bims-mitmed 2023-08-20 papers

bims-mitmed

Biomed News

on Mitochondrial medicine

Issue of 2023–08–20
thirty papers selected by
Dario Brunetti, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico

PPAR-gamma agonist pioglitazone recovers mitochondrial quality control in fibroblasts from PITRM1-deficient patients.
Muscle mitochondrial transplantation can rescue and maintain cellular homeostasis.
Deoxyribonucleoside treatment rescues EtBr-induced mtDNA depletion in iPSC-derived neural stem cells with POLG mutations.
Mitochondrial DNA comes with nuclear strings attached.
Application of Flow Cytometric Analysis for Measuring Multiple Mitochondrial Parameters in 3D Brain Organoids.
Glutamine metabolism in diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Milton assembles large mitochondrial clusters, mitoballs, to sustain spermatogenesis.
Infantile onset encephalomyopathy, retinopathy, optic atrophy, and mitochondrial DNA depletion associated with a novel pathogenic DHX16 variant.
Control of mitochondrial integrity influences oocyte quality during reproductive aging.
E4 ubiquitin ligase promotes mitofusin turnover and mitochondrial stress response.
Feasibility and impact of haplogroup matching for mitochondrial replacement treatment.
Expanding the phenotypic and biochemical spectrum of NDUFAF3-related mitochondrial disease.
Exploring the therapeutic potential of the mitochondrial transfer-associated enzymatic machinery in brain degeneration.
NME3 binds to phosphatidic acid and mediates PLD6-induced mitochondrial tethering.
Cardiovascular aging: the mitochondrial influence.
Optimization of differential filtration-based mitochondrial isolation for mitochondrial transplant to cerebral organoids.
A new perspective on mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy for liver diseases: restoring mitochondrial function.
Nuclear genetic control of mtDNA copy number and heteroplasmy in humans.
Presenilins and mitochondria-an intriguing link: mini-review.
The mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase complex controls the STAT3-IL-10 pathway in inflammatory macrophages.
Dynamics of SLC25A51 reveal preference for oxidized NAD+ and substrate led transport.
Mitochondria are secreted in extracellular vesicles when lysosomal function is impaired.
Autosomal recessive Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy caused by a homozygous variant in DNAJC30 gene.
Disease progression of spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 2, 3 and 6 before and after ataxia onset.
Frequency and phenotypic spectrum of spinocerebellar ataxia 27B and other genetic ataxias in a Spanish cohort of late-onset cerebellar ataxia.
Correction: Cisplatin resistance can be curtailed by blunting Bnip3-mediated mitochondrial autophagy.
In utero and post-natal opioid exposure followed by mild traumatic brain injury contributes to cortical neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and behavioral deficits in juvenile rats.
Brain mitochondria predict a mouse's stress level.
Mitochondria-targeted melatonin photorelease supports the presence of melatonin MT1 receptors in mitochondria inhibiting respiration.
Effects of ketogenic diet on the classification and functional composition of intestinal flora in children with mitochondrial epilepsy.

Front Pharmacol. 2023 ;14 1220620

PPAR-gamma agonist pioglitazone recovers mitochondrial quality control in fibroblasts from PITRM1-deficient patients.

Alessia Di Donfrancesco, Christian Berlingieri, Marta Giacomello, Chiara Frascarelli, Ana Paula Magalhaes Rebelo, Laurence A Bindoff, Segel Reeval, Paul Renbaum, Filippo M Santorelli, Giulia Massaro, Carlo Viscomi, Massimo Zeviani, Daniele Ghezzi, Emanuela Bottani, Dario Brunetti.

