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  • Cumero 2012 Br J Pharmacol  + (''Background & Purpose'': T1AM is a th''Background & Purpose'': T1AM is a thyronamine derivative of thyroid hormone acting as a signalling molecule via non-genomic effectors and can reach intracellular targets. In light of the importance of F<sub>0</sub>F<sub>1</sub>-ATPsynthase as a target in drug development, T1AM interaction with the enzyme is demonstrated by its effects on the activity and a model of binding locations is depicted.</br></br>''Experimental Approach'': Kinetic analyses were performed on F<sub>0</sub>F<sub>1</sub>-ATPsynthase in sub-mitochondrial particles and soluble F<sub>1</sub>-ATPase. Activity assays and immunodetection of the inhibitor protein IF<sub>1</sub> were used and combined with molecular docking analyses. ''In situ'' respirometric analysis of T1AM effect was investigated on H9c2 cardiomyocytes.</br></br>''Key Results'': T1AM is a non-competitive inhibitor of F<sub>0</sub>F<sub>1</sub>-ATPsynthase whose binding is mutually exclusive with that of the inhibitors IF<sub>1</sub> and aurovertin B. Distinct T1AM binding sites are consistent with results from both kinetic and docking analyses: at low nanomolar concentrations, T1AM binds to a high affinity-region likely located within the IF<sub>1</sub> binding site, causing IF<sub>1</sub> release; at higher concentrations, T1AM binds to a low affinity-region likely located within the aurovertin binding cavity and inhibits enzyme activity. Low nanomolar concentrations of T1AM elicit in cardiomyocytes an increase in ADP-stimulated mitochondrial respiration indicative for an activation of F<sub>0</sub>F<sub>1</sub>-ATPsynthase consistent with displacement of endogenous IF<sub>1</sub>, thereby reinforcing the ''in vitro'' results.</br></br>''Conclusions & Implications'': The T1AM effects upon F<sub>0</sub>F<sub>1</sub>-ATPsynthase are twofold: IF<sub>1</sub> displacement and enzyme inhibition. By targeting F<sub>0</sub>F<sub>1</sub>-ATPsynthase within mitochondria T1AM might affect cell bioenergetics with a positive effect on mitochondrial energy production at low endogenous concentration. T1AM putative binding locations overlapping with IF<sub>1</sub> and aurovertin binding sites are depicted.lt;/sub>-ATPsynthase within mitochondria T1AM might affect cell bioenergetics with a positive effect on mitochondrial energy production at low endogenous concentration. T1AM putative binding locations overlapping with IF<sub>1</sub> and aurovertin binding sites are depicted.)
  • Usui 2012 Eur J Anaes  + (''Background and Goal of Study'': Anesthet''Background and Goal of Study'': Anesthetics have been demonstrated to inhibit mitochondrial function in animal models, an effect that could be related to neurological sequelae of prolonged or excessive anesthesia in man. It has been proposed that toxicity of anesthetic agents could be caused by inhibition of the electron transport system. In this study, using high-resolved respirometry of human blood cells, the objective was to evaluate the influence of commonly used anesthetic agents in a wide concentration range on mitochondrial oxygen consumption in platelets.</br></br>''Materials and Methods'': Platelets samples were isolated from healthy volunteers and were rapidly analyzed by [[high-resolution respirometry]] using an Oroboros-2k Oxygraph. Platelets were exposed to propofol (5-150 μg/mL), sevoflurane (0.4-8 mmol/L) and midazolam (0.1-20 μg/mL). Mitochondria were stimulated with complex-specific substrates and inhibitors. Statistical analysis were performed using one way ANOVA with post hoc Dunnett’s test and were compared to a separate control group (''N''=20). Informed consent was received from all participants and the study was approved by the ethical committee of Tokyo Medical University.</br></br>''Results and Discussion'': Within the therapeutic concentration-range of the investigated agents, no apparent inhibition of respiratory capacity was noted. Rather, at therapeutic concentrations, significant increases in mitochondrial respiratory parameters were detected for sevoflurane and propofol. Dose-dependent inhibition of respiration was found in the presence of high doses of propofol (30 μg/mL and above) and sevoflurane (1.6 mmol/L and above). The respiratory inhibition was more prominent for Complex I respiration as compared to Complex II-supported respiration. For midazolam no significant effects were noted at the concentration range investigated.</br></br>''Conclusion'': In freshly isolated and permeabilized human platelets, the commonly used anesthetics sevoflurane and propofol stimulate mitochondrial respiratory capacity at clinically relevant concentrations. At higher concentrations, these agents displayed a dose-dependent inhibition of Complex I and II-supported respiration. The increased respiratory capacity induced by sevoflurane and propofol might be beneficial and the inhibition of respiration could be relevant to situations of prolonged or excessive exposure, especially in situations of tissue accumulation of these anesthetics. tissue accumulation of these anesthetics.)
  • Goncalves 2009 PLoS One  + (''Background'': Hematophagy poses a challe''Background'': Hematophagy poses a challenge to blood-feeding organisms since products of blood digestion can exert cellular deleterious effects. Mitochondria perform multiple roles in cell biology acting as the site of aerobic energytransducing pathways, and also an important source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), modulating redox metabolism. Therefore, regulation of mitochondrial function should be relevant for hematophagous arthropods. Here, we investigated the effects of blood-feeding on flight muscle (FM) mitochondria from the mosquito ''Aedes aegypti'', a vector of dengue and yellow fever.</br></br>''Methodology/Principal Findings'': Blood-feeding caused a reversible reduction in mitochondrial oxygen consumption, an</br>event that was parallel to blood digestion. These changes were most intense at 24 h after blood meal (ABM), the peak of</br>blood digestion, when oxygen consumption was inhibited by 68%. Cytochromes ''c'' and ''a+a<sub>3</sub> '' levels and cytochrome c oxidase activity of the electron transport chain were all reduced at 24 h ABM. Ultrastructural and molecular analyses of FM revealed that mitochondria fuse upon blood meal, a condition related to reduced ROS generation. Consistently, BF induced a reversible decrease in mitochondrial H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> formation during blood digestion, reaching their lowest values at 24 h ABM where a reduction of 51% was observed.</br></br>''Conclusion'': Blood-feeding triggers functional and structural changes in hematophagous insect mitochondria, which may</br>represent an important adaptation to blood feeding.ct mitochondria, which may represent an important adaptation to blood feeding.)
  • Favory 2006 Am J Respir Crit Care Med  + (''Background'': Results from both animal a''Background'': Results from both animal and human being studies provide evidence that inhalation of concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) at around 100 ppm has antiinflammatory effects. These low levels of CO are incriminated in ischemic heart diseases experienced by cigarette smokers and, in some cases, from air pollution. Although neurologic mechanisms have been investigated, the effects of CO on cardiovascular function are still poorly understood.</br></br>''Methods and Results'': The effects of CO (250 ppm; 90 min) inhalation on myocardial function were investigated in isolated heart of rats killed immediately, and 3, 24, 48, and 96 h after CO exposure. CO exposure at 250 ppm resulted in an arterial carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) level of approximately 11%, which was not associated with changes in mean arterial pressure and heart rate. CO exposure induced coronary perfusion pressure increases, which were associated with endothelium-dependent and -independent vascular relaxation abnormalities. CO-induced coronary vascular relaxation perturbations were observed in the presence of increased heart contractility. Spontaneous peak to maximal Ca<sup>2+</sup>-activated left ventricular pressure ratio was markedly increased in CO-exposed rats, indicating increases in myofilament calcium sensitivity. Heart cyclic guanosine monophosphate/cAMP ratio and myocardial permeabilized fiber respiration (complex intravenous activity) were reduced in CO-exposed rats, which lasted after 48 h of reoxygenation in air.</br></br>''Conclusions'': These findings suggest that CO deteriorates heart oxygen supply to utilization and potentially may induce myocardial hypoxia through mechanisms that include increased oxygen demand due to increased contractility, reduced coronary blood flow reserve, and cardiomyocyte respiration inhibition.low reserve, and cardiomyocyte respiration inhibition.)
