• BMB Reports
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• v.55 no.7
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• pp.354-359
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• 2022

MitoNEET, a mitochondrial outer membrane protein containing the Asn-Glu-Glu-Thr (NEET) sequence, controls the formation of intermitochondrial junctions and confers autophagy resistance. Moreover, mitoNEET as a mitochondrial substrate undergoes ubiquitination by activated Parkin during the initiation of mitophagy. Therefore, mitoNEET is linked to the regulation of autophagy and mitophagy. Mitophagy is the selective removal of the damaged or unnecessary mitochondria, which is crucial to sustaining mitochondrial quality control. In numerous human diseases, the accumulation of damaged mitochondria by impaired mitophagy has been observed. However, the therapeutic strategy targeting of mitoNEET as a mitophagy-enhancing mediator requires further research. Herein, we confirmed that mitophagy is indeed activated by mitoNEET inhibition. CCCP (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone), which leads to mitochondrial depolarization, induces mitochondrial dysfunction and superoxide production. This, in turn, contributes to the induction of mitophagy; mitoNEET protein levels were initially increased before an increase in LC3-II protein following CCCP treatment. Pharmacological inhibition of mitoNEET using mitoNEET Ligand-1 (NL-1) promoted accumulation of Pink1 and Parkin, which are mitophagy-associated proteins, and activation of mitochondria-lysosome crosstalk, in comparison to CCCP alone. Inhibition of mitoNEET using NL-1, or mitoNEET shRNA transfected into RAW264.7 cells, abrogated CCCP-induced ROS and mitochondrial cell death; additionally, it activated the expression of PGC-1α and SOD2, regulators of oxidative metabolism. In particular, the increase in PGC-1α, which is a major regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, promotes mitochondrial quality control. These results indicated that mitoNEET is a potential therapeutic target in numerous human diseases to enhance mitophagy and protect cells by maintaining a network of healthy mitochondria.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.32-38
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• 2014

Potassium cyanate (KOCN) that is known as an inducer of the protein carbamylation is an inorganic compound and is the conjugate based of cyanic acid (HOCN). Based on these studies, we confirmed that KOCN induces the apoptosis of the human colorectal cancer cell line, HCT 116 cells, by various mitochondrial pathways. To investigate other mechanisms of KOCN-mediated apoptosis, in the present study, we examined KOCN-induced cytokines production in HCT 116 cells and identified the intracellular signaling pathway in these processes. We first demonstrated that KOCN considerably increased the cell apoptosis via intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ signaling, mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production. And then we examined TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ levels mediated by KOCN in HCT 116 cells. Although IL-$1{\beta}$ was not involved in KOCN-mediated HCT 116 cell apoptosis, the release of TNF-${\alpha}$ was mediated by KOCN in HCT 116 cells via NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. Apoptosis was also enhanced by incubation with supernatants from HCT 116 cells after KOCN treatment and this effect was partially reduced by BAY 11-7085 pre-treated supernatant. Taken together, our results indicate that KOCN-induced apoptosis in HCT 116 cells is dependent on the releases of TNF-${\alpha}$ and the increased factors and that the mechanism involves the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.568-576
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• 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to demonstrate high incidence and mortality rates, emphasizing that implementing strategic measures for prevention and treatment is crucial. Recently, the dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2), a G protein-coupled receptor, has been reported to play multiple roles in growth of tumor cells. This study investigated the anticancer potential of domperidone, a dopamine receptor D2 antagonist, in HCT116 human CRC cells. Domperidone demonstrated concentration- and time-dependent reductions in cell viability, thereby inducing apoptosis. The molecular mechanism revealed that domperidone modulated the mitochondrial pathway, decreasing mitochondrial Bcl-2 levels, elevating cytosolic cytochrome C expression, and triggering caspase-3, -7, and -9 cleavage. Domperidone decreased in formation of β-arrestin2/MEK complex, which contributing to inhibition of ERK activation. Additionally, treatment with domperidone diminished JAK2 and STAT3 activation. Treatment of U0126, the MEK inhibitor, resulted in reduced phosphorylation of MEK, ERK, and STAT3 without alteration of JAK2 activation, indicating that domperidone targeted both MEK-ERK-STAT3 and JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathways. Immunoblot analysis revealed that domperidone also downregulated DRD2 expression. Domperidone-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and N-acetylcysteine treatment mitigated ROS levels and restored cell viability. An in vivo xenograft study verified the significant antitumor effects of domperidone. These results emphasize the multifaceted anticancer effects of domperidone, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for human CRC.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.28-35
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• 2019

