Regulation of mitochondrial function and endoplasmic reticulum stress by nitric oxide in pluripotent stem cells

Abstract

Mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) are global processes that are interrelated and regulated by several stress factors. Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional biomolecule with many varieties of physiological and pathological functions, such as the regulation of cytochrome c inhibition and activation of the immune response, ERS and DNA damage; these actions are dose-dependent. It has been reported that in embryonic stem cells, NO has a dual role, controlling differentiation, survival and pluripotency, but the molecular mechanisms by which it modulates these functions are not yet known. Low levels of NO maintain pluripotency and induce mitochondrial biogenesis. It is well established that NO disrupts the mitochondrial respiratory chain and causes changes in mitochondrial Ca²⁺ flux that induce ERS. Thus, at high concentrations, NO becomes a potential differentiation agent due to the relationship between ERS and the unfolded protein response in many differentiated cell lines. Nevertheless, many studies have demonstrated the need for physiological levels of NO for a proper ERS response. In this review, we stress the importance of the relationships between NO levels, ERS and mitochondrial dysfunction that control stem cell fate as a new approach to possible cell therapy strategies.

Key Words: Endoplasmic reticulum stress, Mitochondrial function, Nitric oxide, Pluripotency, Cell differentiation, Mitochondrial biogenesis

Core tip: Several studies have focused on the role of nitric oxide (NO) in regulating many physiological functions, such as metabolism and pluripotency. NO has been established to act as a potent agent for the control of stemness by promoting the expansion of pluripotent cells. NO regulates mitochondrial function and endoplasmic reticulum stress. In pluripotent stem cells, both of these factors are related to the control of cell fate and may contribute to the mechanism by which NO regulates the maintenance of pluripotency. This provides additional evidence supporting the use of NO as an alternative small molecule for the conservation and expansion of cultured pluripotent cell lines necessary for implementing a cell therapy programme.

INTRODUCTION

Actions of nitric oxide in cells

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) modulates the L-arginine-to-L-citrulline pathway, by which nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized[1,2]. NO, a short-lived free radical, reacts with oxygen, superoxide, cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) and other molecules when it acts independently of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and this interaction is dose-dependent. Therefore, at high levels of NO, reactive oxygen species and NO interact to contribute to protein posttranslational modifications through S-nitrosylation and S-nitration[3-5]. When it acts in concert with cGMP, NO activates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), catalysing the conversion of GTP into cGMP, which controls a variety of physiological effects in multiple tissues[6,7]. The role of NO/cGMP in embryonic development and cell differentiation is a subject of intensive investigation; however, it is not clear whether the action of NO in stem cell biology is mediated via the cGMP pathway. It has been reported that bone marrow stem cell potency and differentiation are independent of the sGC/cGMP pathway[8-12]. Moreover, many effects of NO on stem cell pluripotency and differentiation are independent of this pathway, and thus the mechanism by which NO modulates the differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) remains unclear[13,14].

Physiological functions of NO

NO has been described to have important roles as a regulator of multiple physiological functions: It is a principal mediator of the immune system in the inflammatory response and a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system; acting as a second messenger, it has multiple biological effects that have been implicated in numerous physiological functions in mammals, such as regulation of blood pressure via smooth muscle relaxation and inhibition of platelet aggregation[13,15-17]. NO has been reported to affect gene expression at the levels of transcription and translation and has been associated with the regulation of cell survival and proliferation in diverse cell types[14,18]. Moreover, important processes such as growth, survival, proliferation, differentiation, and the pathologies of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases are mediated by functions of NO[19,20]. NO has also been shown to be involved in the control of heart functions and cardiac differentiation/development[21,22].

NO is considered one of many molecules that act on specific cell signalling pathways involved in embryonic development, specifically playing a dual role in the control of ESC differentiation and morphogenesis[23].