  Introduction: Biallelic variants in PITRM1 are associated with a slowly progressive syndrome characterized by intellectual disability, spinocerebellar ataxia, cognitive decline and psychosis. The pitrilysin metallopeptidase 1 (PITRM1) is a mitochondrial matrix enzyme, which digests diverse oligopeptides, including the mitochondrial targeting sequences (MTS) that are cleaved from proteins imported across the inner mitochondrial membrane by the mitochondrial processing peptidase (MPP). Mitochondrial peptidases also play a role in the maturation of Frataxin, the protein affected in Friedreich's ataxia. Recent studies in yeast indicated that the mitochondrial matrix protease Ste23, which is a homologue of the human insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), cooperates with Cym1 (homologue of PITRM1) to ensure the proper functioning of the preprotein processing machinery. In humans, IDE could be upregulated by Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARG) agonists. Methods: We investigated preprotein processing, mitochondrial membrane potential and MTS degradation in control and patients' fibroblasts, and we evaluated the pharmacological effect of the PPARG agonist Pioglitazone on mitochondrial proteostasis. Results: We discovered that PITRM1 dysfunction results in the accumulation of MTS, leading to the disruption and dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential. This triggers a feedback inhibition of MPP activity, consequently impairing the processing and maturation of Frataxin. Furthermore, we found that the pharmacological stimulation of PPARG by Pioglitazone upregulates IDE and also PITRM1 protein levels restoring the presequence processing machinery and improving Frataxin maturation and mitochondrial function. Discussion: Our findings provide mechanistic insights and suggest a potential pharmacological strategy for this rare neurodegenerative mitochondrial disease.

Keywords:  cerebellar ataxia; mitochondrial disease; neurodegenaration; pioglitazone; proteostasis

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1220620
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2023 Aug 14.

Muscle mitochondrial transplantation can rescue and maintain cellular homeostasis.

Debasmita Bhattacharya, Mikhaela B Slavin, David A Hood.

  Mitochondria control cellular functions through their metabolic role. Recent research that has gained considerable attention is their ability to transfer between cells. This has the potential of improving cellular functions in pathological or energy deficit conditions, but little is known about the role of mitochondrial transfer in sustaining cellular homeostasis. Few studies have investigated the potential of skeletal muscle as a source of healthy mitochondria that can be transferred to other cell types. Thus, we isolated intermyofibrillar mitochondria from murine skeletal muscle and incubated them with host cells. We observed dose- and time-dependent increases in mitochondrial incorporation into myoblasts. This resulted in elongated mitochondrial networks and an enhancement of bioenergetic profile of the host cells. Mitochondrial donation also rejuvenated the functional capacities of the myoblasts when respiration efficiency and lysosomal function were inhibited by complex I inhibitor rotenone and bafilomycin A, respectively. Mitochondrial transfer was accomplished via tunneling nanotubes, extracellular vesicles, gap junctions and by macropinocytosis internalization. Murine muscle mitochondria were also effectively transferred to human fibroblast cells having mitochondrial DNA mutations, resulting in augmented mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic functions. This improved cell function by diminishing ROS emission in the diseased cells. Our findings suggest that mitochondria from donor skeletal muscle can be integrated in both healthy and functionally compromised host cells leading to mitochondrial structural refinement and respiratory boost. This mitochondrial trafficking and bioenergetic reprogramming to maintain and revitalise tissue homeostasis could be a useful therapeutic strategy in treating diseases.

Keywords:  Lysosome; Mitochondrial DNA Defects; Mitochondrial Dynamics; Mitochondrial Transplantation; Oxygen Consumption

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00212.2023
FASEB J. 2023 09;37(9): e23139

Deoxyribonucleoside treatment rescues EtBr-induced mtDNA depletion in iPSC-derived neural stem cells with POLG mutations.

Cecilie Katrin Kristiansen, Jessica Furriol, Anbin Chen, Gareth John Sullivan, Laurence A Bindoff, Kristina Xiao Liang.