  • Votion 2012 PLoS One  + (''Background'': Within the animal kingdom,''Background'': Within the animal kingdom, horses are among the most powerful aerobic athletic mammals. Determination of muscle respiratory capacity and control improves our knowledge of mitochondrial physiology in horses and high aerobic performance in general.</br></br>We applied high-resolution respirometry and multiple [[substrate-uncoupler-inhibitor titration]] protocols to study mitochondrial physiology in small (1.0 – 2.5 mg) permeabilized muscle fibres sampled from triceps brachii of healthy horses. Oxidative phosphorylation ([[OXPHOS]]) capacity [pmol O<sub>2</sub>∙s<sup>-1</sup>∙mg<sup>-1</sup> wet weight] in the NADH&succinate-pathway (NS, combined [[CI<small>&</small>II]]-linked substrate supply: glutamate&malate&succinate) increased from 77±18 in overweight horses to 103±18, 122±15, and 129±12 in untrained, trained andcompetitive horses (''N'' = 3, 8, 16, and 5, respectively). Similar to human muscle mitochondria, equine OXPHOS capacity was limited by the phosphorylation system to 0.85±0.10 (''N'' = 32) of electron transfer capacity, independent of fitness level. In 15 trained horses, OXPHOS capacity increased from 119±12 to 134±37 when pyruvate was included in the NS-substrate cocktail. Relative to this maximum OXPHOS capacity, NADH-linked OXPHOS capacities (N) were only 50 % with glutamate&malate, 64 % with pyruvate&malate, and 68 % with pyruvate&glutamate&malate, and ~78 % with succinate&rotenone (S). OXPHOS capacity with glutamate&malate increased with fitness relative to NS-supported ET capacity from a flux control ratio of 0.38 to 0.40, 0.41 and 0.46 in overweight to competitive horses, whereas the S/NS substrate control ratio remained constant at 0.70. Therefore, the apparent deficit of the N- over S-pathway capacity was reduced with physical fitness. </br></br>The scope of mitochondrial density-dependent OXPHOS capacity and the density-independent (qualitative) increase of N-respiratory capacity with increased fitness open up new perspectives of integrative and comparative mitochondrial respiratory physiology.tory capacity with increased fitness open up new perspectives of integrative and comparative mitochondrial respiratory physiology.)
  • Luevano-Martinez 2019 Fungal Biol  + (''Blastocladiella emersonii'' is an early ''Blastocladiella emersonii'' is an early diverging fungus of the phylum Blastocladiomycota. During the life cycle of the fungus, mitochondrial morphology changes significantly, from a fragmented form in sessile vegetative cells to a fused network in motile zoospores. In this study, we visualize these morphological changes using a mitochondrial fluorescent probe and show that the respiratory capacity in zoospores is much higher than in vegetative cells, suggesting that mitochondrial morphology could be related to the differences in oxygen consumption. While studying the respiratory chain of the fungus, we observed an antimycin A and cyanide-insensitive, salicylhydroxamic (SHAM)-sensitive respiratory activity, indicative of a mitochondrial alternative oxidase (AOX) activity. The presence of AOX was confirmed by the finding of a ''B. emersonii'' cDNA encoding a putative AOX, and by detection of AOX protein in immunoblots. Inhibition of AOX activity by SHAM was found to significantly alter the capacity of the fungus to grow and sporulate, indicating that AOX participates in life cycle control in ''B. emersonii''.</br></br><small>Copyright © 2018 British Mycological Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.</small>ed by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.</small>)
  • Thorgersen 2022 Front Microbiol  + (''Brevibacillus massiliensis'' strain phR ''Brevibacillus massiliensis'' strain phR is an obligately aerobic microbe that was isolated from human feces. Here, we show that it readily takes up tungsten (W), a metal previously associated only with anaerobes. The W is incorporated into an oxidoreductase enzyme (BmWOR) that was purified from native biomass. BmWOR consists of a single 65 kDa subunit and contains a single W-pyranopterin cofactor and a single [4Fe-4S] cluster. It exhibited high aldehyde-oxidizing activity with very high affinities (apparent ''K''m < 6 μM) for aldehydes common in the human gut and in cooked foods, including furfural, propionaldehyde, benzaldehyde and tolualdehyde, suggesting that BmWOR plays a key role in their detoxification. ''B. massiliensis'' converted added furfural to furoic acid when grown in the presence of W, but not in the presence of the analogous element molybdenum. ''B. massiliensis'' ferredoxin (BmFd) served as the electron acceptor (apparent ''K''m < 5 μM) for BmWOR suggesting it is the physiological electron carrier. Genome analysis revealed a Fd-dependent rather than NADH-dependent Complex I, suggesting that WOR not only serves a detoxification role but its aldehyde substrates could also serve as a source of energy. BmWOR is the first tungstoenzyme and the first member of the WOR family to be obtained from a strictly aerobic microorganism. Remarkably, BmWOR oxidized furfural in the presence of air (21 % O2, v/v) but only if BmFd was also present. BmWOR is the first characterized member of the Clade 83 WORs, which are predominantly found in extremely halophilic and aerobic archaea (Clade 83A), with many isolated from food sources, while the remaining bacterial members (Clade 83B) include both aerobes and anaerobes. The potential advantages for microbes found in foods and involved in human gut health that harbor O2-resistant WORs, including in ''Bacillus'' and ''Brevibacillus'' based-probiotics, are discussed.Brevibacillus'' based-probiotics, are discussed.)
  • Wyss 2016 Abstract IOC116  + (''By author request, this abstract is not made available online.'')
  • Piller 1995 J Exp Biol  + (''Callinectes sapidus'' and ''C. similis''''Callinectes sapidus'' and ''C. similis'' co-occur in estuarine waters above 15 salinity. ''Callinectes sapidus'' also inhabits more dilute waters, but ''C. similis'' is rarely found below 15 . Previous work suggests that ''C. sapidus'' may be a better hyperosmoregulator than ''C. similis''. In this study, energy metabolism and the levels of transport-related enzymes in excised gills were used as indicators of adaptation to low salinity. Oxygen consumption rates and mitochondrial cytochrome content of excised gills increased in both species as acclimation salinity decreased, but to a significantly greater extent in ''C. similis'' gills. In addition, ''C. similis'' gills showed the same levels of carbonic anhydrase and Na+/K+-ATPase activities and the same degree of enzyme induction during low-salinity adaptation as has been reported for ''C. sapidus'' gills. However, hemolymph osmolality and ion concentrations were consistently lower in ''C. similis'' at low salinity than in ''C. sapidus''. Therefore, although gills from low-salinity-acclimated ''C. similis'' have a higher oxygen consumption rate and more mitochondrial cytochromes than ''C. sapidus'' gills and the same level of transport-related enzymes, ''C. similis'' cannot homeostatically regulate their hemolymph to the same extent as ''C. sapidus.''ymph to the same extent as ''C. sapidus.'')
  • Dufour 2013 Appl Environ Microbiol  + (''Campylobacter jejuni'' is a widespread p''Campylobacter jejuni'' is a widespread pathogen responsible for most of the food-borne gastrointestinal diseases in Europe. The use of natural antimicrobial molecules is a promising alternative to antibiotic treatments for pathogen control in the food industry. Isothiocyanates are natural antimicrobial compounds, which also display anti-cancer activity. Several studies described the chemoprotective effect of isothiocyanates on eukaryotic cells, but the antimicrobial mechanism is still poorly understood.We investigated the early cellular response of ''C. jejuni'' to benzylisothiocyanate by both transcriptomic and physiological approaches. The transcriptomic response of ''C. jejuni'' to benzylisothiocyanate showed upregulation of heat shock response genes and an impact on energy metabolism. The oxygen consumption was progressively impaired by benzylisothiocyanate treatment as revealed by high-resolution respirometry, while the ATP content increased soon after benzylisothiocyanate exposition, which suggests a shift in the energy metabolism balance. Finally, benzylisothiocyanate induced intracellular protein aggregation. These results indicate that benzylisothiocyanate affects ''C. jejuni'' by targeting proteins, resulting in the disruption of major metabolic processes and eventually leading to cell death.sses and eventually leading to cell death.)
  • Roach 2013 Bioch Biophys Acta - Bioenergetics  + (''Chlamydomonas reinhardtii'' is a photoau''Chlamydomonas reinhardtii'' is a photoautotrophic green alga, which can be grown mixotrophically in acetate-supplemented media (Tris-acetate-phosphate). We show that acetate has a direct effect on photosystem II (PSII). As a consequence, Tris-acetate-phosphate-grown mixotrophic C. reinhardtii cultures are less susceptible to photoinhibition than photoautotrophic cultures when subjected to high light. Spin-trapping electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that thylakoids from mixotrophic C. reinhardtii produced less (1)O2 than those from photoautotrophic cultures. The same was observed in vivo by measuring DanePy oxalate fluorescence quenching. Photoinhibition can be induced by the production of (1)O2 originating from charge recombination events in photosystem II, which are governed by the midpoint potentials (Em) of the quinone electron acceptors. Thermoluminescence indicated that the Em of the primary quinone acceptor (QA/QA(-)) of mixotrophic cells was stabilised while the Em of the secondary quinone acceptor (QB/QB(-)) was destabilised, therefore favouring direct non-radiative charge recombination events that do not lead to (1)O2 production. Acetate treatment of photosystem II-enriched membrane fragments from spinach led to the same thermoluminescence shifts as observed in C. reinhardtii, showing that acetate exhibits a direct effect on photosystem II independent from the metabolic state of a cell. A change in the environment of the non-heme iron of acetate-treated photosystem II particles was detected by low temperature electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. We hypothesise that acetate replaces the bicarbonate associated to the non-heme iron and changes the environment of QA and QB affecting photosystem II charge recombination events and photoinhibition. recombination events and photoinhibition.)
