The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) activates mitochondrial respiration and enhances mobility by regulating mitochondrial redox state

Abstract

Regulation of mitochondrial redox balance is emerging as a key event for cell signaling in both physiological and pathological conditions. However, the link between the mitochondrial redox state and the modulation of these conditions remains poorly defined. Here, we discovered that activation of the evolutionary conserved mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) modulates mitochondrial redox state. By using mitochondria-targeted redox and calcium sensors and genetic MCU-ablated models, we provide evidence of the causality between MCU activation and net reduction of mitochondrial (but not cytosolic) redox state. Redox modulation of redox-sensitive groups via MCU stimulation is required for maintaining respiratory capacity in primary human myotubes and C. elegans, and boosts mobility in worms. The same benefits are obtained bypassing MCU via direct pharmacological reduction of mitochondrial proteins. Collectively, our results demonstrate that MCU regulates mitochondria redox balance and that this process is required to promote the MCU-dependent effects on mitochondrial respiration and mobility.