury; Myocytes, Cardiac; Oxidative Stress; Propidium; Reactive Oxygen Species; Superoxide Dismutase

Bnip3 is a member of the BH3-only subfamily of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins and is associated with loss of cardiac myocytes after a myocardial infarction. Previous studies have demonstrated that Bnip3 induces mitochondrial dysfunction, but the mechanisms involved in this process remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that Bnip3 induces permeabilization of the mitochondria via a novel mechanism that is different from other BH3-only proteins. We found that Bnip3 induced mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c release in isolated heart mitochondria in vitro. Another BH3-only protein, tBid, also caused release of cytochrome c but failed to induce swelling of mitochondria. Swelling of mitochondria is a characteristic of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, but Bnip3-mediated mitochondrial swelling was insensitive to cyclosporine A, an inhibitor of the mPTP and independent of cyclophilin D (cypD), an essential component of the mPTP. Bnip3 also induced permeabilization of the mitochondrial membranes as evident by calcein release from the matrix in both wild type (WT) and cypD deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Moreover, Bnip3 induced mitochondrial matrix remodeling and large amplitude swelling of the inner membrane, which led to disassembly of OPA1 complexes and release from the mitochondria. Thus, these studies suggest that Bnip3 mediates mitochondrial permeabilization by a novel mechanism that is different from other BH3-only proteins.

Topics: Animals; Cell Death; Cross-Linking Reagents; Cytochromes c; Fibroblasts; Fluoresceins; Male; Membrane Proteins; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Microscopy, Electron; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Proteins; Proto-Oncogene Proteins; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Recombinant Proteins

Nontoxic concentrations of peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) nevertheless commit rat astrocytes to mitochondrial permeability transition-dependent toxicity, however prevented by a signaling response driven by arachidonic acid (ARA). The lipid messenger was released upon ONOO(-)-dependent activation of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) and its pharmacological inhibition, or knock-down, was invariably associated with a prompt apoptotic response sensitive to exogenous ARA, but insensitive to other polyunsaturated fatty acids, as eicosapentaenoic or linoleic acid. Interestingly, while microglia also used ARA to cope with ONOO(-), cerebellar granule cells were killed by the same concentrations of ONOO(-) employed in astrocyte/microglia experiments via a mechanism sensitive to inhibition of ARA release. These results collectively support the notion that resistance of glial cells to ONOO(-), a species extensively produced under neuroinflammatory conditions, is largely based on a critical survival signaling triggered by the inflammatory product ARA. In remarkable contrast with these results, the lipid messenger appears to mediate toxicity in neuronal cells.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Arachidonic Acid; Arachidonic Acids; Astrocytes; Caspase 3; Cell Survival; Cells, Cultured; Cerebellum; Cerebral Cortex; Cytochromes c; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors; Fluoresceins; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Neurons; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense; Peroxynitrous Acid; Phospholipases A2; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Time Factors; Transfection

The translocation ability of two different species of apocytochrome c(horse heart, Candida krusei) across the soybean phospholipid vesicles decreased in the order: C. krusei > horse heart. Theoretical calculations of the amphiphilicity of their N- and C-terminal alpha-helix formation and the release experiment using calcein-enclosed soybean phospholipid vesicles showed that there was no direct relevance between their import ratio and the amphiphilic helicity. On the other hand, taking the advantage of circular dichroism technique, a more loosely folded structure of C. krusei following the interaction with soybean phospholipid vesicles was observed which should be responsible for the difference in translocation rate.

Topics: Animals; Apoproteins; Candida; Circular Dichroism; Cytochrome c Group; Cytochromes c; Fluoresceins; Horses; Lipid Bilayers; Myocardium; Phospholipids; Protein Folding