This dual role is determined by the NO concentration: It has been demonstrated that a low NO concentration maintains pluripotency, whereas a high concentration induces differentiation[14,18,23]. A high NO concentration has been reported to cause oxidative and nitrosative stress and apoptosis, processes partly responsible for cell death during chronic and degenerative disease. Moreover, embryonic stem cell differentiation is promoted by pharmacological treatment with high NO concentrations[18,24,25]. Our group has reported[18] that exposure to high concentrations of a NO donor (DETA-NO) promotes the differentiation of mouse ESCs induced by down-regulation of the pluripotency genes Nanog and Oct4. However, low NO concentration has been shown to promote cell proliferation and survival. Specifically, our group has demonstrated that the exposure of ESCs to a low concentration of DETA-NO promotes the expression of self-renewal genes and prevents the differentiation of mouse and human ESCs[14]. Therefore, NO is also considered a regulator of cellular respiration (oxygen-sensitive pathways) and metabolism, with a major role in regulating the hypoxia response by modulating the activity of CcO, a component of complex IV, which is involved in the final processes of the mitochondrial electron transport chain[4,16,26-28].

High NO

NO is a small molecule that has dual roles in the control of ESC differentiation and tissue morphogenesis. High concentrations of NO promote differentiation. It has been reported that in ESCs, the production of NO is necessary for cardiomyogenesis because the maturation of terminally differentiated cardiomyocytes is prevented by NOS inhibitors[22]. Mouse ESC (mESC) differentiation is promoted by high DETA-NO concentrations, which induce the down-regulation of Nanog and Oct4 expression. NO represses Nanog via the activation of p53, which is associated with covalent modifications such as Ser315 phosphorylation and Lys379 acetylation. Moreover, the expression of the definitive endoderm markers FoxA2, Gata4, Hfn1-β and Sox17 is increased by exposure to high concentrations of DETA-NO[8,18]. It has been reported that the NO concentration regulates signalling pathways implicated in the survival and homeostasis of RINm5F cells. Thus, high NO can cause oxidative and nitrosative stress and apoptosis[18,24,25]. Several studies report that NO induces apoptosis in various cell types, such as pancreatic beta cells[29,30], thymocytes[31] and hepatocytes[32]. In ESCs, high levels of DETA-NO promote nitrosative stress, inducing apoptotic events in part of the ESC population. The remaining ESC population will be resistant to nitrosative stress and express the cytoprotective genes haeme oxygenase-1 and HSP70, representing the start of a differentiation programme[18].

Mitochondria and stemness

Mitochondrial modulation is emerging as a mediator of stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Mitochondrial function is known to be fundamental to cellular health. The two actions that maintain mitochondrial function are fission and fusion processes, collectively termed mitochondrial dynamics (MD). Altering the balance of MD results in changes to mitochondrial morphology and increases the incidence of age-related disorders, such as neuromuscular degeneration, and of metabolic disorders, such as obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, and diabetes[33,34]. Many of these disorders have been shown to originate due to alterations in the function, morphology and number of mitochondria. The volume and efficacy of the mitochondrial mass is considered a determining factor in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the response to the oxidative stress level[35]. It has been reported that ROS levels are lower in undifferentiated cells. ESCs have been reported to resist oxidative stress better than differentiated cells and to contain a large complement of active mitochondria[36]. In addition, it has been shown that the expression levels of pluripotency markers are downregulated in mESCs when the mitochondrial DNA copy number is increased[37]. In general, pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have a low mitochondrial population with low energy potential; most of the energy comes from glycolysis, which is limited only by a low ATP reservoir that precludes glucose phosphorylation to glucose 6-phosphate, which is required for uptake into the cells. Several types of differentiated cells, such as those that have differentiated into the trophectoderm of mice and rats, have been described as having more elongated mitochondria, with higher membrane potential and more O₂ consumption[38]. When cells are differentiated, the number of mitochondria is observed to increase, and the mitochondrial morphology shows characteristics observed in mature cells[39-41]. This behaviour is similar to that described in tumour cells, which have a decreased respiratory rate associated with an enhancement of anaerobic glycolysis due to a uniform transcriptional reduction of mitochondrial components. Human ESCs (hESCs) have been reported to have only a few mitochondria with immature morphology, and it has been found that the mitochondrial mass, the intracellular ROS level and the expression of antioxidant enzymes increase with differentiation[41]. Thus, the ROS produced in the differentiated cells might play an important role in cell signalling and differentiation[41-43]. Dynamic changes in mitochondrial energy metabolism, ROS and antioxidant enzymes have been shown to affect differentiation propensity. In fact, mitochondrial biogenesis is controlled by the expression of oxidative metabolism genes, among which are mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), nuclear respiratory factor (NRF-1) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α)[44,45], which has been described to regulate mtDNA transcription and replication.

