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Molecular consequences of electron transport chain deficiency in proliferating and quiescent cells
Magalhães Novais, Silvia Carina ; Rohlena, Jakub (advisor) ; Panicucci Zíková, Alena (referee) ; Eelen, Guy (referee)
Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system is best known for producing ATP in mitochondria. As a major metabolic hub, OXPHOS also supports other biological functions that are unrelated to ATP synthesis. Are these additional roles of OXPHOS unique to different cell states, such as to proliferation and quiescence, two of the most contrasting states of a mammalian cell? In this thesis we used genetic models of OXPHOS deficiency to show that in proliferating cells and in tumors OXPHOS primarily supports biosynthesis of nucleotides, whereas in quiescent cells OXPHOS provides oxidative stress resistance. Mechanistically, in growing tumors OXPHOS drives dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), an enzyme crucial for de novo synthesis of pyrimidines. Complex II of OXPHOS also acts as a sensor of mitochondrial dysfunction and regulates pyrimidine synthesis for energy conservation. In contrast, in quiescent cells OXPHOS maintains autophagy by continuous low level ROS generation and together with the antioxidant defense provides constitutive oxidative stress protection. In summary, beyond ATP production OXPHOS has additional vital roles tailored to the particular requirements of quiescence and proliferation, with relevance for pathophysiology in cancer and vascular biology.
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