Chemical and Physiological Features of Mitochondrial Acylation

• Published in: Molecular cell 2018-11, Vol.72 (4), p.610-624
• Main Authors: Ringel, Alison E., Tucker, Sarah A., Haigis, Marcia C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1097-2765; 1097-4164
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2018.10.023

Growing appreciation of the diversity of post-translational modifications (PTMs) in the mitochondria necessitates reevaluation of the roles these modifications play in both health and disease. Compared to the cytosol and nucleus, the mitochondrial proteome is highly acylated, and remodeling of the mitochondrial “acylome” is a key adaptive mechanism that regulates fundamental aspects of mitochondrial biology. It is clear that we need to understand the underlying chemistry that regulates mitochondrial acylation, as well as how chemical properties of the acyl chain impact biological functions. Here, we dissect the sources of PTMs in the mitochondria, review major mitochondrial pathways that control levels of PTMs, and highlight how sirtuin enzymes respond to the bioenergetic state of the cell via NAD+ availability to regulate mitochondrial biology. By providing a framework connecting the chemistry of these modifications, their biochemical consequences, and the pathways that regulate the levels of acyl PTMs, we will gain a deeper understanding of the physiological significance of mitochondrial acylation and its role in mitochondrial adaptation. Lysine acyl modifications are highly enriched on mitochondrial proteins. In this review, Ringel et al. explore mechanisms that dynamically remodel the matrix “acylome” in response to nutrient cues and discuss central regulatory roles for mitochondrial sirtuins by coupling lysine deacylation to the metabolic state of the cell.