Disruption of ATP Synthase Spatiotemporal Organization, Ca2+ Dynamics, and Contractile Function in Senescent Cardiomyocytes

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the elderly population. Age-related heart failure is frequently associated with energy deficits in cardiomyocytes. These cells rely on their abundant, cristae-rich mitochondria for ATP production. ATP Synthase, localized along the cristae rims, is central to this process. It is presumed that its function is tightly bound to its spatial organization, but details remain unclear. Here, we explored the spatiotemporal organization of ATP Synthase in senescent human iPSC-derived CM in conjunction with its functions. We found changes in the stoichiometry of F₁ and F_O subunits in senescent CM. The ratio of F_O-SU c to F₁-SU β increased. The oligomeric organization of the complex was weakened. Using single-molecule localization and tracking microscopy, we observed an increased enzyme mobility within cristae that displayed increased fenestrations. This coincided with decreased mitochondrial ATP level, increased ATP hydrolysis capacity, and a moderate increase in mitochondrial transition pore opening. Disturbed ATP production was correlated with dysregulated calcium dynamics, characterized by heightened spikes and slower cytosolic clearance. Consequently, senescent cardiomyocytes exhibited irregular autonomous and paced beating patterns. These findings indicate that, in senescent cardiomyocytes, functional decline is closely linked to disrupted ATP metabolism, driven by the aberrant organization, dynamics, and activity of ATP Synthase within remodeled cristae.

ATP hydrolysis; ATP synthase organization; calcium dynamics; cardiomyocytes; contractility; cristae architecture; human induced pluripotent stem cells; mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP); senescence; single molecule dynamics.