Abstract
We previously showed that the antimicrobial peptide microcin J25 induced the over-production of reactive oxygen species with the concomitant release of cytochrome c from rat heart mitochondria via the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Here, we were able to demonstrate that indeed, as a consequence of the oxidative burst, MccJ25 induces carbonylation of mitochondrial proteins, which may explain the irreversible inhibition of complex III and the partial inhibition of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Moreover, the peptide raised the levels of oxidized membrane lipids, which triggers the release of cytochrome c. From in silico analysis, we hypothesize that microcin would elicit these effects through interaction with heme c1 at mitochondrial complex III. On the other hand, under an excess of l-arginine, MccJ25 caused nitric oxide overproduction with no oxidative damage and a marked inhibition in oxygen consumption. Therefore, a beneficial anti-oxidative activity could be favored by the addition of l-arginine. Conversely, MccJ25 pro-oxidative-apoptotic effect can be unleashed in either an arginine-free medium or by suppressing the nitric oxide synthase activity.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 273-281 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 2010 |
Funding
Financial support was provided by CONICET (Grant PIP 4996) and CIUNT (Grant 26/D228) and the Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Técnica (PICTO 843, PAE 22642). M.V.N., F.D., C.A., C.T.B. and L.P. are recipient of a CONICET fellowship. R.D.M., C.M., A.B., S.G. and M.L.B.A. are career investigator of CONICET. We are deeply indebted to Lici Schurig-Briccio for her helpful assistance in the determination of carbonylated proteins.
Keywords
- Cardiolipin
- Cytochrome c
- Microcin
- Mitochondria
- Reactive oxygen species
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology