title: Evolution of cubic membranes as antioxidant defence system.
abstract: Possibly the best-characterized cubic membrane transition has been observed in the mitochondrial inner membranes of free-living giant amoeba (Chaos carolinense). In this ancient organism, the cells are able to survive in extreme environments such as lack of food, thermal and osmolarity fluctuations and high levels of reactive oxygen species. Their mitochondrial inner membranes undergo rapid changes in three-dimensional organization upon food depletion, providing a valuable model to study this subcellular adaptation. Our data show that cubic membrane is enriched with unique ether phospholipids, plasmalogens carrying very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Here, we propose that these phospholipids may not only facilitate cubic membrane formation but may also provide a protective shelter to RNA. The potential interaction of cubic membrane with RNA may reduce the amount of RNA oxidation and promote more efficient protein translation. Thus, recognizing the role of cubic membranes in RNA antioxidant systems might help us to understand the adaptive mechanisms that have evolved over time in eukaryotes.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences , Changzhou University, Changzhou , Jiangsu 213164 , People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Yuru
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Deng
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine , National University of Singapore , Singapore 117597 , Republic of Singapore.
authors.forename: Zakaria A
authors.initials: ZA
authors.lastname: Almsherqi
keywords: RNA protection; cubic membranes; oxidative stress; plasmalogens; structural antioxidant; very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids