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Event: 177

Key Event Title

A descriptive phrase which defines a discrete biological change that can be measured. More help

Mitochondrial dysfunction

Short name
The KE short name should be a reasonable abbreviation of the KE title and is used in labelling this object throughout the AOP-Wiki. More help
Mitochondrial dysfunction
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Biological Context

Structured terms, selected from a drop-down menu, are used to identify the level of biological organization for each KE. More help
Level of Biological Organization
Cellular

Cell term

The location/biological environment in which the event takes place.The biological context describes the location/biological environment in which the event takes place.  For molecular/cellular events this would include the cellular context (if known), organ context, and species/life stage/sex for which the event is relevant. For tissue/organ events cellular context is not applicable.  For individual/population events, the organ context is not applicable.  Further information on Event Components and Biological Context may be viewed on the attached pdf. More help
Cell term
eukaryotic cell

Organ term

The location/biological environment in which the event takes place.The biological context describes the location/biological environment in which the event takes place.  For molecular/cellular events this would include the cellular context (if known), organ context, and species/life stage/sex for which the event is relevant. For tissue/organ events cellular context is not applicable.  For individual/population events, the organ context is not applicable.  Further information on Event Components and Biological Context may be viewed on the attached pdf. More help

Key Event Components

The KE, as defined by a set structured ontology terms consisting of a biological process, object, and action with each term originating from one of 14 biological ontologies (Ives, et al., 2017; https://aopwiki.org/info_pages/2/info_linked_pages/7#List). Biological process describes dynamics of the underlying biological system (e.g., receptor signalling).Biological process describes dynamics of the underlying biological system (e.g., receptor signaling).  The biological object is the subject of the perturbation (e.g., a specific biological receptor that is activated or inhibited). Action represents the direction of perturbation of this system (generally increased or decreased; e.g., ‘decreased’ in the case of a receptor that is inhibited to indicate a decrease in the signaling by that receptor).  Note that when editing Event Components, clicking an existing Event Component from the Suggestions menu will autopopulate these fields, along with their source ID and description.  To clear any fields before submitting the event component, use the 'Clear process,' 'Clear object,' or 'Clear action' buttons.  If a desired term does not exist, a new term request may be made via Term Requests.  Event components may not be edited; to edit an event component, remove the existing event component and create a new one using the terms that you wish to add.  Further information on Event Components and Biological Context may be viewed on the attached pdf. More help
Process Object Action
mitochondrion functional change