  • De Carvalho 2016 J Cell Biochem  + (''Diabetes mellitus'' is a metabolic disor''Diabetes mellitus'' is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. We investigated the effect of a prior 30 days voluntary exercise protocol on STZ-diabetic CF1 mice. Glycemia, and the liver and skeletal muscle glycogen, mitochondrial function, and redox status were analyzed up to 5 days after STZ injection. Animals were engaged in the following groups: Sedentary vehicle (Sed Veh), Sedentary STZ (Sed STZ), Exercise Vehicle (Ex Veh), and Exercise STZ (Ex STZ). Exercise prevented fasting hyperglycemia in the Ex STZ group. In the liver, there was decreased on glycogen level in Sed STZ group but not in EX STZ group. STZ groups showed decreased mitochondrial oxygen consumption compared to vehicle groups, whereas mitochondrial H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> production was not different between groups. Addition of ADP to the medium did not decrease H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> production in Sed STZ mice. Exercise increased GSH level. Sed STZ group increased nitrite levels compared to other groups. In quadriceps muscle, glycogen level was similar between groups. The Sed STZ group displayed decreased O<sub>2</sub> consumption, and exercise prevented this reduction. The H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> production was higher in Ex STZ when compared to other groups. Also, GSH level decreased whereas nitrite levels increased in the Sed STZ compared to other groups. The PGC1 α levels increased in Sed STZ, Ex Veh, and Ex STZ groups. In summary, prior exercise training prevents hyperglycemia in STZ-mice diabetic associated with increased liver glycogen storage, and oxygen consumption by the mitochondria of skeletal muscle implying in increased oxidative/biogenesis capacity, and improved redox status of both tissues. J. Cell. Biochem. 9999: 1-8, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</br></br>© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.edox status of both tissues. J. Cell. Biochem. 9999: 1-8, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)
  • Scialo 2016 PLOS ONE  + (''Drosophila melanogaster'' is a popular r''Drosophila melanogaster'' is a popular research model organism thanks to its powerful genetic tools that allow spatial and temporal control of gene expression. The inducible GeneSwitch Gal4 system (GS) system is a modified version of the classic UAS/GAL4 system which allows inducible regulation of gene expression and eliminates background effects. It is widely acknowledged that the GS system is leaky, with low level expression of UAS transgenes in absence of the inducer RU-486 (the progesterone analog that activates the modified GAL4 protein). However, in the course of our experiments, we have observed that the extent of this leak depends on the nature of the transgene being expressed. In the absence of RU-486, when strong drivers are used to express protein coding transgenes, leaky expression is low or negligible, however expression of RNA interference (RNAi) transgenes results in complete depletion of protein levels. The majority of published studies, using the GS system and RNAi transgenes validate knock-down efficiency by comparing target gene mRNA levels between induced and non-induced groups. Here, we demonstrate that this approach is lacking and that both additional control groups and further validation is required at the protein level. Unfortunately, this experimental limitation of the GS system eliminates "the background advantage", but does offer the possibility of performing more complex experiments (e.g. studying depletion and overexpression of different proteins in the same genetic background). The limitations and new possible applications of the GS system are discussed in detail. of the GS system are discussed in detail.)
  • Oliveira 2023 MitoFit Spotlight  + (''Drosophila'' fruit flies have been used ''Drosophila'' fruit flies have been used as a valuable, cheap, and powerful organism model to understand fundamental biological processes for many years. However, standardized methodologies specifically designed to assess mitochondrial physiology in this model are not available. Rodríguez and colleagues provided a detailed analysis of publicly available protocols to assess mitochondrial physiology in ''Drosophila melanogaster'' while performed experiments in flight muscles to address three technical parameters to define the optimal conditions for respirometry. The authors show that oxygen diffusion is not limited to sustaining respiratory capacity in either isolated mitochondria or chemically permeabilized fibers. In addition, chemical permeabilization revealed the best approach to assess mitochondrial physiology in fruit flies. Finally, the authors demonstrate that magnesium green is the only fluorescent probe that caused no effects on respiratory rates. Methodological standardization to study ''Drosophila'' mitochondrial physiology, as presented by Rodríguez and colleagues, represents a critical step towards more reproducible and comparative metabolic research in this important organism model.<br>arch in this important organism model.<br>)
  • Oliveira 2023 MitoFit  + (''Drosophila'' melanogaster is undoubtedly''Drosophila'' melanogaster is undoubtedly one of the most useful model organisms in biology. From a bioenergectics and metabolism point-of-view, its four discrete life cycle stages, each with particular nutritional and energetic demands, represent multiple powerful experimental systems in a single organism. Extensive resources are available for the community of ''Drosophila'' researchers worldwide, including an ever-growing number of mutant, transgenic and genomically-edited lines currently being developed and carried by stock centers in North America, Europe and Asia. Here, we provide evidence for the importance of stock centers in sustaining the substantial increase in the output of ''Drosophila'' mitochondrial research worldwide in recent decades. We also argue that the difficulties in transporting fly lines into South America has stalled the progression of related ''Drosophila'' research areas in the continent. Establishing a local stock center is the first step towards building a strong local ''Drosophila'' community that will contribute to the general field of mitochondrial research.<br>neral field of mitochondrial research.<br>)
  • De Carvalho 2017 Toxicol Research  + (''Eugenia uniflora'' L(Myrtaceae family) h''Eugenia uniflora'' L(Myrtaceae family) has demonstrated several properties of human interest, including insecticide potential, due to its pro-oxidant properties. These properties likely result from the effects on its mitochondria, but the mechanism of this action is unclear. The aim of this work was to evaluate the mitochondrial bioenergetics function in ''Drosophila melanogaster'' exposed to ''E. uniflora'' leaf essential oil. For this, we used a high-resolution respirometry (HRR) protocol. We found that ''E. uniflora'' promoted a collapse of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm). In addition the essential oil was able to promote the disruption of respiration coupled to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and inhibit the respiratory electron transfer-pathway (ET-pathway) established with an uncoupler. In addition, exposure led to decreases of respiratory control ratio (RCR), bioenergetics capacity and OXPHOS coupling efficiency, and induced changes in the substrate control ratio. Altogether, our results suggested that ''E. uniflora'' impairs the mitochondrial function/viability and promotes the uncoupling of OXPHOS, which appears to play an important role in the cellular bioenergetics failure induced by essential oil in ''D. melanogaster''.d by essential oil in ''D. melanogaster''.)
  • Schatz 2011 Feuersucher  + (''From'' [http://www.annualreviews.org/doi''From'' [http://www.annualreviews.org/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev-biochem-081009-125448 Schatz G (2012) The fires of life. Annu Rev Biochem 81: 34–59.]:</br></br>This retrospective recounts the hunt for the mechanism of mitochondrial</br>ATP synthesis, the early days of research on mitochondrial formation,</br>and some of the colorful personalities dominating these often</br>dramatic and emotional efforts. The narrative is set against the backdrop</br>of postwar Austria and Germany and the stream of young scientists</br>who had to leave their countries to receive postdoctoral training</br>abroad. Many of them—including the author—chose the laboratory of</br>a scientist their country had expelled a few decades before. The article</br>concludes with some thoughts on the uniqueness of U.S. research universities</br>and a brief account of the struggles to revive science in Europe.</br></br>Illustriert von P. Leslie Dutton Europe. Illustriert von P. Leslie Dutton)
  • Gordillo 2015 Can J Microbiol  + (''Geotrichum citri-aurantii'' is a posthar''Geotrichum citri-aurantii'' is a postharvest phytopathogenic fungus of lemons. We studied the mode of action of antifungal metabolites from ''Bacillus sp.'' strain IBA 33 on arthroconidia of ''G. citri-aurantii''. These metabolites are lipopeptides belonging to the iturin family. Membrane permeabilization of ''G. citri-aurantii'' was analyzed and mitochondrial respiratory rate was evaluated. Disturbance of the plasma membrane promotes the leakage of many cellular components into the surrounding media, and mitochondrial membrane disorganization promotes the inhibition of the respiratory rate. Our findings provide insights into the ability of lipopeptides to suppress plant fungal pathogens and their possible agronomical applications.d their possible agronomical applications.)
  • Mastronicola 2011 IUBMB Life  + (''Giardia intestinalis'' is the microaerop''Giardia intestinalis'' is the microaerophilic protozoon causing giardiasis, a common infectious intestinal disease. ''Giardia'' possesses an O<sub>2</sub> -scavenging activity likely essential for survival in the host. We report that Giardia trophozoites express the O<sub>2</sub> -detoxifying flavodiiron protein (FDP), detected by immunoblotting, and are able to reduce O<sub>2</sub> to H<sub>2</sub>O rapidly (∼3 μM O<sub>2</sub> × min × 10<sup>6</sup> cells at 37 °C) and with high affinity (C<sub>50</sub> = 3.4 ± 0.7 μM O<sub>2</sub>). Following a short-term (minutes) exposure to H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> ≥ 100 μM, the O<sub>2</sub> consumption by the parasites is irreversibly impaired, and the FDP undergoes a degradation, prevented by the proteasome-inhibitor MG132. Instead, H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> does not cause degradation or inactivation of the isolated FDP. On the basis of the elevated susceptibility of ''Giardia'' to oxidative stress, we hypothesize that the parasite preferentially colonizes the small intestine since, compared with colon, it is characterized by a greater capacity for redox buffering and a lower propensity to oxidative stress.e that the parasite preferentially colonizes the small intestine since, compared with colon, it is characterized by a greater capacity for redox buffering and a lower propensity to oxidative stress.)
