Presence of ES1 homolog in the mitochondrial intermembrane space of porcine retinal cells

ES1 homologs are conserved among prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and the gene expression of ES1 homologs has been confirmed in diverse mammalian tissues. However, the localization and function of mammalian ES1 proteins remain poorly understood. ES1 protein was found specifically expressed in the cone cells of zebrafish and was proposed to contribute to the formation of mega mitochondria. We also observed mega mitochondria in the cone cells of porcine retinas, which raised the question regarding the localization of the porcine ES1. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to determine the localization of ES1 in porcine retinas. We prepared a rabbit polyclonal antibody against the ES1 C-terminal and performed western blotting analysis and immunoelectron microscopy. The ES1 was found to be localized mainly in the mitochondrial intermembrane space of the porcine retinal cells. Immunopositive signals for ES1 were observed in the mitochondria of almost all retinal cells, and not specifically in cone cells. Our results and the ES1 sequences indicated that the glyoxalase III activity of ES1 might contribute to the stable functionality of the active mitochondria in a protective manner. •The present study is the first report on mitochondrial localization of ES1 homologs in mammals.•Porcine ES1 was found to be localized mainly in the mitochondrial intermembrane space of retinal cells.•Porcine ES1 was localized in the mitochondria of almost all retinal cels, not specific in cone cells.•The present study indicated that the ES1 might contribute to the stable functionality of the active mitochondria in a protective manner.