Key Event Overview

AOPs Including This Key Event

All of the AOPs that are linked to this KE will automatically be listed in this subsection. This table can be particularly useful for derivation of AOP networks including the KE.Clicking on the name of the AOP will bring you to the individual page for that AOP. More help
AOP Name Role of event in AOP Point of Contact Author Status OECD Status
ionotropic glutamatergic receptors and cognition KeyEvent Anna Price (send email) Open for citation & comment WPHA/WNT Endorsed
nAChR activation - colony death 1 KeyEvent Carlie LaLone (send email) Open for comment. Do not cite
nAChR activation - colony death/failure2 KeyEvent Carlie LaLone (send email) Open for comment. Do not cite
nAChR activation - colony loss 3 KeyEvent Carlie LaLone (send email) Open for comment. Do not cite
nAChR activation - colony loss 4 KeyEvent Carlie LaLone (send email) Open for comment. Do not cite
nAChR activation - colony loss 5 KeyEvent Carlie LaLone (send email) Open for comment. Do not cite
Mitochondrial dysfunction and Neurotoxicity KeyEvent Andrea Terron (send email) Open for citation & comment WPHA/WNT Endorsed
lysosomal uptake induced liver fibrosis KeyEvent Marina Kuburic (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite Under Review
nAChR to colony loss/failure KeyEvent Carlie LaLone (send email) Under Development: Contributions and Comments Welcome
ER activation to breast cancer KeyEvent Molly M Morgan (send email) Open for adoption
Mitochondrial complex inhibition leading to liver injury KeyEvent Wanda van der Stel (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
Thermal stress leading to population decline (3) MolecularInitiatingEvent You Song (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
Thermal stress leading to population decline (2) MolecularInitiatingEvent You Song (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
Thermal stress leading to population decline (1) MolecularInitiatingEvent You Song (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
TLR9 activation leading to Multi Organ Failure and ARDS KeyEvent Gillina Bezemer (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
Inhibition of Mt-ETC complexes leading to kidney toxicity KeyEvent Baki Sadi (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite Under Development
hepatocyte apoptosis KeyEvent Fei Li (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
Mitochondrial complexes inhibition leading to LV function decrease KeyEvent Sivakumar Murugadoss (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite Under Development
Mitochondrial complexes inhibition leading to heart failure II KeyEvent Alexandra Schaffert (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite Under Development
AOPs of SiNPs: ROS-mediated oxidative stress increased respiratory toxicity. KeyEvent Hailin Xu (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
The inhibition of Nrf2 leading to vascular disrupting effects KeyEvent Yanhong Wei (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
The AOP framework on ROS-mediated oxidative stress induced vascular disrupting effects KeyEvent Yanhong Wei (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
Inhibition of mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma leading to kidney toxicity KeyEvent Angela Mally (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite Under Development
Renal protein alkylation leading to kidney toxicity KeyEvent Angela Mally (send email) Not under active development Under Development
Calcium overload driven development of parkinsonian motor deficits KeyEvent Julia Meerman (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
MEK-ERK1/2 activation leading to deficits in learning and cognition via ROS KeyEvent Travis Karschnik (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
AOP on basal cytotoxicity KeyEvent Mathieu Vinken (send email) Open for comment. Do not cite
Chemical cytotoxicity leading to urothelial carcinogenesis MolecularInitiatingEvent Nathalia Pereira Souza (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
Hepatitis KeyEvent Jung-Hwa Oh (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
Inhibition of LPLA2, hepatotoxicity KeyEvent Jung-Hwa Oh (send email) Under Development: Contributions and Comments Welcome Under Development
ERa inactivation leads to insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and metabolic syndrome KeyEvent Min Ji Kim (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
LXR Activation to Liver Steatosis KeyEvent Undefined (send email) Not under active development
Kidney failure induced by inhibition of mitochondrial ETC KeyEvent Yann GUEGUEN (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
NADPH oxidase activation leading to reproductive failure KeyEvent Jinhee Choi (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
Adverse Outcome Pathways diagram related to PBDEs associated male reproductive toxicity KeyEvent Yue Zhang (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite
Cellular uptake leads to intestinal barrier disruption via mitochondrial dysfunction KeyEvent Laure-Alix Clerbaux (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite

Taxonomic Applicability

Latin or common names of a species or broader taxonomic grouping (e.g., class, order, family) that help to define the biological applicability domain of the KE.In many cases, individual species identified in these structured fields will be those for which the strongest evidence used in constructing the AOP was available in relation to this KE. More help
Term Scientific Term Evidence Link
human Homo sapiens High NCBI
mouse Mus musculus High NCBI
rat Rattus norvegicus High NCBI

Life Stages

An indication of the the relevant life stage(s) for this KE. More help
Life stage Evidence
All life stages

Sex Applicability

An indication of the the relevant sex for this KE. More help
Term Evidence
Unspecific

Key Event Description

A description of the biological state being observed or measured, the biological compartment in which it is measured, and its general role in the biology should be provided. More help

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a consequence of inhibition of the respiratory chain leading to oxidative stress.

Mitochondria can be found in all cells and are considered the most important cellular consumers of oxygen. Furthermore, mitochondria possess numerous redox enzymes capable of transferring single electrons to oxygen, generating the superoxide (O2-). Some mitochondrial enzymes that are involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation include the electron-transport chain (ETC) complexes I, II and III; pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH). The transfer of electrons to oxygen, generating superoxide, happens mainly when these redox carriers are charged enough with electrons and the potential energy for transfer is elevated, like in the case of high mitochondrial membrane potential. In contrast, ROS generation is decreased if there are not enough electrons and the potential energy for the transfer is not sufficient (reviewed in Lin and Beal, 2006).

Cells are also able to detoxify the generated ROS due to an extensive antioxidant defence system that includes superoxide dismutases, glutathione peroxidases, catalase, thioredoxins, and peroxiredoxins in various cell organelles (reviewed in Lin and Beal, 2006). It is worth mentioning that, as in the case of ROS generation, antioxidant defences are also closely related to the redox and energetic status of mitochondria. If mitochondria are structurally and functionally healthy, an antioxidant defence mechanism balances ROS generation, and there is not much available ROS production. However, in case of mitochondrial damage, the antioxidant defence capacity drops and ROS generation takes over. Once this happens, a vicious cycle starts and ROS can further damage mitochondria, leading to more free-radical generation and further loss of antioxidant capacity. During mitochondrial dysfunction the availability of ATP also decreases, which is considered necessary for repair mechanisms after ROS generation.