  • Mendoza-Fuentes 2023 PeerJ  + (''Heterotheca inuloides'', traditionally e''Heterotheca inuloides'', traditionally employed in Mexico, has demonstrated anticancer activities. Although it has been proven that the cytotoxic effect is attributed to cadinane-type sesquiterpenes such as 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalene, the mechanism of action by which these agents act in tumor lines and their regulation remain unknown. This study was undertaken to investigate for first time the cytotoxic activity and mechanism of action of 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalene and two semi-synthetic cadinanes derivatives towards breast cancer cells.</br></br>Cell viability and proliferation were assayed by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Trypan blue dye exclusion assay. Cell migration measure was tested by wound-healing assay. Moreover, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation generation were measured by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assay, respectively. Furthermore, expression of caspase-3, Bcl-2 and GAPDH were analyzed by western blot.</br></br>The results showed that 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalene inhibited MCF7 cell viability in a concentration and time dependent manner. The cytotoxic potency of semisynthetic derivatives 7-(phenylcarbamate)-3,4-dihydrocadalene and 7-(phenylcarbamate)-cadalene was remarkably lower. Moreover, ''in silico'' studies showed that 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalene, and not so the semi-synthetic derivatives, has optimal physical-chemical properties to lead a promising cytotoxic agent. Further examination on the action mechanism of 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalene suggested that this natural product exerted cytotoxicity via oxidative stress as evidenced in a significantly increase of intracellular ROS levels and in an induction of lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the compound increased caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities and slightly inhibited Bcl-2 levels. Interestingly, it also reduced mitochondrial ATP synthesis and induced mitochondrial uncoupling.</br></br>Taken together, 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalene is a promising cytotoxic compound against breast cancer via oxidative stress-induction.ast cancer via oxidative stress-induction.)
  • Harari 2015 Vintage  + (''Homo deus'' shows us where we're going. ''Homo deus'' shows us where we're going. Yuval Harari envisions a near future in sihch we face a new set of challenges. ''Homo deus'' exlores the projects, dreams and nightmares that will shape the twendty-first century and beyond - from overcoming death to creating artificial life. It asks the fundamental questions: how can we protect this fragile world from our own desctructive power? And what does our future hold?tive power? And what does our future hold?)
  • McMurray 2019 FASEB J  + (''In utero'' overnutrition can predispose ''In utero'' overnutrition can predispose offspring to metabolic disease. Although the mechanisms are unclear, increased oxidative stress accelerating cellular aging has been shown to play a role. Mitochondria are the main site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in most cell types. Levels of ROS and the risk for oxidative damage are dictated by the balance between ROS production and antioxidant defense mechanisms. Originally considered as toxic species, physiologic levels of ROS are now known to be essential cell signaling molecules. Using a model of maternal overnutrition in C57BL6N mice, we investigate the mechanisms involved in the development of insulin resistance (IR) in muscle. In red and white gastrocnemius muscles of offspring, we are the first to report characteristics of oxidative phosphorylation, H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> production, activity of mitoflashes, and electron transport chain supercomplex formation. Results demonstrate altered mitochondrial function with reduced response to glucose in offspring of mice fed a high-fat and high-sucrose diet, increases in mitochondrial leak respiration, and a reduction in ROS production in red gastrocnemius in response to palmitoyl carnitine. We also demonstrate differences in supercomplex formation between red and white gastrocnemius, which may be integral to fiber-type specialization. We conclude that in this model of maternal overnutrition, mitochondrial alterations occur before the development of IR.ion, mitochondrial alterations occur before the development of IR.)
  • Holt 1988 Nature  + (''In vitro'' studies of muscle mitochondri''In vitro'' studies of muscle mitochondrial metabolism in patients with mitochondrial myopathy have identified a variety of functional defects of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, predominantly affecting complex I (NADH-CoQ reductase) or complex III (ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase) in adult cases. These two enzymes consist of approximately 36 subunits, eight of which are encoded by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The increased incidence of maternal, as opposed to paternal, transmission in familial mitochondrial myopathy suggests that these disorders may be caused by mutations of mtDNA. Multiple restriction endonuclease analysis of leukocyte mtDNA from patients with the disease, and their relatives, showed no differences in cleavage patterns between affected and unaffected individuals in any single maternal line. When muscle mtDNA was studied, nine of 25 patients were found to have two populations of muscle mtDNA, one of which had deletions of up to 7 kilobases in length. These observations demonstrate that mtDNA heteroplasmy can occur in man and that human disease may be associated with defects of the mitochondrial genome. with defects of the mitochondrial genome.)
  • JanssenDuijghuijsen 2017 Front Physiol  + (''In vivo'' studies suggest that intestina''In vivo'' studies suggest that intestinal barrier integrity is dependent on mitochondrial ATP production. Here, we aim to provide mechanistic support, using an ''in vitro'' model mimicking the oxidative ''in vivo'' situation.</br></br>Human Caco-2 cells were cultured for 10 days in culture flasks or</br>for 14 days on transwell inserts in either glucose-containing or galactose-containing</br>medium. Mitochondria were visualized and cellular respiration and levels of oxidative</br>phosphorylation (OXPHOS) proteins were determined. Mitochondrial ATP depletion</br>was induced using CCCP, rotenone, or piericidin A (PA). Monolayer permeability was</br>assessed using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and fluorescein flux. Gene</br>expression and cellular distribution of tight junction proteins were analyzed.</br></br>Caco-2 cells cultured in galactose-containing, but not in glucose-containing,</br>medium showed increased mitochondrial connectivity, oxygen consumption rates and</br>levels of OXPHOS proteins. Inhibition of mitochondrial ATP production using CCCP,</br>rotenone or PA resulted in a dose-dependent increase in Caco-2 monolayer permeability.</br>In-depth studies with PA showed a six fold decrease in cellular ATP and revealed</br>increased gene expression of tight junction proteins (TJP) 1 and 2, occludin, and claudin</br>1, but decreased gene expression of claudin 2 and 7. Of these, claudin 7 was clearly</br>redistributed from the cellular membrane into the cytoplasm, while the others were not</br>(TJP1, occludin) or slightly (claudin 2, actin) affected. ''In vivo'' studies suggest that intestinal barrier integrity is dependent on mitochondrial ATP production. Here, we aim to provide</br>mechanistic support, using an ''in vitro'' model mimicking the oxidative ''in vivo'' situation.</br></br>Well-functioning mitochondria are essential for maintaining cellular</br>energy status and monolayer integrity of galactose grown Caco-2 cells. Energy</br>depletion-induced Caco-2 monolayer permeability may be facilitated by changes in the</br>distribution of claudin 7. changes in the distribution of claudin 7.)
  • Wagner 1998 Plant Physiol  + (''In vivo'' ubiquinone (UQ) reduction leve''In vivo'' ubiquinone (UQ) reduction levels were measured during the development of the inflorescences of ''Arum maculatum'' and ''Amorphophallus krausei''. Thermogenesis in ''A. maculatum'' spadices appeared not to be confined to a single developmental stage, but occurred during various stages. The UQ pool in both ''A. maculatum'' and ''A. krausei'' appendices was approximately 90% reduced during thermogenesis. Respiratory characteristics of isolated appendix mitochondria did not change in the period around thermogenesis. Apparently, synthesis of the required enzyme capacity is regulated via a coarse control upon which a fine control of metabolism that regulates the onset of thermogenesis is imposed.tes the onset of thermogenesis is imposed.)