NO has been described as a physiological regulator of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and has been reported to interact with oxygen bound to CcO located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. CcO has a higher affinity for NO than for oxygen, which suggests that this interaction and its biological consequences are dependent on the redox state and turnover of CcO[4,46]. It has been shown that NO maintains normal cellular ATP levels by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration and increasing glycolysis[28]. This activity of NO is an important mechanism by which NO can modulate cellular responses to hypoxia in mammalian cells.

NO AND MITOCHONDRIAL BIOGENESIS

Mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial dynamics

Mitochondrial biogenesis (MB) can be defined as the growth and division of pre-existing mitochondria as a mechanism to adjust the cellular energy balance in response to an environmental change or a change in the general status[47,48]. This process is regulated by a wide range of substances, including benzodiazepine, Ca²⁺ fluxes, and thyroid hormones such as T3, which controls metabolic rates in vertebrates[49,50]. Growing evidence suggests that the delicate equilibrium between mitochondrial fission and fusion is vital for many mitochondrial functions, including metabolism, energy production, Ca²⁺ signalling, ROS production and apoptosis[49,51-53]. For example, in some neurodegenerative diseases, there is a reduction in the expression levels of fusion proteins such as optic atrophy type 1, mitofusin-1 and mitofusin-2 and an increase in the expression of fission proteins such as dynamin-related protein-1 and fission related protein-1[54]. It has been reported that mitochondrial fusion permits inter-mitochondrial interaction and the exchange of membrane and matrix components; fusion can help to maintain the mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial function[55]. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that mitochondria and mtDNA can be transferred between cells through cytoplasmic projections[56], which is a compensatory mechanism that allows mammalian cells with non-functional mitochondria to restore aerobic respiration. In addition, mitochondria also require numerous proteins from the cytosol that are transported through the matrix[57].

NO induces mitochondrial biogenesis

It is well known that treatment with low concentrations of NO induces MB in various mammalian cells types as well as in animal tissues. The MB induced by low concentrations of NO is mediated by activation of guanylate cyclase-dependent cGMP and is related to the increased expression of PGC-1α, NRF-1 and Tfam (Figure 1), and it also affects the mitochondrial function[58] (Figure 1). It has also been reported that NO/cGMP-dependent MB activates oxygen consumption and ATP production and subsequently increases mitochondrial function in U937, L6 and PC12 cells, among other cell types[59]. However, a previous study showed that during spontaneous differentiation of hESCs, the expression of MB markers was increased. In addition, that study found a discrepancy between regulatory factors of MB and mitochondrial activity: The mitochondrial activity in differentiated cells was higher than in undifferentiated cells, and differentiated cells showed no relationship between the expression of PGC-1α, NRF-1 and Tfam expression and mitochondrial function. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy showed that cellular organelles were immature in undifferentiated hESCs compared to cells undergoing differentiation. They concluded that hESCs possess immature machinery for the assembly of functional mitochondria[41]. Therefore, we consider in this review that low NO induces MB, but the expression of mitochondrial biogenesis markers alone may not be indicative of mitochondrial function.