A number of proteins bound to the mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum (ER), especially in the mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM), are playing an important role of communicators between these two organelles (reviewed Mei et al., 2013). ER stress induces mitochondrial dysfunction through regulation of Ca2+ signaling and ROS production (reviewed Mei et al., 2013). Prolonged ER stress leads to release of Ca2+ at the MAM and increased Ca2+ uptake into the mitochondrial matrix, which induces Ca2+-dependent mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and apoptosis. At the same, ROS are produced by proteins in the ER oxidoreductin 1 (ERO1) family. ER stress activates ERO1 and leads to excessive production of ROS, which, in turn, inactivates SERCA and activates inositol-1,4,5- trisphosphate receptors (IP3R) via oxidation, resulting in elevated levels of cytosolic Ca2+, increased mitochondrial uptake of Ca2+, and ultimately mitochondrial dysfunction. Just as ER stress can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction also induces ER Stress (reviewed Mei et al., 2013). For example, nitric oxide disrupts the mitochondrial respiratory chain and causes changes in mitochondrial Ca2+ flux which induce ER stress. Increased Ca2+ flux triggers loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), release of cytochrome c and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), decreasing ATP synthesis and rendering the cells more vulnerable to both apoptosis and necrosis (Wang and Qin, 2010).

Metal-induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction Mitochondria are an important site of Ca2+ regulation and storage, taking up Ca2+ ions electrophoretically from the cytosol through a Ca2+ uniporter, which can then accumulate in the mitochondria (Roos et al., 2012; Orrenius et al., 2015). Similarities between calcium and metals, such as cadmium and lead, makes the entrance and accumulation of these metals into the mitochondria via calcium metals possible by mode of molecular mimicry (Mathews et al., 2013; Adiele et al., 2012). The outer mitochondrial membrane also contains the divalent metal transporter (DMT1), which allows for mitochondrial uptake of divalent metals such as Fe and Mn. When cells are under heavy metal-induced stress, DMT has been shown to be overexpressed in the mitochondrial membrane, making the mitochondria targets of metal toxicity and accumulation.

Heavy metal exposure in aerobic organisms increases ROS formation through redox cycling, where metals with different valence states (Fe, Cu, Cr, etc.) directly produce ROS as they are reduced by cellular antioxidants and then react with oxygen (Shaki et al., 2012; Shaki et al., 2013; Pourahmad et al., 2006; Santos et al., 2007). The production of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals under mitochondrial oxidative stress and in the presence of transition metals occurs via the Fenton reaction or Haber-Weiss reaction (Hancock et al., 2001; Valko et al., 2005; Adam-Vizi et al., 2010). Metals and ROS are capable of damaging mitochondrial DNA as well as mechanisms of DNA repair and proliferation arrest (Valko et al., 2005). Metals and ROS have the potential to directly damage mitochondrial membranes and structure by binding to and oxidizing membrane lipids and proteins. This structural damage can collapse the MMP and lead to the opening of the MPTP (Orrenius et al., 2015; Roos et al., 2012; Pourahmad et al., 2006). Uranium and mercury, for example, have both been shown to directly inhibit the mitochondrial electron transport chain and interfere with ATP production (Shaki et al., 2012; Roos et al., 2012). Furthermore, as previously mentioned, metals have been shown to inhibit ROS-detoxifying enzymes. By binding to these enzymes, metals can inhibit their antioxidant functions, and cause an accumulation of ROS and increased synthesis of more antioxidant enzymes in order to combat the oxidative stress (Blajszczak and Bonini, 2017).

