Cell tension controlling pathways and nutrient availability regulate plasma membrane ATP synthase trafficking

Introduction: The interplay between mechanical stress and cell metabolism is an emerging topic. However, the mechanotransduction pathways coordinating cell metabolism to the tensional status of the cell are poorly understood. Here, we provide several evidences suggesting that caveolae – mechanosensitive plasma membrane invaginations-, nutrient availability and cell tension controlling conditions are important for the biology of mitochondrial ATP synthase. Material and Methods: For achieving the caveolar interactome, plasma membrane biotinylation and co-localization experiments, we have used human retinal pigment epithelial-1 (RPE-1) cells, murine vascular aortic smooth muscle (MOVAS) cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF). We used proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) and mass spectrometry to obtain the different interactomes of caveolar components. For plasma membrane (PM) localization of the ATP synthase we used PM biotinylation under different metabolic and mechanical conditions (nutrient starving, cell confluence). To study co-localization, we performed Proximity Ligation Assays (PLAs) in combination with mitochondrial and caveolar markers. Results: First, we have identified the interactome of all core caveolar components. Among the interactors, we identified subunits α and β of the mitochondrial ATP synthase, which interact with most of the caveolar components. Apart from its main localization at the inner mitochondrial membrane, the ATP synthase has also been detected in the PM, facing the extracellular space; this pool is known as ecto-ATP synthase. We show that the interaction with Caveolin-1 (Cav1), one of the main components of caveolae, occurs outside caveolae and mitochondria. In addition, the presence of ecto- ATP synthase at the PM is dependent on Cav1. Furthermore, conditions regulating cell tension, and metabolic challenges that promote autophagy, impinge on ecto-ATP synthase trafficking Conclusions: This study has characterized the interactome of caveolar components and has focused on the subunits α and β of the ATP synthase, which are also present at the PM. These subunits interact with Cav-1, but this interaction seems to occur in intracellular trafficking vesicles. Moreover, this process could be altered by mechanical cues and nutrient deprivation. Thus, our study suggests that trafficking routes regulating PM residents, and regulated by several caveolar components, are linked to nutrient starvation and mitochondrial biology.