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of treadmill exercise on oxidative stress in the hippocampal tissue and mitochondrial dynamic-related proteins in rats fed a long-term high-fat diet (HFD). [Methods] Obesity was induced in experimental animals using high fat feed, and the experimental groups were divided into a normal diet-control (ND-CON; n=12), a high fat diet-control (HFD-CON; n=12) and a high fat diet-treadmill exercise (HFD-TE; n=12) group. The rats were subsequently subjected to treadmill exercise (progressively increasing load intensity) for 8 weeks (5 min at 8 m/min, then 5 min at 11 m/min, and finally 20 min at 14 m/min). We assessed weight, triglyceride (TG) concentration, total cholesterol (TC), area under the curve, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and AVF/body weight. Western blotting was used to examine expression of proteins related to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dynamics, and immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the immunoreactivity of gp91phox. [Results] Treadmill exercise effectively improved the oxidative stress in the hippocampal tissue, expression of mitochondrial dynamic-related proteins, and activation of NADPH oxidase (gp91phox) and induced weight, blood profile, and abdominal fat loss. [Conclusion] Twenty weeks of high fat diet induced obesity, which was shown to inhibit normal mitochondria fusion and fission functions in hippocampal tissues. However, treadmill exercise was shown to have positive effects on these pathophysiological phenomena. Therefore, treadmill exercise should be considered during prevention and treatment of obesity-induced metabolic diseases.

• BMB Reports
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.296-301
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• 2018

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are often observed in various cancer types. Although the correlation between mitochondrial dysfunction and cancer malignancy has been demonstrated by several studies, further research is required to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying accelerated tumor development and progression due to mitochondrial mutations. We generated an mtDNA-depleted cell line, ${\rho}^0$, via long-term ethidium bromide treatment to define the molecular mechanisms of tumor malignancy induced by mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction in ${\rho}^0$ cells reduced drug-induced cell death and decreased the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins including p53. The p53 expression was reduced by activation of nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ that depended on elevated levels of free calcium in $HCT116/{\rho}^0$ cells. Overall, these data provide a novel mechanism for tumor development and drug resistance due to mitochondrial dysfunction.

• BMB Reports
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• v.41 no.10
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• pp.745-750
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• 2008

Selenium, an essential trace element possessing anti-carcinogenic properties, can induce apoptosis in cancer cells. We have previously shown that sodium selenite can induce apoptosis by activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in NB4 cells. However, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. Presently, we demonstrate that p53 contributes to apoptosis by directing signaling at the mitochondria. Immunofluorescent and Western blot procedures revealed selenite-induced p53 translocation to mitochondria. Inhibition of p53 blocked accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, suggesting that mitochondrial p53 acts as an upstream signal of ROS and activates the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Selenite also disrupted cellular calcium ion homeostasis in a ROS-dependent manner and increased mitochondrial calcium ion concentration. p38 kinase mediated phosphorylation and mitochondrial translocation of p53. Taken together, these results indicate that p53 involves selenite-induced NB4 cell apoptosis by translocation to mitochondria and activation mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in a transcription-independent manner.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.12
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• pp.1393-1400
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• 2019

In the present study, we examined the effect of mitochondrial K⁺ channel opener diazoxide on the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signaling in endothelial cells exposed to high glucose (HG) media. Endothelial cells derived from human umbilical veins were exposed to HG media containing 30 mM glucose, and the degree of apoptotic cell death associated with activation of the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signaling pathway was determined. Exposure to HG media was seen to enhance apoptotic cell death in a time-dependent manner. In these cells, activation of caspases 3, 8, and 9 was observed, and while caspase-3 and -9 inhibitors suppressed the HG-induced apoptotic cell death, a caspase-8 inhibitor did not. The HG-treated cells exhibited disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, formation of permeability transition pores, and cytosolic release of cytochrome c. Subsequently, diazoxide was seen to attenuate the HG-induced apoptotic cell death; caspase-9 activation was suppressed but caspase 8 was not. Diazoxide also suppressed the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, the formation of mitochondrial permeability transition pores, and the release of cytochrome c. These effects were significantly inhibited by 5-hydroxydecanoate, a selective blocker of ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels (K_ATP). The present results demonstrate that diazoxide exhibits a beneficial effect to ameliorate HG-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. Opening the K_ATP could help preserve the functional integrity of mitochondria and provide an underlying mechanism to suppress HG-triggered apoptotic signaling.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.4519-4525
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• 2014