Summing up: Mitochondria play a pivotal role in cell survival and cell death because they are regulators of both energy metabolism and apoptotic/necrotic pathways (Fiskum, 2000; Wieloch, 2001; Friberg and Wieloch, 2002). The production of ATP via oxidative phosphorylation is a vital mitochondrial function (Kann and Kovács, 2007; Nunnari and Suomalainen, 2012). The ATP is continuously required for signalling processes (e.g. Ca2+ signalling), maintenance of ionic gradients across membranes, and biosynthetic processes (e.g. protein synthesis, heme synthesis or lipid and phospholipid metabolism) (Kang and Pervaiz, 2012), and (Green, 1998; McBride et al., 2006). Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration contributes to various cellular stress responses, such as deregulation of cellular Ca2+ homeostasis (Graier et al., 2007) and ROS production (Nunnari and Suomalainen, 2012; reviewed Mei et al., 2013).). It is well established in the existing literature that mitochondrial dysfunction may result in: (a) an increased ROS production and a decreased ATP level, (b) the loss of mitochondrial protein import and protein biosynthesis, (c) the reduced activities of enzymes of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and the Krebs cycle, (d) the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential, (e) the loss of mitochondrial motility, causing a failure to re-localize to the sites with increased energy demands (f) the destruction of the mitochondrial network, and (g) increased mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, causing Ca2+ overload (reviewed in Lin and Beal, 2006; Graier et al., 2007), (h) the rupture of the mitochondrial inner and outer membranes, leading to (i) the release of mitochondrial pro-death factors, including cytochrome c (Cyt. c), apoptosis-inducing factor, or endonuclease G (Braun, 2012; Martin, 2011; Correia et al., 2012; Cozzolino et al., 2013), which eventually leads to apoptotic, necrotic or autophagic cell death (Wang and Qin, 2010). Due to their structural and functional complexity, mitochondria present multiple targets for various compounds.

How It Is Measured or Detected

A description of the type(s) of measurements that can be employed to evaluate the KE and the relative level of scientific confidence in those measurements.These can range from citation of specific validated test guidelines, citation of specific methods published in the peer reviewed literature, or outlines of a general protocol or approach (e.g., a protein may be measured by ELISA). Do not provide detailed protocols. More help

Mitochondrial dysfunction can be detected using isolated mitochondria, intact cells or cells in culture as well as in vivo studies. Such assessment can be performed with a large range of methods (revised by Brand and Nicholls, 2011) for which some important examples are given. All approaches to assess mitochondrial dysfunction fall into two main categories: the first assesses the consequences of a loss-of-function, i.e. impaired functioning of the respiratory chain and processes linked to it. Some assay to assess this have been described for KE1, with the limitation that they are not specific for complex I. In the context of overall mitochondrial dysfunction, the same assays provide useful information, when performed under slightly different assay conditions (e.g. without addition of complex III and IV inhibitors). The second approach assesses a ‘non-desirable gain-of-function’, i.e. processes that are usually only present to a very small degree in healthy cells, and that are triggered in a cell, in which mitochondria fail.

I. Mitochondrial dysfunction assays assessing a loss-of function.

1. Cellular oxygen consumption.

See KE1 for details of oxygen consumption assays. The oxygen consumption parameter can be combined with other endpoints to derive more specific information on the efficacy of mitochondrial function. One approach measures the ADP-to-O ratio (the number of ADP molecules phosphorylated per oxygen atom reduced (Hinkle, 1995 and Hafner et al., 1990). The related P/O ratio is calculated from the amount of ADP added, divided by the amount of O2 consumed while phosphorylating the added ADP (Ciapaite et al., 2005; Diepart et al., 2010; Hynes et al., 2006; James et al., 1995; von Heimburg et al., 2005).

2. Mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm ).

The mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) is the electric potential difference across the inner mitochondrial membrane. It requires a functioning respiratory chain in the absence of mechanisms that dissipate the proton gradient without coupling it to ATP production. The classical, and still most quantitative method uses a tetraphenylphosphonium ion (TPP+)-sensitive electrode on suspensions of isolated mitochondria. The Δψm can also be measured in live cells by fluorimetric methods. These are based on dyes which accumulate in mitochochondria because of Δψm. Frequently used are tetramethylrhodamineethylester (TMRE), tetramethylrhodaminemethyl ester (TMRM) (Petronilli et al., 1999) or 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimidazole carbocyanide iodide (JC-1). Mitochondria with intact membrane potential concentrate JC-1, so that it forms red fluorescent aggregates, whereas de-energized mitochondria cannot concentrate JC-1 and the dilute dye fluoresces green (Barrientos et al., 1999). Assays using TMRE or TMRM measure only at one wavelength (red fluorescence), and depending on the assay setup, de-energized mitochondria become either less fluorescent (loss of the dye) or more fluorescent (attenuated dye quenching).