 (''In vivo'' ubiquinone (UQ) reduction levels were measured during the de)
  • Rocco-Machado 2019 Free Radic Biol Med  + (''Leishmania amazonensis'' is one of leish''Leishmania amazonensis'' is one of leishmaniasis' causative agents, a disease that has no cure and leads to the appearance of cutaneous lesions. Recently, our group showed that heme activates a Na<sup>+</sup>/K<sup>+</sup> ATPase in these parasites through a signaling cascade involving hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) generation. Heme has a pro-oxidant activity and signaling capacity, but the mechanism by which this molecule increases H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> levels in ''L. amazonensis'' has not been elucidated. Here we investigated the source of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> stimulated by heme, ruling out the participation of mitochondria and raising the possibility of a role for a NADPH oxidase (Nox) activity. Despite the absence of a classical Nox sequence in trypanosomatid genomes, ''L. amazonensis'' expresses a surface ferric iron reductase (LFR1). Interestingly, Nox enzymes are thought to have evolved from ferric iron reductases because they share same core domain and are very similar in structure. The main difference is that Nox catalyses electron flow from NADPH to oxygen, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), while ferric iron reductase promotes electron flow to ferric iron, generating ferrous iron. Using ''L. amazonensis'' overexpressing or knockout for LFR1 and heterologous expression of LFR1 in mammalian embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells, we show that this enzyme is bifunctional, being able to generate both ferrous iron and H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>. It was previously described that protozoans knockout for LFR1 have their differentiation to virulent forms (amastigote and metacyclic promastigote) impaired. In this work, we observed that LFR1 overexpression stimulates protozoan differentiation to amastigote forms, reinforcing the importance of this enzyme in ''L. amazonensis'' life cycle regulation. Thus, we not only identified a new source of ROS production in Leishmania, but also described, for the first time, an enzyme with both ferric iron reductase and Nox activities.</br></br><small>Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.</small>o described, for the first time, an enzyme with both ferric iron reductase and Nox activities. <small>Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.</small>)
  • Pinho 2020 PLoS Negl Trop Dis  + (''Leishmania'' species are responsible for''Leishmania'' species are responsible for a broad spectrum of diseases, denominated Leishmaniasis, affecting over 12 million people worldwide. During the last decade, there have been impressive efforts for sequencing the genome of most of the pathogenic ''Leishmania'' spp. as well as hundreds of strains, but large-scale proteomics analyses did not follow these achievements and the ''Leishmania'' proteome remained mostly uncharacterized. Here, we report a comprehensive comparative study of the proteomes of strains representing ''L. braziliensis'', ''L. panamensis'' and ''L. guyanensis'' species. Proteins extracted by SDS-mediated lysis were processed following the multi-enzyme digestion-filter aided sample preparation (FASP) procedure and analysed by high accuracy mass spectrometry. "Total Protein Approach" and "Proteomic Ruler" were applied for absolute quantification of proteins. Principal component analysis demonstrated very high reproducibility among biological replicates and a very clear differentiation of the three species. Our dataset comprises near 7000 proteins, representing the most complete ''Leishmania'' proteome yet known, and provides a comprehensive quantitative picture of the proteomes of the three species in terms of protein concentration and copy numbers. Analysis of the abundance of proteins from the major energy metabolic processes allow us to highlight remarkably differences among the species and suggest that these parasites depend on distinct energy substrates to obtain ATP. Whereas ''L. braziliensis'' relies the more on glycolysis, ''L. panamensis'' and ''L. guyanensis'' seem to depend mainly on mitochondrial respiration. These results were confirmed by biochemical assays showing opposite profiles for glucose uptake and O<sub>2</sub> consumption in these species. In addition, we provide quantitative data about different membrane proteins, transporters, and lipids, all of which contribute for significant species-specific differences and provide rich substrate for explore new molecules for diagnosing purposes. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD017696.ailable via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD017696.)
  • MitoCom2014  + (''MitoCom'' closing event and perspectives. Innsbruck, Austria; 2014 October 16)
  • Barsottini 2020 Commun Biol  + (''Moniliophthora perniciosa'' is a fungal ''Moniliophthora perniciosa'' is a fungal pathogen and causal agent of the witches' broom disease of cocoa, a threat to the chocolate industry and to the economic and social security in cocoa-planting countries. The membrane-bound enzyme alternative oxidase (MpAOX) is crucial for pathogen survival; however a lack of information on the biochemical properties of MpAOX hinders the development of novel fungicides. In this study, we purified and characterised recombinant MpAOX in dose-response assays with activators and inhibitors, followed by a kinetic characterization both in an aqueous environment and in physiologically-relevant proteoliposomes. We present structure-activity relationships of AOX inhibitors such as colletochlorin B and analogues which, aided by an MpAOX structural model, indicates key residues for protein-inhibitor interaction. We also discuss the importance of the correct hydrophobic environment for MpAOX enzymatic activity. We envisage that such results will guide the future development of AOX-targeting antifungal agents against ''M. perniciosa'', an important outcome for the chocolate industry.ortant outcome for the chocolate industry.)
  • Yurre 2020 Arq Bras Cardiol  + (''Moringa oleifera'' seeds, which are used''Moringa oleifera'' seeds, which are used for water clarification, contain a lectin named WSMoL which has shown ''in vitro'' antibacterial and immunomodulatory activity. Due to their nutritional value and therapeutic potential, the leaves and seeds of this tree are eaten in some communities. Some plant lectins are non-toxic to mammals, but others have been reported to be harmful when ingested or administered by other means. </br></br>As one of the steps needed to define the safety of WSMoL, we evaluated possible cardiotoxic effects of this purified protein. </br></br>WSMoL was administered for 21 consecutive days to mice by gavage. Electrophysiological, mechanical, and metabolic cardiac functions were investigated by ''in vivo'' and ''ex vivo'' electrocardiographic recordings, nuclear magnetic resonance, and high-resolution respirometry. </br></br>The treatment with WSMoL did not induce changes in blood glucose levels or body weight in comparison with control group. Moreover, the heart weight/body weight and heart weight/tibia length ratios were similar in both groups. Lectin ingestion also did not modify glucose tolerance or insulin resistance. No alterations were observed in electrocardiographic parameters or cardiac action potential duration. The heart of mice from the control and WSMoL groups showed preserved left ventricular function. Furthermore, WSMoL did not induce changes in mitochondrial function (in all cases, p > 0.05). </br></br>The administration of WSMoL demonstrated a cardiac safety profile. These results contribute to the safety evaluation of using ''M. oleifera'' seeds to treat water, since this lectin is present in the preparation employed by some populations to this end.ion employed by some populations to this end.)
  • Pelaez Coyotl 2020 Pharmaceutics  + (''Mycobacterium tuberculosis'' (MTB) is th''Mycobacterium tuberculosis'' (MTB) is the principal cause of human tuberculosis (TB), which is a serious health problem worldwide. The development of innovative therapeutic modalities to treat TB is mainly due to the emergence of multi drug resistant (MDR) TB. Autophagy is a cell-host defense process. Previous studies have reported that autophagy-activating agents eliminate intracellular MDR MTB. Thus, combining a direct antibiotic activity against circulating bacteria with autophagy activation to eliminate bacteria residing inside cells could treat MDR TB. We show that the synthetic peptide, IP-1 (KFLNRFWHWLQLKPGQPMY), induced autophagy in HEK293T cells and macrophages at a low dose (10 μM), while increasing the dose (50 μM) induced cell death; IP-1 induced the secretion of TNFα in macrophages and killed Mtb at a dose where macrophages are not killed by IP-1. Moreover, IP-1 showed significant therapeutic activity in a mice model of progressive pulmonary TB. In terms of the mechanism of action, IP-1 sequesters ATP ''in vitro'' and inside living cells. Thus, IP-1 is the first antimicrobial peptide that eliminates MDR MTB infection by combining four activities: reducing ATP levels, bactericidal activity, autophagy activation, and TNFα secretion. autophagy activation, and TNFα secretion.)
  • Iqbal 2018 Pathogens  + (''Mycobacterium tuberculosis'' (Mtb) exhib''Mycobacterium tuberculosis'' (Mtb) exhibits remarkable metabolic flexibility that enables it to survive a plethora of host environments during its life cycle. With the advent of bedaquiline for treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, oxidative phosphorylation has been validated as an important target and a vulnerable component of mycobacterial metabolism. Exploiting the dependence of Mtb on oxidative phosphorylation for energy production, several components of this pathway have been targeted for the development of new antimycobacterial agents. This includes targeting NADH dehydrogenase by phenothiazine derivatives, menaquinone biosynthesis by DG70 and other compounds, terminal oxidase by imidazopyridine amides and ATP synthase by diarylquinolines. Importantly, oxidative phosphorylation also plays a critical role in the survival of persisters. Thus, inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation can synergize with frontline TB drugs to shorten the course of treatment. In this review, we discuss the oxidative phosphorylation pathway and development of its inhibitors in detail.d development of its inhibitors in detail.)
  • Franco 2020 bioRxiv  + (''Mycobacterium tuberculosis'' (Mtb) regul''Mycobacterium tuberculosis'' (Mtb) regulates the macrophage metabolic state to thrive in the host. Yet, the responsible mechanisms remain elusive. Macrophage activation towards the microbicidal (M1) program depends on the HIF-1 α-mediated metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation towards glycolysis. Here, we asked whether a tuberculosis (TB) microenvironment changes the M1 macrophage metabolic state. We exposed M1 macrophages to the acellular fraction of tuberculous pleural effusions (TB-PE), and found lower glycolytic activity, accompanied by elevated levels of oxidative phosphorylation and bacillary load, compared to controls. The host-derived lipid fraction of TB-PE drove these metabolic alterations. HIF-1α stabilization reverted the effect of TB-PE by restoring M1 metabolism. As a proof-of-concept, Mtb-infected mice with stabilized HIF-1α displayed lower bacillary loads and a pronounced M1-like metabolic profile in alveolar macrophages. Collectively, we demonstrate that host-derived lipids from a TB-associated microenvironment alter the M1 macrophage metabolic reprogramming by hampering HIF-1α functions, thereby impairing control of Mtb infection.hereby impairing control of Mtb infection.)
