The adenine nucleotide translocator 1 acts as a type 2 transglutaminase substrate: implications for mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis

Cell Death Differ. 2009 Nov;16(11):1480-92. doi: 10.1038/cdd.2009.100. Epub 2009 Jul 31.

Abstract

In this study we provide in vitro and in vivo evidence showing that the protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) activity of type 2 transglutaminase (TG2) regulates the correct assembly and function of the mitochondrial ADP/ATP transporter adenine nucleotide translocator 1 (ANT1). We demonstrate, by means of biochemical and morphological analyses, that ANT1 and TG2 physically interact in the mitochondria. Under physiological conditions, TG2's PDI activity regulates the ADP/ATP transporter function by controlling the oligomerization of ANT1. In fact, mitochondria isolated from hearts of TG2(-/-) mice exhibit increased polymerization of ANT1, paralleled by an enhanced ADP/ATP carrier activity, as compared to mitochondria belonging to TG2(+/+) mice. Interestingly, upon cell-death induction, ANT1 becomes a substrate for TG2's cross-linking activity and the lack of TG2 results in a reduction of apoptosis as well as in a marked sensitivity to the ADP/ATP exchange inhibition by atractyloside. These findings suggest a complex TG2-dependent regulation of the ADP/ATP transporter and reveal new important avenues for its potential applications in the treatment of some mitochondrial-dependent diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenine Nucleotide Translocator 1 / analysis
  • Adenine Nucleotide Translocator 1 / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis*
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / analysis
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mitochondria, Heart / metabolism*
  • Protein Glutamine gamma Glutamyltransferase 2
  • Transglutaminases / analysis
  • Transglutaminases / genetics
  • Transglutaminases / metabolism*
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • Adenine Nucleotide Translocator 1
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein
  • Protein Glutamine gamma Glutamyltransferase 2
  • Transglutaminases
  • GTP-Binding Proteins