3. Enzymatic activity of the electron transport system (ETS).

Determination of ETS activity can be dene following Owens and King's assay (1975). The technique is based on a cell-free homogenate that is incubated with NADH to saturate the mitochondrial ETS and an artificial electron acceptor [l - (4 -iodophenyl) -3 - (4 -nitrophenyl) -5-phenylte trazolium chloride (INT)] to register the electron transmission rate. The oxygen consumption rate is calculated from the molar production rate of INT-formazan which is determined spectrophotometrically (Cammen et al., 1990).

4. ATP content.

For the evaluation of ATP levels, various commercially-available ATP assay kits are offered  based on luciferin and luciferase activity. For isolated mitochondria various methods are available to continuously measure ATP with electrodes (Laudet 2005), with luminometric methods, or for obtaining more information on different nucleotide phosphate pools (e.g. Ciapaite et al., (2005).

II. Mitochondrial dysfunction assays assessing a gain-of function.

1. Mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening (PTP).

The opening of the PTP is associated with a permeabilization of mitochondrial membranes, so that different compounds and cellular constituents can change intracellular localization. This can be measured by assessment of the translocation of cytochrome c, adenylate kinase or AIF from mitochondria to the cytosol or nucleus. The translocation can be assessed biochemically in cell fractions, by imaging approaches in fixed cells or tissues or by life-cell imaging of GFP fusion proteins (Single 1998; Modjtahedi 2006). An alternative approach is to measure the accessibility of cobalt to the mitochondrial matrix in a calcein fluorescence quenching assay in live permeabilized cells (Petronilli et al., 1999).

2. mtDNA damage as a biomarker of mitochondrial dysfunction.

Various quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR)-based assays have been developed to detect changes of DNA structure and sequence in the mitochondrial genome. mtDNA damage can be detected in blood after low-level rotenone exposure, and the damage persists even after CI activity has returned to normal. With a more sustained rotenone exposure, mtDNA damage is also detected in skeletal muscle. These data support the idea that mtDNA damage in peripheral tissues in the rotenone model may provide a biomarker of past or ongoing mitochondrial toxin exposure (Sanders et al., 2014a and 2014b).

3. Generation of ROS and resultant oxidative stress.

a. General approach. Electrons from the mitochondrial ETS may be transferred ‘erroneously’ to molecular oxygen to form superoxide anions. This type of side reaction can be strongly enhanced upon mitochondrial damage. As superoxide may form hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals or other reactive oxygen species, a large number of direct ROS assays and assays assessing the effects of ROS (indirect ROS assays) are available (Adam-Vizi, 2005; Fan and Li 2014). Direct assays are based on the chemical modification of fluorescent or luminescent reporters by ROS species. Indirect assays assess cellular metabolites, the concentration of which is changed in the presence of ROS (e.g. glutathione, malonaldehyde, isoprostanes,etc.) At the animal level the effects of oxidative stress are measured from biomarkers in the blood or urine.

b. Measurement of the cellular glutathione (GSH) status. GSH is regenerated from its oxidized form (GSSH) by the action of an NADPH dependent reductase (GSSH + NADPH + H+ à 2 GSH + NADP+). The ratio of GSH/GSSG is therefore a good indicator for the cellular NADH+/NADPH ratio (i.e. the redox potential). GSH and GSSH levels can be determined by HPLC, capillary electrophoresis, or biochemically with DTNB (Ellman’s reagent). As excess GSSG is rapidly exported from most cells to maintain a constant GSH/GSSG ratio, a reduction of total glutathione (GSH/GSSG) is often a good surrogate measure for oxidative stress.

c. Quantification of lipid peroxidation. Measurement of lipid peroxidation has historically relied on the detection of thiobarbituric acid (TBA)-reactive compounds such as malondialdehyde generated from the decomposition of cellular membrane lipid under oxidative stress (Pryor et al., 1976). This method is quite sensitive, but not highly specific. A number of commercial assay kits are available for this assay using absorbance or fluorescence detection technologies. The formation of F2-like prostanoid derivatives of arachidonic acid, termed F2-isoprostanes (IsoP) has been shown to be more specific for lipid peroxidation. A number of commercial ELISA kits have been developed for IsoPs, but interfering agents in samples requires partial purification before analysis. Alternatively, GC/MS may be used, as robust (specific) and sensitive method.