  • Baines 2020 Biochim Biophys Acta Bioenerg  + (''No abstract available'')
  • Coen 2013 Obesity (Silver Spring)  + (''OBJECTIVE'': The link between a reduced ''OBJECTIVE'': The link between a reduced capacity for skeletal muscle mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and lipotoxicity in human insulin resistance has been the subject of intense debate. The objective of this study was to investigate whether reduced FAO is associated with elevated acyl CoA, ceramide, and diacylglycerol (DAG) in severely obese insulin resistant subjects.</br></br>''DESIGN AND METHODS'': Muscle biopsies were conducted in lean (L, 22.6 ± 0.5 kg/m2, ''n'' = 8), Class I (CI, 32.1 ± 0.4 kg/m2, ''n'' = 7) and Class II&III obese (CII&III, 45.6 ± 1.1 kg/m2, ''n'' = 15) women for acyl CoA, sphingolipid and DAG profiling. Intramyocellular triglyceride (IMTG) content was determined by histology. FAO was assessed by incubating muscle homogenates with [1-C]palmitate and measuring CO2 production. Cardiolipin content was quantified as an index of mitochondrial content. Lipid metabolism proteins, DGAT1, PLIN5, and PNPLA2 were quantified in biopsy samples by western blot.</br></br>''RESULTS'': CII&III were more insulin resistant (HOMA-IR: 4.5 ± 0.5 vs. 1.1 ± 0.1, ''P'' < 0.001), and had lower FAO (∼58%, ''P'' = 0.007) and cardiolipin content (∼31%, ''P'' = 0.013) compared to L. IMTG was elevated in CI (''P'' = 0.04) and CII&III (''P'' = 0.04) compared to L. Sphingolipid content was higher in CII&III compared to L (13.6 ± 1.1 vs. 10.3 ± 0.5 pmol/mg, ''P'' = 0.031) whereas DAG content was not different among groups. DGAT1 was elevated in CII&III, and PLIN5 was elevated in CI compared to L.</br></br>''CONCLUSION'': Severe obesity is associated with reduced muscle oxidative capacity and occurs concomitantly with elevated IMTG, ceramide and insulin resistance.rs concomitantly with elevated IMTG, ceramide and insulin resistance.)
  • Ceusters 2012 Am J Vet Res  + (''Objective'' To culture equine myoblasts ''Objective'' To culture equine myoblasts from muscle microbiopsy specimens, examine myoblast production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in conditions of anoxia followed by reoxygenation, and assess the effects of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) on ROS production.</br></br>''Animals'' 5 healthy horses (5 to 15 years old).</br></br>''Procedures'' Equine skeletal myoblast cultures were derived from 1 or 2 microbiopsy specimens obtained from a triceps brachii muscle of each horse. Cultured myoblasts were exposed to conditions of anoxia followed by reoxygenation or to conditions of normoxia (control cells). Cell production of ROS in the presence or absence of HRP or MPO was assessed by use of a gas chromatography method, after which cells were treated with a 3,3′-diaminobenzidine chromogen solution to detect peroxidase binding.</br></br>''Results'' Equine skeletal myoblasts were successfully cultured from microbiopsy specimens. In response to anoxia and reoxygenation, ROS production of myoblasts increased by 71%, compared with that of control cells. When experiments were performed in the presence of HRP or MPO, ROS production in myoblasts exposed to anoxia and reoxygenation was increased by 228% and 183%, respectively, compared with findings for control cells. Chromogen reaction revealed a close adherence of peroxidases to cells, even after several washes.</br></br>''Conclusions and Clinical Relevance'' Results indicated that equine skeletal myoblast cultures can be generated from muscle microbiopsy specimens. Anoxia-reoxygenationtreated myoblasts produced ROS, and production was enhanced in the presence of peroxidases. This experimental model could be used to study the damaging effect of exercise on muscles in athletic horses.of exercise on muscles in athletic horses.)
  • Fecker 2020 Biomolecules  + (''Oenothera biennis'' L. (OB), also common''Oenothera biennis'' L. (OB), also commonly known as evening primrose, belongs to the Onagraceae family and has the best studied biological activity of all the members in the family. In therapy, the most frequently used type of extracts are from the aerial part, which are the fatty oils obtained from the seeds and have a wide range of medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition and biological activity of OB hydroalcoholic extract and to provide directions for the antimicrobial effect, antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic potential against A375 melanoma cell line, and anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory capacity. The main polyphenols and flavonoids identified were gallic acid, caffeic acid, epicatechin, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, rutin and rosmarinic acid. The total phenolic content was 631.496 µgGAE/mL of extract and the antioxidant activity was 7258.67 μmolTrolox/g of extract. The tested extract had a mild bacteriostatic effect on the tested bacterial strains. It was bactericidal only against ''Candida spp.'' and ''S. aureus''. In the set of experimental conditions, the OB extract only manifested significant antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity against the A375 human melanoma cell line at the highest tested concentration, namely 60 μg/mL. The migration potential of A375 cells was hampered by the OB extract in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, at the highest tested concentration, the OB extract altered the mitochondrial function ''in vitro'', while reducing the angiogenic reaction, hindering compact tumor formation in the chorioallantoic membrane assay. Moreover, the OB extract elicited an anti-inflammatory effect on the experimental animal model of ear inflammation.rimental animal model of ear inflammation.)
  • Verma 2023 Int J Mol Sci  + (''Porphyromonas gingivalis'' (''P. gingiva''Porphyromonas gingivalis'' (''P. gingivalis''), a key pathogen in periodontitis, is associated with neuroinflammation. Periodontal disease increases with age; 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal problems. However, the ''P. gingivalis''- lipopolysaccharide (LPS)induced mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the possible role of ''P. gingivalis''-LPS in mitochondrial dysfunction during neurodegeneration. We found that ''P. gingivalis''-LPS treatment activated toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signaling and upregulated the expression of Alzheimer's disease-related dementia and neuroinflammatory markers. Furthermore, the LPS treatment significantly exacerbated the production of reactive oxygen species and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential. Our study highlighted the pivotal role of ''P. gingivalis''-LPS in the repression of serum response factor (SRF) and its co-factor p49/STRAP that regulate the actin cytoskeleton. The LPS treatment repressed the genes involved in mitochondrial function and biogenesis. ''P. gingivalis''-LPS negatively altered oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis and reduced total adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Additionally, it specifically altered the mitochondrial functions in complexes I, II, and IV of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Thus, it is conceivable that ''P. gingivalis''-LPS causes mitochondrial dysfunction through oxidative stress and inflammatory events in neurodegenerative diseases.tory events in neurodegenerative diseases.)
  • Lee 2012 Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci  + (''Purpose'': Following the recent demonstr''Purpose'': Following the recent demonstration of increased mitochondrial DNA mutations in lymphocytes of POAG patients, the authors sought to characterize mitochondrial function in a separate cohort of POAG.</br>''Methods'': Using similar methodology to that previous applied to Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) patients, maximal adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and cellular respiration rates, as well as cell growth rates in glucose and galactose media, were assessed in transformed lymphocytes from POAG patients (n = 15) and a group of age- and sex-matched controls (n = 15).</br>''Results'': POAG lymphoblasts had significantly lower rates of complex-I-driven ATP synthesis, with preserved complex-II-driven ATP synthesis. Complex-I driven maximal respiration was also significantly decreased in patient cells. Growth in galactose media, where cells are forced to rely on mitochondrial ATP production, revealed no significant differences between the control and POAG cohort.</br>''Conclusions'': POAG lymphoblasts in the study cohort exhibited a defect in complex-I of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, leading to decreased rates of respiration and ATP production. Studies in LHON and other diseases have established that lymphocyte oxidative phosphorylation measurement is a reliable indicator of systemic dysfunction of this pathway. While these defects did not impact lymphoblast growth when the cells were forced to rely on oxidative ATP supply, the authors suggest that in the presence of a multitude of cellular stressors as seen in the early stages of POAG, these defects may lead to a bioenergetic crisis in retinal ganglion cells and an increased susceptibility to cell death.an increased susceptibility to cell death.)
  • Li 2018 Gene  + (''SURF1'' is an assembly factor of mitocho''SURF1'' is an assembly factor of mitochondrial complex IV, and its mutations are the primary cause of Leigh syndrome in infants. To date, over 100 ''SURF1'' mutations have been reported worldwide, but the spectrum of the ''SURF1'' mutations in China remains unclear. Here, using next-generation sequencing targeting mitochondrial protein-coding sequences, we sequenced 178 patients suspected to have mitochondrial diseases. Fifteen ''SURF1'' mutations were identified in 12 Leigh syndrome patients, of which three, c.465_466delAA, c.532A > T, and c.826_827ins AGCATCTGCAGTACATCG, were newly described. The percentage of ''SURF1'' frameshift mutations (6/28, 21.4%) we detected in Chinese population is higher than other studies (21/106, 19.8%) with different populations, however, the percentage of missense mutations is lower in this study than others (4/28, 14.3% VS. 25/106, 23.6%). Since complex IV can be detected in cells carrying missense mutations (3/8) but not in cells carrying null mutations (0/4) by using cell model-based complementation assay, our results indicate that ''SURF1'' mutations may be associated with worse clinical outcome in Chinese patients than other populations. However, studies with larger sample size are needed to verify this conclusion. Additionally, we found that the frameshift mutations resulting in protein truncation closer to the C-terminus are not associated with better disease prognosis. Lastly, we found that determining the levels of complex IV assembly using cell models or lymphocyte analysis rather than invasive muscle and skin fibroblast biopsy, may help predict disease progression in Leigh syndrome patients.sease progression in Leigh syndrome patients.)