Figure 1 Nitric oxide dose effect on mitochondrial function and endoplasmic reticulum stress. High NO activates an ER stress response that induces apoptosis, at least in some types of cells, such as β-cells and macrophages. Depletion of ER Ca²⁺ and activation of the ERS pathway, including ATF6 activation and CHOP induction, was also detected in these cell types after treatment with NO. The soluble protein CRIPTO (also known as TDGF1) and its cell-surface receptor, 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), have crucial roles in promoting quiescence and in the maintenance of many cell types, including haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Under hypoxic conditions, HIF1α binds to hypoxia responsive elements (HREs) in the promoter region of CRIPTO and activates its expression. CRIPTO then binds to GRP78 and stimulates glycolytic metabolism-related proteins. This acts as a link between the ERS response and cell metabolism that finally controls stem cell fate. In addition, a low concentration of NO inhibits CcO and induces AMPK, which activates glycolysis. This can help to maintain pluripotency and cell proliferation. NO could have a protective effect under hypoxic conditions because the activation of AMPK inhibits CHOP expression and prevents apoptosis. This figure shows the relationship between NO, mitochondrial function and ERS and its impact on stem cell development. ERSE: Endoplasmic reticulum stress element; MB: Mitochondrial biogenesis; OXPHOS: Oxidative phosphorylation. AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; ATF 6: Transcription factor 6; CcO: Cytochrome c oxidase; CREB: cAMP response element binding protein; ERS: Endoplasmic reticulum stress; ESCs: Embryonic stem cells; Sgc: Soluble guanylate cyclase; cGMP: Cyclic guanosine monophosphate; HIF: Hypoxia inducible factor; HSP70: Heat shock protein 70; JNK: c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinase; MAPK: Mitogen-activated protein kinase; MB: Mitochondrial biogenesis; MD: Mitochondrial dynamics; NO: Nitric Oxide; NOS: Nitric oxide synthase; NRF-1: Nuclear respiratory factor 1; OXPHOS: Oxidative phosphorylation; PERK: Protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase; PSCs: Pluripotent stem cells; PGC-1α: Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ coactivator 1α; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; Tfam: Mitochondrial transcription factor A; UPR: Unfolded protein response.

Signalling for MB is activated by peroxisome PGC-1α and involves the expression of several transcription factors, resulting in the upregulation of proteins encoded by both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes[60].

PGC-1α is a transcription factor that regulates oxidative metabolism and adaptive thermogenesis and is the main inducer of MB in cells[61]. PGC-1α regulates the activities of cAMP response element binding protein and nuclear respiratory factors (NRFs). It provides a direct link between external physiological stimuli and the regulation of MB. PGC-1α has been described to have an important role in aging-related diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. PGC-1α activates a protective response through the induction of many antioxidant enzymes to decrease the ROS level, including superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase 1. In addition, Ca²⁺ and ROS regulate MB by activating PGC-1α, leading to an increase in the mitochondrial mass[62]. It is very important to mention that PGC-1α was found to regulate the adaptive response at sub-lethal levels of different toxins that improve mitochondrial function in a process known as mitohormesis[60,63].

Interestingly, this hormetic response is controlled by the cell-tolerated increasing expression of PGC-1α, which in turn induces a balanced expression of fusion/fission genes. However, deregulation of PGC-1α expression through either stable down-regulation or overexpression renders cells more susceptible to toxic insult, leading to mitochondrial fragmentation and cell death. This result has also been supported by the activation of Mtn2 expression[64]. In contrast, while PGC-1α permits the tolerance of a certain level of toxins in the cell, the prolonged expression to non-physiological levels of PGC-1α has a negative effect on mitochondrial function and the viability of the cells[65]. This suggests that the maintenance of a homeostatic PGC-1α expression level may offer a promising strategy for neuroprotective therapies against some toxicants[60].

NITRIC OXIDE REGULATES MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION

NO plays a very important role in regulating mitochondrial function and cell metabolic activity. It has been described that endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is associated with the outer mitochondrial membrane in neurons and endothelial cells, which suggests that NOS regulates mitochondrial function[66] (Figure 1). The chemical structure of NO allows the interaction with haemoglobin and the release of O₂ for mitochondrial consumption[67]. As introduced earlier in this review, a mechanism for the regulation of mitochondrial function is the binding of NO to CcO, the terminal enzyme in the electron transport chain[68]. It competes with O₂ as the last electron receiver, inhibiting the activity of the enzyme and preventing water formation and ROS generation[69,70]. Furthermore, at a low concentration of O₂, both physiological and low concentrations of NO inhibit CcO and induce a switch to glycolysis that permits adaptation to hypoxic conditions[28,71]. However, a high concentration of NO also inhibits other mitochondrial complexes of the respiratory chain (complexes I, complexes II and complexes III), increasing superoxide anion (O₂^-) production and inducing cell death[70,72] (Figure 1).

The hypoxia response is mediated by hypoxia inducible factor (HIF). HIF1α is the isoform that regulates oxygen homeostasis and cell metabolism in the short-term hypoxia response. Both HIF1α and NO help to restore energy metabolism at a low oxygen concentration[73]. High NO has been described to induce HIF1α expression under normoxic conditions in a mitochondria-dependent manner, but the effect of low NO under normoxia is unknown[27]. It is very important for us to evaluate this effect because we have evidence that low NO under normoxia induces HIF1α and can activate a similar hypoxia response.