d. Detection of superoxide production. Generation of superoxide by inhibition of complex I and the methods for its detection are described by Grivennikova and Vinogradov (2014). A range of different methods is also described by BioTek (http://www.biotek.com/resources/articles/reactive-oxygen-species.html). The reduction of ferricytochrome c to ferrocytochrome c may be used to assess the rate of superoxide formation (McCord, 1968). Like in other superoxide assays, specificity can only be obtained by measurements in the absence and presence of superoxide dismutase. Chemiluminescent reactions have been used for their increased sensitivity. The most widely used chemiluminescent substrate is lucigenin. Coelenterazine has also been used as a chemiluminescent substrate. Hydrocyanine dyes are fluorogenic sensors for superoxide and hydroxyl radical, and they become membrane impermeable after oxidation (trapping at site of formation). The best characterized of these probes are Hydro-Cy3 and Hydro-Cy5. generation of superoxide in mitochondria can be visualized using fluorescence microscopy with MitoSOX™ Red reagent (Life Technologies). MitoSOX™ Red reagent is a cationic derivative of dihydroethidium that permeates live cells and accumulates in mitochondria.

e. Detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. There are a number of fluorogenic substrates, which serve as hydrogen donors that have been used in conjunction with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme to produce intensely fluorescent products in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (Zhou et al., 1997: Ruch et al., 1983). The more commonly used substrates include diacetyldichloro-fluorescein, homovanillic acid, and Amplex® Red. In these examples, increasing amounts of H2O2 form increasing amounts of fluorescent product (Tarpley et al., 2004).

Summing up, mitochondrial dysfunction can be measured by: • ROS production: superoxide (O2-), and hydroxyl radicals (OH−) • Nitrosative radical formation such as ONOO− or directly by: • Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) • Opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTP) • ATP synthesis • Increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ • Cytochrome c release • AIF (apoptosis inducing factor) release from mitochondria • Mitochondrial Complexes enzyme activity • Measurements of mitochondrial oxygen consumption • Ultrastructure of mitochondria using electron microscope and mitochondrial fragmentation measured by labelling with DsRed-Mito expression (Knott et al, 2008) Mitochondrial dysfunction-induced oxidative stress can be measured by: • Reactive carbonyls formations (proteins oxidation) • Increased 8-oxo-dG immunoreactivity (DNA oxidation) • Lipid peroxidation (formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4- hydroxynonenal (HNE) • 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) formation, marker of protein nitration • Translocation of Bid and Bax to mitochondria • Measurement of intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i): Cells are loaded with 4 μM fura-2/AM). • Ratio between reduced and oxidized form of glutathione (GSH depletion) (Promega assay, TB369; Radkowsky et al., 1986) • Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) activation that is Ca2+-dependent. All above measurements can be performed as the assays for each readout are well established in the existing literature (e.g. Bal-Price and Brown, 2000; Bal-Price et al., 2002; Fujikawa, 2015; Walker et al., 1995). See also KE Oxidative Stress, Increase

Assay Type & Measured Content

Description Dose Range Studied

Assay Characteristics

(Length/Ease of use/Accuracy)

Rhodamine 123 Assay

Measuring Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and its collapse 

(Shaki et al., 2012)

Mitochondrial uptake of cationic fluorescent dye, rhodamine 123, is used for estimation of mitochondrial membrane potential. The fluorescence was monitored using Schimadzou RF-5000U fluorescence spectrophotometer at the excitation and emission wavelength of 490 nm and 535 nm, respectively.

50, 100 and 500 μM of uranyl acetate

Short / easy

Medium accurancy

TMRE fluorescence Assay

Measuring Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening

(Huser et al., 1998)

Laser scanning confocal microscopy in combination with the potentiometric fluorescence dye tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester to monitor relative changes in membrane potential in single isolated cardiac mitochondria. The cationic dye distributes across the membrane in a voltage-dependent manner. Therefore, the large potential gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane results in the accumulation of the fluorescent dye within the matrix compartment. Rapid depolarizations are caused by the opening of the transition pore. 1 µM cyclosporin A

Short / easy

Low accurancy

GSH / GSSG Determination Assay

Measuring  cellular glutathione (GSH) status; ratio of GSH/GSSG

(Owen & Butterfield, 2010; Shaki et al., 2013)

GSH and GSSG levels are determinted biochemically with DTNB (Ellman’s reagent). The developed yellow color was read at 412 nm on a spectrophotometer. 100 µM uranyl acetate

Short / easy

Low accurancy

TBARS Assay

Quantification of lipid peroxidation

(Yuan et al., 2016)