  • Rosenfeld 2003 Yeast  + (''Saccharomyces cerevisiae'' is a facultat''Saccharomyces cerevisiae'' is a facultative anaerobe devoid of mitochondrial alternative oxidase. In this yeast, the structure and biogenesis of the respiratory chain, on the one hand, and the functional interactions of oxidative phosphorylation with the cellular energetic metabolism, on the other, are well documented. However, to our knowledge, the molecular aspects and the physiological roles of the non-respiratory pathways that utilize molecular oxygen have not yet been reviewed. In this paper, we review the various non-respiratory pathways in a global context of utilization of molecular oxygen in S. cerevisiae. The roles of these pathways are examined as a function of environmental conditions, using either physiological, biochemical or molecular data. Special attention is paid to the characterization of the so-called 'cyanide-resistant respiration' that is induced by respiratory deficiency, catabolic repression and oxygen limitation during growth. Finally, several aspects of oxygen sensing are discussed.l aspects of oxygen sensing are discussed.)
  • Oliveira 2016 PLOS ONE  + (''Schistosoma mansoni'', one of the causat''Schistosoma mansoni'', one of the causative agents of human schistosomiasis, has a unique antioxidant network that is key to parasite survival and a valuable chemotherapeutic target. The ability to detoxify and tolerate reactive oxygen species increases along ''S. mansoni'' development in the vertebrate host, suggesting that adult parasites are more exposed to redox challenges than young stages. Indeed, adult parasites are exposed to multiple redox insults generated from blood digestion, activated immune cells, and, potentially, from their own parasitic aerobic metabolism. However, it remains unknown how reactive oxygen species are produced by ''S. mansoni'' metabolism, as well as their biological effects on adult worms. Here, we assessed the contribution of nutrients and parasite gender to oxygen utilization pathways, and reactive oxygen species generation in whole unpaired adult ''S. mansoni'' worms. We also determined the susceptibilities of both parasite sexes to a pro-oxidant challenge. We observed that glutamine and serum importantly contribute to both respiratory and non-respiratory oxygen utilization in adult worms, but with different proportions among parasite sexes. Analyses of oxygen utilization pathways revealed that respiratory rates were high in male worms, which contrast with high non-respiratory rates in females, regardless nutritional sources. Interestingly, mitochondrial complex I-III activity was higher than complex IV specifically in females. We also observed sexual preferences in substrate utilization to sustain hydrogen peroxide production towards glucose in females, and glutamine in male worms. Despite strikingly high oxidant levels and hydrogen peroxide production rates, female worms were more resistant to a pro-oxidant challenge than male parasites. The data presented here indicate that sexual preferences in nutrient metabolism in adult ''S. mansoni'' worms regulate oxygen utilization and reactive oxygen species production, which may differently contribute to redox biology among parasite sexes.ute to redox biology among parasite sexes.)
  • Konickova 2014 Annals Hepatol  + (''Spirulina platensis'' is a blue-green al''Spirulina platensis'' is a blue-green alga used as a dietary supplement because of its hypocholesterolemic properties. Among other bioactive substances, it is also rich in tetrapyrrolic compounds closely related to bilirubin molecule, a potent antioxidant and anti-proliferative agent. The aim of our study was to evaluate possible anticancer effects of ''S. platensis'' and ''S. platensis''-derived tetrapyrroles using an experimental model of pancreatic cancer. The anti-proliferative effects of ''S. platensis'' and its tetrapyrrolic components [phycocyanobilin (PCB) and chlorophyllin, a surrogate molecule for chlorophyll A] were tested on several human pancreatic cancer cell lines and xenotransplanted nude mice. The effects of experimental therapeutics on mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and glutathione redox status were also evaluated. Compared to untreated cells, experimental therapeutics significantly decreased proliferation of human pancreatic cancer cell lines ''in vitro'' in a dose-dependent manner (from 0.16 g•L<sup>-1</sup> [''S. platensis''], 60 μM [PCB], and 125 μM [chlorophyllin], ''p''<0.05). The anti-proliferative effects of ''S. platensis'' were also shown ''in vivo'', where inhibition of pancreatic cancer growth was evidenced since the third day of treatment (''p''<0.05). All tested compounds decreased generation of mitochondrial ROS and glutathione redox status (''p''=0.0006; 0.016; and 0.006 for ''S. platensis'', PCB, and chlorophyllin, respectively). In conclusion, ''S. platensis'' and its tetrapyrrolic components substantially decreased the proliferation of experimental pancreatic cancer. These data support a chemopreventive role of this edible alga. Furthermore, it seems that dietary supplementation with this alga might enhance systemic pool of tetrapyrroles, known to be higher in subjects with Gilbert syndrome.roles, known to be higher in subjects with Gilbert syndrome.)
  • Uribe-Alvarez 2016 Abstract MitoFit Science Camp 2016  + (''Staphylcoccus epidermidis'' does not inv''Staphylcoccus epidermidis'' does not invade healthy tissues, however, it has been identified as a cause of nosocomial infections due to its ability to form biofilms on polymer surfaces [1]. ''S. epidermidis'' can be grown at different oxygen concentrations ([O<sub>2</sub>]), including mammalian skin where [O<sub>2</sub>] ranges from 3-5% and in anaerobic altered tissues [2,3]. </br></br>Biofilm formation of ''S. epidermidis'' and its respiratory chain components grown in aerobic, microaerobic and anaerobic conditions were evaluated by in-gel activities, enzymatic activities, spectrophotometry and oxymetry. </br>Varying [O<sub>2</sub>] modified both biofilm formation and the components in the respiratory chain: At high [O<sub>2</sub>], little tendency to form biofilms was observed. ''S. epidermidis'' expressed glycerol-3-phosphate, pyruvate, ethanol and succinate dehydrogenases; and cyt bo and aa3. Under micro-aerobiosis, biofilm formation increased slightly; pyruvate, ethanol, glycerol-3-phosphate and succinate dehydrogenase decreased; aa3 cyt was not detected; Under anaerobiosis high biofilm-formation and low ethanol and pyruvate dehydrogenase activities were found; anaerobic nitrate dehydrogenase activity was detected. Aerobic-grown cells with cyanide increased biofilm formation. Anaerobic-grown cells with methylamine decreased biofilm formation. </br></br>Thus, either a decrease in [O<sub>2</sub>] or the inhibition of the aerobic chain led ''S. epidermidis'' to associate into biofilms. In contrast, high [O<sub>2</sub>] or inhibition of the anaerobic nitrate reductase prevented biofilm formation suggesting that the enzymes expressed at low to null [O<sub>2</sub>] are therapeutic targets against biofilm formation by ''S. epidermidis''. expressed at low to null [O<sub>2</sub>] are therapeutic targets against biofilm formation by ''S. epidermidis''.)
  • Snow 2015 PLoS One  + (''Trichodesmium'' is a biogeochemically im''Trichodesmium'' is a biogeochemically important marine cyanobacterium, responsible for a significant proportion of the annual 'new' nitrogen introduced into the global ocean. These non-heterocystous filamentous diazotrophs employ a potentially unique strategy of near-concurrent nitrogen fixation and oxygenic photosynthesis, potentially burdening Trichodesmium with a particularly high iron requirement due to the iron-binding proteins involved in these processes. Iron availability may therefore have a significant influence on the biogeography of Trichodesmium. Previous investigations of molecular responses to iron stress in this keystone marine microbe have largely been targeted. Here a holistic approach was taken using a label-free quantitative proteomics technique (MSE) to reveal a sophisticated multi-faceted proteomic response of Trichodesmium erythraeum IMS101 to iron stress. Increased abundances of proteins known to be involved in acclimation to iron stress and proteins known or predicted to be involved in iron uptake were observed, alongside decreases in the abundances of iron-binding proteins involved in photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation. Preferential loss of proteins with a high iron content contributed to overall reductions of 55-60% in estimated proteomic iron requirements. Changes in the abundances of iron-binding proteins also suggested the potential importance of alternate photosynthetic pathways as Trichodesmium reallocates the limiting resource under iron stress. ''Trichodesmium'' therefore displays a significant and integrated proteomic response to iron availability that likely contributes to the ecological success of this species in the ocean.ical success of this species in the ocean.)