NO and cell metabolism in pluripotent stem cells

The increase in anaerobic respiration and the decrease in oxidative phosphorylation in the presence of available oxygen is known as the Warburg effect[74]. This effect was considered a particular feature of cancer cells due to the typical hypoxic environment of tumours, but currently, it is considered a metabolic shift that permits cells to divide and proliferate[75]. Because of this, reduction of the ROS levels by the reduction of oxidative phosphorylation permits the activity of proliferative kinases, such as ERK1/2 and Akt, which inhibits the activation of the apoptotic machinery via activation of anti-apoptotic control mechanisms and the non-activation of pro-apoptotic kinases, such as c-Jun-NH₂-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase[76].

It has been reported that somatic cells require a shift from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism for the reprogramming process. Both HIF1α and HIF2α are necessary in the early state of the reprogramming for this metabolic change and for the recovery of the pluripotent state[77]. The bioenergetics of pluripotent cells can vary depending on their developmental stage. hECSs present highly glycolytic metabolism and share this feature with cancer cells (Warburg effect)[78]. Because the stem cell niche presents an hypoxic environment, the glycolytic metabolism of undifferentiated cells could be an adaptation to low oxygen concentrations in vivo[79]. In addition, the efficiency of the reprogramming process is reduced by glycolysis inhibition and an increase in glycolytic potency during the generation of inducible PSCs (iPSCs)[80]. Furthermore, it has been described that hypoxia enhances the generation of iPSCs. HIF1α and HIF2α are essential for the metabolic changes required for early iPSC generation in humans. However, HIF2α is detrimental at later stages of reprogramming because of the upregulation of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand[77].

Cell metabolism is remarkably important for determining the stem cell fate and the role of NO in the regulation of metabolism. Almeida et al[28] described that NO activates glycolysis in astrocytes via the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which activates Phosphofructokinase 2 and protects cells from apoptosis.

The relationship between NO and cell metabolism could be vital for the expansion of pluripotent cells when NO is used as a supplement in the design of culture medium, and it seems reasonable that NO may be used as a pluripotency inducer (Figure 1).

HIGH NO INDUCES ERS

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the organelle designated for the synthesis and folding of proteins that are directed for secretion or to the Golgi apparatus. Because proper protein synthesis and protein folding are the key functions of the ER, the interruption of this physiological process ends in a complex ERS response, with a goal of recovering physiological function. The ER also functions as a store for Ca²⁺ and regulates its homeostasis through Ca²⁺-pumping and Ca²⁺-releasing proteins located in its membrane. Ca²⁺ is also an essential ion for ER function. Many chaperones, such as calreticulin or protein disulphide isomerase, are dependent on Ca²⁺ concentration, and therefore, any variation in ER intra-organelle Ca²⁺ concentration leads to changes in ER function[81,82].

There are many states that can lead to an unfolded protein response (UPR), the primary role of which is to recover internal homeostasis and adapt to the new conditions in the ER. Any alterations in Ca²⁺ homeostasis can involve the UPR due to the malfunctioning of proteins responsible for protein folding in the ER lumen; nevertheless, the possible causes of the UPR are not restricted to this process, as, for example, glucose deprivation can also lead to ERS[83].

The first stage in the UPR implies an attempt at adaptation triggered by the release of chaperones anchored in membrane proteins, mainly glucose regulate protein 78 (Grp78, also known as BiP), to prevent the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER lumen. This release of Grp78 entails the aggregation of membrane proteins to which Grp78 was attached as well as Grp78 auto phosphorylation. Among these proteins, we primarily found protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (Ire-1) and transcription factor 6 (ATF6)[84] (Figure 1).

PERK is a protein kinase that is able to auto phosphorylate when it oligomerizes, activating its kinase domain and inactivating eukaryotic initiation factor 2 α (eIF2α) after its phosphorylation. This leads to a decrease of mRNA translation with the aim of reducing the protein mass in the ER. In turn, genes related with the UPR are preferentially translated, as is the case of the transcription factor ATF4[85].

