Background Cardiomyocytes are rich in mitochondria which are situated in spatially-distinct subcellular regions including those under the plasma membrane, subsarcolemmal mitochondria; and those between the myofibrils, interfibrillar mitochondria. We previously observed subpopulation-specific differences in mitochondrial proteomes following diabetic insult. The objective of this study was to determine whether mitochondrial genome-encoded proteins are regulated by microRNAs inside the mitochondrion and whether subcellular spatial location or diabetes mellitus influences the dynamics. Methods and Results Using microarray technology coupled with cross-linking immunoprecipitation and next generation sequencing, we identified a pool of mitochondrial microRNAs, termed mitomiRs that are redistributed in spatially-distinct mitochondrial subpopulations in an inverse manner following diabetic insult. Redistributed mitomiRs displayed distinct interactions with the mitochondrial genome requiring specific stoichiometric associations with RISC constituents argonaute-2 (Ago2) and fragile X mental retardation–related protein 1 (FXR1) for translational regulation. In the presence of Ago2 and FXR1, redistribution of mitomiR-378 to the IFM following diabetic insult led to down regulation of mitochondrially-encoded F0 component ATP6. Next generation sequencing analyses identified specific transcriptome and mitomiR sequences associated with ATP6 regulation. Overexpression of mitomiR-378 in HL-1 cells resulted in its accumulation in the mitochondrion and down-regulation of functional ATP6 protein, while antagomir blockade restored functional ATP6 protein and cardiac pump function. Conclusions We propose mitomiRs can translationally regulate mitochondrially-encoded proteins in spatially-distinct mitochondrial subpopulations during diabetes mellitus. The results reveal the requirement of RISC constituents in the mitochondrion for functional mitomiR translational regulation and provide a connecting link between diabetic insult and ATP synthase function.

Hollander JM, Thapa D, Shepherd DL. Physiological and structural differences in spatially distinct subpopulations of cardiac mitochondria: influence of cardiac pathologies.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a contributor to diabetic cardiomyopathy. Previously, we observed proteomic decrements within the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) and matrix of diabetic cardiac interfibrillar mitochondria (IFM) correlating with dysfunctional mitochondrial protein import. The goal of this study was to determine whether overexpression of mitochondria phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase 4 (mPHGPx), an antioxidant enzyme capable of scavenging membrane-associated lipid peroxides in the IMM, could reverse proteomic alterations, dysfunctional protein import, and ultimately, mitochondrial dysfunction associated with the diabetic heart. MPHGPx transgenic mice and controls were made diabetic by multiple low-dose streptozotocin injections and examined after 5 wk of hyperglycemia. Five weeks after hyperglycemia onset, in vivo analysis of cardiac contractile function revealed decreased ejection fraction and fractional shortening in diabetic hearts that was reversed with mPHGPx overexpression. MPHGPx overexpression increased electron transport chain function while attenuating hydrogen peroxide production and lipid peroxidation in diabetic mPHGPx IFM. MPHGPx overexpression lessened proteomic loss observed in diabetic IFM. Posttranslational modifications, including oxidations and deamidations, were attenuated in diabetic IFM with mPHGPx overexpression. Mitochondrial protein import dysfunction in diabetic IFM was reversed with mPHGPx overexpression correlating with protein import constituent preservation. Ingenuity Pathway Analyses indicated that oxidative phosphorylation, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and fatty acid oxidation processes most influenced in diabetic IFM were preserved by mPHGPx overexpression. Specific mitochondrial networks preserved included complex I and II, mitochondrial ultrastructure, and mitochondrial protein import. These results indicate that mPHGPx overexpression can preserve the mitochondrial proteome and provide cardioprotective benefits to the diabetic heart.

Croston TL, Thapa D, Holden AA, Tveter KJ, Lewis SE, Shepherd DL, Nichols CE, Long DM, Olfert IM, Jagannathan R, Hollander JM. Functional deficiencies of subsarcolemmal mitochondria in the type 2 diabetic human heart. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 307: H54 -H65, 2014. First published April 28, 2014 doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00845.2013.-The mitochondrion has been implicated in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Examination of cardiac mitochondria is complicated by the existence of spatially distinct subpopulations including subsarcolemmal (SSM) and interfibrillar (IFM). Dysfunction to cardiac SSM has been reported in murine models of type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, subpopulationbased mitochondrial analyses have not been explored in type 2 diabetic human heart. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on cardiac mitochondrial function in the human patient. Mitochondrial subpopulations from atrial appendages of patients with and without type 2 diabetes were examined. Complex I-and fatty acid-mediated mitochondrial respiration rates were decreased in diabetic SSM compared with nondiabetic (P Յ 0.05 for both), with no change in IFM. Electron transport chain (ETC) complexes I and IV activities were decreased in diabetic SSM compared with nondiabetic (P Յ 0.05 for both), with a concomitant decline in their levels (P Յ 0.05 for both). Regression analyses comparing comorbidities determined that diabetes mellitus was the primary factor accounting for mitochondrial dysfunction. Linear spline models examining correlative risk for mitochondrial dysfunction indicated that patients with diabetes display the same degree of state 3 and electron transport chain complex I dysfunction in SSM regardless of the extent of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and hyperglycemia. Overall, the results suggest that independent of other pathologies, mitochondrial dysfunction is present in cardiac SSM of patients with type 2 diabetes and the degree of dysfunction is consistent regardless of the extent of elevated HbA1c or blood glucose levels. mitochondria; diabetes mellitus; diabetic cardiomyopathy DIABETES MELLITUS IS A CONDITION that is becoming epidemic in proportion, with an estimated 330 million to be affected worldwide by the year 2030 (12). Of the individuals diagnosed, type 2 diabetes mellitus accounts for ϳ90 -95% of cases (12), which has been attributed to poor diet and sedentary lifestyles (21). Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by insulin resistance resulting from an imbalance in glucose homeostasis (21). The body does not properly use the insulin produced in response to increased blood glucose levels, and over time the pancreas eventually loses its ability to produce insulin (12).Cardiomyopathies are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with diabetes mellitus (18). Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the development of cardiovascular complications resulting from type 2 diabetes mellitus (7, 9, 15). The cardiomyocyte possesses spatially distinct subpopulati...