  • Subrtova 2013 Abstract MiP2013  + (''Trypanosoma brucei'' is a parasitic flag''Trypanosoma brucei'' is a parasitic flagellate that causes devastating diseases of humans and lifestock. The infective form dwells in the glucose rich environment of mammalian blood and generate energy solely via glycolysis. In consequence, the bloodstream stage single mitochondrion is highly reduced lacking key Krebs cycle enzymes and traditional cytochrome mediated respiratory chain. Interestingly, the essential mitochondrial membrane potential (Δ''ψ''<sub>mt</sub>) is maintained by hydrolytic activity of the unique FoF1-ATPase, which contains several trypanosoma specific subunits of unknown function [1].</br></br>We determined that one of the largest novel subunit, Tb2930 (43 kDa), is membrane-bound and localizes into monomeric and multimeric assemblies of the FoF1-ATPase. RNAi silencing of Tb2930 led to a significant decrease of Δ''ψ''<sub>mt</sub> and consequently to ''T. brucei'' growth inhibition, indicating that the FoF1-ATPase is not functioning properly even though its structural intergrity seems to be almost unchanged. To further explore the function of this protein, we employed naturally occuring trypanosoma strain that lacks mtDNA (dyskinetoplastic, Dk) including subunit a, an essential component of the Fo-moiety and proton pore. These Dk cells maintain Δ''ψ''<sub>mt</sub> by electrogenic exchange of ATP4-/ADP3- by the ATP/ADP carrier (AAC) and hydrolytic activity of the soluble F1-ATPase [2]. So far, it has been assumed that only the F1-moiety subunits are present and will be essential for these parasites. Interestingly, glycerol gradient sedimentation and native electrophoresis of Dk mitochondria revealed the presence of high molecular weight ATPase complexes that correspond to the bloodstream stage monomeric and multimeric FoF1-ATPase. Furthermore, the Tb2930 subunit is expressed in Dk cells and co-sediments with these high molecular weight membrane bound complexes. The RNAi study demonstrated that Tb2930 subunit is essential for Dk trypanosoma cells and crucial for maintaining Δ''ψ''<sub>mt</sub>. Importantly, upon ablation of Tb2930 we observed a shift of the FoF1-ATPase complexes to the lower S-values on glycerol gradient, where the free F1-ATPase sediments, indicating changes in the structural integrity of the Dk FoF1-ATPase. In conclusion, we propose that Tb2930 is responsible for connecting the Dk F1-ATPase to the mitochondrial membrane in the absence of subunit a of the Fo-moiety, thus increasing the efficiency of the functional association between F1-ATPase and AAC.y, thus increasing the efficiency of the functional association between F1-ATPase and AAC.)
  • Dolezelova 2017 Abstract IOC122  + (''Trypanosoma brucei'' undergoes a complex''Trypanosoma brucei'' undergoes a complex life cycle as it alternates between a mammalian host and the blood-feeding insect vector, a tsetse fly. Due to the different environments, the distinct life stages differ in their energy metabolism, i.e. insect stage (procyclic cells, PS) depends on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for ATP production while the bloodstream stage (BS) gains energy by aerobic glycolysis. The dramatic switch from the OXPHOS to glycolysis happens during the complex development of the PS in the tsetse fly. This development differentiation is characterized by extensive remodeling of mitochondrion structure and changes in mitochondrial bioenergetics. Importantly, the molecular mechanism behind this process is completely unknown. We have established the ''in vitro'' differentiation system, in which the transition from PS to epimastigotes followed by differentiation to transmission-ready metacylic trypanosomes is triggered by RNA binding protein 6 (RBP6) expression. This ''in vitro'' induced differentiation of PF cells takes 8 days. The appearance of epimastigotes and metacyclic trypanosomes in the culture was mapped using light and fluorescent microscopy. The whole cell proteome of cell culture harvested every day after the RBP6 induction was identified by label-free quantitative mass spectrometry. This proteomic data serves as a resource for further detailed characterization of changes happening in the parasite mitochondrion as well as identification of possible candidates involved in the PS differentiation.idates involved in the PS differentiation.)
  • Paes 2014 Abstract IOC 2014-04 Schroecken  + (''Trypanosoma cruzi'' has a single mitocho''Trypanosoma cruzi'' has a single mitochondrion, the main site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Moreover, ''T. cruzi'' epimastigotes proliferate in the presence of heme, which induces ROS formation (Nogueira et al 2011; Lara et al 2007). Therefore, we evaluated heme effect upon mitochondrial ROS formation and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨmt). For that, epimastigotes were incubated with DHE or TMRM with or without heme. After this, FCCP and antymicin A (Ama) were added. Mitochondrial ROS production and ΔΨmt were analyzed by flow cytometry. Our results showed that heme duplicated ROS production and induced a 4-fold increase of ΔΨmt. The FCCP addition reversed heme effects upon ROS generation and ΔΨm. Additionally, Ama induced a 2-fold increase of ROS production and 46% increment in ΔΨmt, while co-incubation with heme and AA presented a 3-fold increase upon ROS formation and increase ΔΨmt in 70%. In order to corroborate the involvement of heme in mitochondrial ROS, we incubated the parasites with heme, in the absence or in the presence of mitoTEMPO, a mitochondrial antioxidant. Our results showed that in the presence of this antioxidant greatly decreased heme induced ROS generation. Afterwards, we incubated epimastigotes with heme for 30 min and then, performed a substrate-uncoupler-inhibitor-tritation protocol with rotenone, succinate, ADP, cytocrome c, FCCP and Ama. We were able to detect a decrease in several states, mainly ROUTINE, OXPHOS and reserve capacity, compared to control cells. Finally, we evaluated epimastigotes proliferation with or without heme, H2O2, FCCP, Ama or mitoTEMPO. We observed that low concentrations of H2O2 increased proliferation, while higher concentrations showed deleterious effects upon the cells. FCCP and mitoTEMPO also reversed heme-induced proliferation, whereas, Ama promoted a tripanostatic effect. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that heme modulates ''T. cruzi'' mitochondrial physiology since it promotes mitochondrial ROS production, decreasing mitochondrial states, and enhances the ΔΨmt.tochondrial states, and enhances the ΔΨmt.)
  • Goncalves 2011 Abstract IOC65  + (''Trypanosoma cruzi'' is a hemoflagellate ''Trypanosoma cruzi'' is a hemoflagellate protozoan that causes Chagas’ disease. ''T. cruzi'' life-cycle is complex involving different evolutive forms that experience striking differences in their environmental condition. Here we carried out a functional assessment of mitochondrial function in two distinct ''T. cruzi'' forms: the insect stage, epimastigote and the freshly isolated bloodstream trypomastigote. We observed that in comparison to epimastigotes, bloodstream trypomastigotes facilitate electrons entry into the electron transport chain increasing Complex II-III activity. Curiously, cytochrome c oxidase (CIV) activity and the expression of CIV subunit IV were reduced in bloodstream forms, creating an “electron bottleneck” that favored increased electron leak and H2O2 formation. We propose that the oxidative preconditioning provided by this mechanism would confer a protection to the bloodstream trypomastigotes against host immune response. Thus, mitochondrial remodeling during the ''T. cruzi'' life-cycle can represent a key metabolic adaptation for parasite survival in different environments.rasite survival in different environments.)
  • Santos Bertolini 2018 Thesis  + (''Trypanosoma cruzi'' is the etiologic age''Trypanosoma cruzi'' is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, a disorder affecting thousands of people, for which an effective treatment is not available for the chronic phase. Calcium signaling is important for host cell invasion, differentiation, osmoregulation, cell death and flagellar function in trypanosomatids. The influx of calcium into the mitochondria, which is important for intracellular calcium homeostasis, occurs through a mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex (MCUC) and this complex consists of several components, including two regulatory proteins named mitochondrial calcium uptake 1 and 2 (MICU1 and MICU2). In mammalian cells, these proteins are located in the mitochondrial intermembrane space and play a role in sensing cytosolic calcium levels and regulating the MCU opening. Although several MCUC components have been identified in trypanosomes, the mechanism by which it is regulated is still unknown. In this work, we aimed at studying the role of MICU1 and MICU2 in the mitochondrial calcium uptake of ''T. cruzi''. The predicted TcMICU1 and TcMICU2 proteins displayed a mitochondrial targeting signal and EF-hands domains that could be sensitive to changes in cytosolic calcium. We obtained TcMICU1 (MICU1-KO) and TcMICU2 (MICU2-KO) knockout cell lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 system by co-transfecting ''T. cruzi'' epimastigotes with the Cas9/pTREX-n vector (containing a specific sgRNA) and a DNA donor cassette with a blasticidin resistance marker to induce the DNA double-strand break repair by homologous recombination. Additionally, we generated a cell line of ''T. cruzi'' epimastigotes overexpressing TcMICU2 tagged with 2xHA (MICU2-OE) using pTREX-n vector. Such molecular constructs were used to analyze the mutant phenotypes and indicate the functions of these proteins. Our results show that MICU1-KO and MICU2-KO have a significant decrease in the capacity to take up calcium, showing a different regulation when we compared to what has already been described previously in mammals. In the absence of these proteins there is a decrease in the growth rate and respiration rates of epimastigotes, showing how important these two proteins are to this stage of ''T. cruzi''. In addition, MICU1-KO epimastigotes are able to differentiate to metacyclic trypomastigotes in a greater proportion than the control cells while the metacyclogenesis capacity was reduced in MICU2-KO cells. Using the MICU2-OE cell line we demonstrated by immunofluorescence microscopy the mitochondrial localization of MICU2 and that its overexpression does not alter the capacity to take up calcium, besides that it does not affect the mitochondrial membrane potential and parasite growth. We can conclude that the TcMICU1 and TcMICU2 proteins are essential for the regulation of mitochondrial calcium uptake by MCU in ''T. cruzi''. Likewise, the results suggest that both proteins play an important role in the growth and differentiation of epimastigotes.owth and differentiation of epimastigotes.)