MDA content, a product of lipid peroxidation, was measured using a thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. Briefly, the kidney cells were collected in 1 ml PBS buffer solution (pH 7.4) and sonicated. MDA reacts with thiobarbituric acid forming a colored product which can be measured at an absorbance of 532 nm. 200, 400, 800 µM uranyl acetate

Medium / medium

High accurancy

Aequorin-based bioluminescence assay

Increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ influx

(Pozzan & Rudolf, 2009)

Together with GFP, the aequorin moiety acts as Ca2+ sensor in vivo, which delivers emission energy to the GFP acceptor molecule in a BRET (Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer) process; the Ca2+ can then be visualized with fluorescence microscopy.  

Short / easy

Low accurancy

Western blot & immunostaining analyses

Measuring cytochrome c release

(Chen et al., 2000)
Examining the redistribution of Cyto c in cytosolic and mitochondrial cellular fractions. Cells are homogenized and centrifuged, then prepared for immunoblots. Cellular fractions were washed in PBS and lysed in 1% NP-40 buffer. Cellular proteins were separated by SDS–PAGE, transferred onto nitrocellulose membranes, probed using immunoblot analyses with antibodies specific to cyto c (6581A for Western and 65971A for immunostaining; Pharmingen)  

Short / easy

Medium accurancy

Quantikine Rat/Mouse Cytochrome c Immunoassay

Measuring cytochrome c release

(Shaki et al., 2012)

Cytochrome C release was measured a monoclonal antibody specific for rat/mouse cytochrome c was precoated onto the microplate. Seventy-five microliter of conjugate (containing mono- clonal antibody specific for cytochrome c conjugated to horseradish peroxidase). After 2 h of incubation, the substrate solution (100 μl) was added to each well and incubated for 30 min. After 100 μl of the stop solution was added to each well; the optical density of each well was determined by the aforementioned microplate spectrophotometer set to 450 nm.  

Short / easy

Low accurancy

Membrane potential and cell viability – Flow Cytometry

Measuring cytochrome c release

(Kruidering et al., 1997)

“Dc and viability were determined by analyzing the R123 and propidium iodide fluorescence intensity with a FACScan flow cytometer (Becton Dickinson, San Jose, CA) equipped with an argon laser, with the Lysis software program (Becton Dickinson). R123 is a cationic dye that accumulates in the negatively charged inner side of the mitochondria. When the potential drops, less R123 accumulates in the mitochondria, which results in a lower fluorescence signal. The potential was measured as follows: at the indicated times, a 500-ml sample of the cell suspension was taken and transferred to an Eppendorf minivial. To this sample, 100 ml of 6 mM R123 in buffer D was added. After incubation for 10 min at 37°C, the cell suspension was centrifuged for 5 min at 80 3 g. The cell pellet was resuspended in 200 ml of buffer D, containing 0.2 mM R123 and 10 mM propidium iodide, to prevent loss of R123 and to stain nonviable cells, respectively. The samples were transferred to FACScan tubes and analyzed immediately. Analysis was performed at a flow rate of 60 ml/min. R123 fluorescence was detected by the FL1 detector with an emission detection limit below 560 nm. Propidium iodide fluorescence was detected by the FL3 detector, with emission detection above 620 nm. Per sample 3,000 to 5,000 cells were counted (Van de Water et al., 1993)”  

Short / easy

Medium accurancy

Domain of Applicability

A description of the scientific basis for the indicated domains of applicability and the WoE calls (if provided).  More help

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a universal event occurring in cells of any species (Farooqui and Farooqui, 2012). Many invertebrate species (drosophila, C, elegans) are considered as potential models to study mitochondrial function. New data on marine invertebrates, such as molluscs and crustaceans and non-Drosophila species, are emerging (Martinez-Cruz et al., 2012). Mitochondrial dysfunction can be measured in animal models used for toxicity testing (Winklhofer and Haass, 2010; Waerzeggers et al., 2010) as well as in humans (Winklhofer and Haass, 2010).

References

List of the literature that was cited for this KE description. More help

Adam-Vizi V. Production of reactive oxygen species in brain mitochondria: contribution by electron transport chain and non-electron transport chain sources. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2005, 7(9-10):1140-1149.

Adam-Vizi, V., & Starkov, A. A. (2010). Calcium and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation: How to read the facts. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD, 20 Suppl 2, S413-S426. doi:10.3233/JAD-2010-100465

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