Oleanolic acid (OA) is a nutritional component widely distributed in various vegetables. Although it has been well recognized for decades that OA exerts certain anti-tumor activity by inducing mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, it is still unclear that what molecular signaling is responsible for this effect. In this study, we employed cancer cell lines, A549, BXPC-3, PANC-1 and U2OS to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying OA anti-tumor activity. We found that activation of MAPK pathways, including p-38 MAPK, JNK and ERK, was triggered by OA in both a dose and time-dependent fashion in all the tested cancer cells. Activation was accompanied by cleavage of caspases and PARP as well as cytochrome C release. SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), but not SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) and U0126 (ERK inhibitor), rescued the pro-apoptotic effect of OA on A549 and BXPC-3 cells. OA induced p38 MAPK activation promoted mitochondrial translocation of Bax and Bim, and inhibited Bcl-2 function by enhancing their phosphorylation. OA can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent ASK1 activation, and this event was indispensable for p38 MAPK-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells. In vivo, p38 MAPK knockdown A549 tumors proved resistant to the growth-inhibitory effect of OA. Collectively, we elucidated that activation of ROS/ASK1/p38 MAPK pathways is responsible for the apoptosis stimulated by OA in cancer cells. Our finding can contribute to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor activity of nutritional components.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.144-154
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• 2023

Background: As the major pathophysiological feature of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is vital for the occurrence of cardiovascular complications. The activation of calpain-1 mediates the production of endothelial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impairs nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, resulting in vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED). Ginsenoside Rg1 is thought to against endothelial cell dysfunction, but the potential mechanism of CIH-induced VED remains unclear. Methods: C57BL/6 mice and human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were exposed to CIH following knockout or overexpression of calpain-1. The effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on VED, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the expression levels of calpain-1, PP2A and p-eNOS were detected both in vivo and in vitro. Results: CIH promoted VED, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction accompanied by enhanced levels of calpain-1 and PP2A and reduced levels of p-eNOS in mice and cellular levels. Ginsenoside Rg1, calpain-1 knockout, OKA, NAC and TEMPOL treatment protected against CIH-induced VED, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which is likely concomitant with the downregulated protein expression of calpain-1 and PP2A and the upregulation of p-eNOS in mice and cellular levels. Calpain-1 overexpression increased the expression of PP2A, reduced the level of p-eNOS, and accelerated the occurrence and development of VED, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in HCAECs exposed to CIH. Moreover, scavengers of O₂^·-, H₂O₂, complex I or mitoKATP abolished CIH-induced impairment in endothelial-dependent relaxation. Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rg1 may alleviate CIH-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction by suppressing the formation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species through the calpain-1 pathway.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.247-253
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• 2005

The present study assessed the effect of calmodulin antagonists trifluoperazine and W-7 against the cytotoxicity of $MPP^+$ and 6-bydroxydoparnine (6-OHDA) in relation to the mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death in PC12 cells. Trifluoperazine (an inhibitor of the mitochondrial permeability transition and calmodulin antagonist) and W-7 (a specific calmodulin antagonist) significantly attenuated the $MPP^+-induced$ cell viability loss in PC12 cells with a maximum inhibition at $0.5{\sim}1{\mu}M$; beyond these concentrations the inhibitory effect declined. Both compounds at this concentration range did not cause cell death significantly. In contrast to $MPP^+$, the trifluoperazine and W-7 did not depress the cytotoxic effect of 6-OHDA. Addition of trifluoperazine and W-7 inhibited the cytosolic accumulation of cytochrome c and caspase-3 activation in PC12 cells treated with $MPP^+$ and attenuated the formation of reactive oxygen species and the depletion of GSH, whereas both compounds did not reduce the effect of 6-OHDA. The results show that trifluoperazine and W-7 may attenuate the cytotoxicity of $MPP^+$ by inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition and calmodulin. Meanwhile, the cytotoxic effect of 6-OHDA seems to be mediated by the actions, which are different from $MPP^+$.