ATF4 is a CHOP activator and an apoptotic enhancer[86]. CHOP has been involved in many processes that lead to cellular apoptosis through the regulation of genes related with the cell cycle and ROS generation[87]. CHOP dimerizes with C/EBP, preventing its binding to gene promoters and blocking genes such as Bcl2, apoptotic suppressor, or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, which promotes cell proliferation. This uniformly activates the expression of genes such as IL-6 and GADD34, which promotes cell differentiation and ROS synthesis[82,86].

ATF6 is a transcription factor that acts in the ERS response. ATF6 is cleaved when unfolded proteins are accumulated in the ER, releasing its cytoplasmic domain, which translocates to the nucleus. The inactive form of ATF6 (p90ATF6) is transported to the Golgi and is activated via two-step cleavage by Site-1 protease and Site-2 protease. Then, the active form of ATF6 is transported to nucleus[88] and functions as a transcriptional activator for ERS-related genes such as CHOP[89] (Figure 1).

Ire1 is a protein that shares similar pathways with PERK. Upon its oligomerization after Grp78 is released, its kinase activity is activated, and Ire1 is able to process an intron from Xbox protein-1 (XBP-1) mRNA to trigger its translation. XBP-1 activates genes related to protein transport from the ER to the cytosol, resulting in its degradation[82]. XBP-1 has also been correlated with apoptotic processes[84] and lymphocyte differentiation[83].

The release of Grp78 from the end of ATF6 also leads to its release towards the Golgi apparatus, where proteases are in charge of its cleavage, after which ATF6 is able to migrate to the nucleus and regulate genes, including the activation of XBP-1, which, as mentioned before, is an upregulator of CHOP[85].

Despite previous research on the ERS response and the effects of NO in cell regulation, the connection between these two processes was not clarified until 2001, when the first relationships between NO and CHOP were established through Ca²⁺ release and the subsequent release of ER Ca²⁺ to the cytosol induced by NO. Increases in the cell NO concentration lead to Ca²⁺ release from the mitochondria due to Cyt c inhibition, and this unleashes Ca²⁺ release in the ER. This response to NO is triggered as a result of protein misfolding in the ER because many chaperones are Ca²⁺-dependent, which causes a UPR that over time ends in an apoptotic response[90-92] (Figure 1).

Endoplasmic reticulum stress and cell differentiation

High concentrations of NO have been frequently associated with differentiation and apoptotic processes; nevertheless, the genetic mechanisms that initiate these processes are barely defined[93]. Recently, many reports have suggested the relevance of the ERS response in the differentiation of several cell lines, which suggests the possibility of studying this response as a possible differentiation mechanism triggered by high concentrations of NO (Figure 1).

Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of ERS for the differentiation of chondrocytes[94-96], plasma cells[95,97], adipocytes[98] and myoblasts[18]. Nonetheless, recently, the differentiating potential of ERS has been identified in many other cell lines. Saito et al[99] demonstrated the effect of ERS in the terminal differentiation of osteoblasts through the activation of the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 pathway. The results concluded that PERK activation triggered by the ERS response is required for ATF4 activation in osteoblast differentiation and for the proper expression of genes that are essential for osteogenesis, such as Ocn and Bsp[99]. Heijmans et al[100] studied the loss of pluripotency in epithelial intestinal cells upon activation of the UPR. They proposed that the ERS response causes the loss of stemness in a manner dependent on Perk-eIF2α-ATF4, a pathway activated in the UPR. Their findings demonstrate that inhibition of this signalling pathway results in stem cell accumulation in the epithelium, suggesting that the ER stress response is a key factor in the differentiation of this cell type[101,102]. More recently, Matsuzaki et al[101] evaluated the effect of physiological ER stress in fibroblast differentiation, suggesting that fibroblasts subjected to RER are more susceptible to differentiation signals and implying that UPR signalling could be essential for this differentiation. This is significant, considering that these cells are subject to a high protein load in the ER lumen in their final differentiation state due to the high amount of protein directed to secretion[96,100].

These studies suggest the possibility of studying the effect of NO in differentiation through this response because the precise control of this molecule in this cellular process has been at least partially characterized.

Physiological concentrations of NO and RER

Although NO is a molecule that in high concentrations can lead to apoptosis and differentiation processes, some studies have suggested its protective effect and have demonstrated that endogenous levels of NO produced by different types of NOS are necessary for proper cell function and pluripotency maintenance. Previous studies have shown the need for physiological levels of NO to avoid the generation of free radicals or the activity of many proteases or to increase the antioxidant potential of GSH[103].

In 2007, Kitiphongspattana et al[97] demonstrated that the constitutive production of NO by cNOS was essential for a proper ER response in β pancreatic cells. Its inhibition repressed the expression of genes involved in protein folding and antioxidant defence, such as Gclc, Grp78, Prx-1 or Gpx-1[88,97]. Moreover, a protective effect of physiological NO in β-cells through the activation of Nrf2, a transcription factor for antioxidant proteins, in the RER has been reported previously, as has the importance of the UPR in resistance to oxidative stress[104-106].

Hypoxia, ERS and AMPK protective effect

ERS activates apoptosis through several stimuli, including hypoxia, oxidative stress and Ca²⁺ depletion. AMPK activation has been shown to protect cardiomyocytes against hypoxic injury through the attenuation of ERS[107].

ERS promotes apoptotic signalling or cell survival in different cell types. Therefore, the decision between survival and apoptosis may depend on the balance between survival signalling and apoptotic signalling.

Three apoptotic pathways are known to be related to ERS. Among others, the induction of the gene for CHOP promotes apoptosis, and CHOP deficiency can protect cells from ER stress-induced apoptosis, suggesting that CHOP is involved in the process of cell death caused by ERS. Other authors proposed that the mechanism of ERS induction during hypoxia is the alteration of the Ca²⁺ balance via the inhibition of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase pump due to intracellular ATP depletion[108]. Because of this, Terai et al[107] hypothesized that conservation of the intracellular ATP content during hypoxia would protect cardiomyocytes from ERS-induced cell death. They concluded that AMPK would be a cell protector against ERS-induced cell death during hypoxia because AMPK acts as an intracellular energy sensor, maintaining the energy balance within cells during ischaemia. The mechanism by which AMPK protects cells during hypoxia is attributed to the suppression of protein synthesis due to the phosphorylation of eEF2. This protective effect mediated by AMPK has also been described in another recent study. Hwang et al[109] reported that AMPK mediated cell survival induced by resveratrol in H9c2 cells, and this may exert a novel therapeutic effect on the oxidative stress induced in cardiac disorders.

It is interesting to consider the effects of AMPK with regard to the role of NO in the activation of this kinase. NO has a protective role against ROS and ERS, and this action could be mediated by AMPK. As we have demonstrated, NO regulates cell metabolism, and this effect can help to maintain pluripotency. NO has become known as a potent molecule that regulates cell protection.

CONCLUSION

In this literature review, we would like to highlight the role of NO as a regulator of stem cell properties. Low NO concentrations have been shown to help to maintain pluripotency, but the molecular mechanisms of this effect are not yet known.

We have analysed the role of NO in mitochondrial function and ERS because this pathway is interrelated with stem cell fate and could be an explanation for the mechanism by which NO regulates embryonic development.

We have described that NO has an important role in mitochondrial biogenesis and the induction of PGC1α expression. Notably, PGC1α has a neuro-protective effect against certain levels of different toxins. Due to the relationship between NO and PGC1α, the information in this review suggests the importance of studying the potential protective role of NO in cells.

NO is highly involved in the ERS response through its effect on mitochondria initiation of an ERS response, initially triggered by the release of Ca²⁺ in the mitochondria. This ERS response originates differentiation processes in many cell lines. This suggests the importance of studying the effect of NO in the ERS response to clarify its different effects through this pathway.

Likewise, NO in the ER is also relevant at physiological concentrations because many studies have shown that a proper ERS response is not feasible without sufficient physiological intracellular NO synthesis.

NO is involved in the regulation of cell respiration at a physiological level. NO inhibits cytochrome c and induces glycolysis, which can help to regulate stem cell fate. Pluripotent cells have been reported to have a highly glycolytic metabolism. In the reprogramming process, it is necessary that restoration of glycolytic metabolism is mediated by hypoxia-inducible factors. The induction of glycolysis by NO is vital for using this molecule as an inducer of pluripotency. NO is a strong tool for culturing pluripotent cell lines in an undifferentiated state. Moreover, NO can be used for biotechnology applications in the design of a culture medium for pluripotent cell expansion and for the creation of a cell therapy programme.