  Mutations in POLG, the gene encoding the catalytic subunit of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymerase gamma (Pol-γ), lead to diseases driven by defective mtDNA maintenance. Despite being the most prevalent cause of mitochondrial disease, treatments for POLG-related disorders remain elusive. In this study, we used POLG patient-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural stem cells (iNSCs), one homozygous for the POLG mutation c.2243G>C and one compound heterozygous with c.2243G>C and c.1399G>A, and treated these iNSCs with ethidium bromide (EtBr) to study the rate of depletion and repopulation of mtDNA. In addition, we investigated the effect of deoxyribonucleoside (dNs) supplementation on mtDNA maintenance during EtBr treatment and post-treatment repopulation in the same cells. EtBr-induced mtDNA depletion occurred at a similar rate in both patient and control iNSCs, however, restoration of mtDNA levels was significantly delayed in iNSCs carrying the compound heterozygous POLG mutations. In contrast, iNSC with the homozygous POLG mutation recovered their mtDNA at a rate similar to controls. When we treated cells with dNs, we found that this reduced EtBr-induced mtDNA depletion and significantly increased repopulation rates in both patient iNSCs. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that mutations in POLG impair mtDNA repopulation also within intact neural lineage cells and suggest that those with compound heterozygous mutation have a more severe defect of mtDNA synthesis. Our findings further highlight the potential for dNs to improve mtDNA replication in the presence of POLG mutations, suggesting that this may offer a new therapeutic modality for mitochondrial diseases caused by disturbed mtDNA homeostasis.

Keywords:  deoxynucleosides; iPSCs; mitochondrial DNA replication; neural stem cells; polymerase γ; therapy

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202300650RR
Nature. 2023 Aug 16.

Mitochondrial DNA comes with nuclear strings attached.

Sonia Boscenco, Ed Reznik.



Keywords:  Genetics

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-01783-7
J Vis Exp. 2023 Aug 04.

Application of Flow Cytometric Analysis for Measuring Multiple Mitochondrial Parameters in 3D Brain Organoids.

Sharika Marjan, Tsering Yangzom, Cecilie Katrin Kristiansen, Anbin Chen, Laurence A Bindoff, Kristina Xiao Liang.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a common primary or secondary contributor to many types of neurodegeneration, and changes in mitochondrial mass, mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complexes, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number often feature in these processes. Human brain organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) recapitulate the brain's three-dimensional (3D) cytoarchitectural arrangement and offer the possibility to study disease mechanisms and screen new therapeutics in a complex human system. Here, we report a unique flow cytometry-based approach to measure multiple mitochondrial parameters in iPSC-derived cortical organoids. This report details a protocol for generating cortical brain organoids from iPSCs, single-cell dissociation of generated organoids, fixation, staining, and subsequent flow cytometric analysis to assess multiple mitochondrial parameters. Double staining with antibodies against the MRC complex subunit NADH: Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Subunit B10 (NDUFB10) or mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) together with voltage-dependent anion-selective channel 1 (VDAC 1) permits assessment of the amount of these proteins per mitochondrion. Since the quantity of TFAM corresponds to the amount of mtDNA, it provides an indirect estimation of the number of mtDNA copies per mitochondrial content. This entire procedure can be completed within a span of 2-3 h. Crucially, it allows for the concurrent quantification of multiple mitochondrial parameters, including both total and specific levels relative to the mitochondrial mass.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3791/65621
Mol Cell Neurosci. 2023 Aug 15. pii: S1044-7431(23)00081-7. [Epub ahead of print]126 103887

Glutamine metabolism in diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.

Rebecca Bornstein, Michael T Mulholland, Margaret Sedensky, Phil Morgan, Simon C Johnson.

  Mitochondrial dysfunction can arise from genetic defects or environmental exposures and impact a wide range of biological processes. Among these are metabolic pathways involved in glutamine catabolism, anabolism, and glutamine-glutamate cycling. In recent years, altered glutamine metabolism has been found to play important roles in the pathologic consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction. Glutamine is a pleiotropic molecule, not only providing an alternate carbon source to glucose in certain conditions, but also playing unique roles in cellular communication in neurons and astrocytes. Glutamine consumption and catabolic flux can be significantly altered in settings of genetic mitochondrial defects or exposure to mitochondrial toxins, and alterations to glutamine metabolism appears to play a particularly significant role in neurodegenerative diseases. These include primary mitochondrial diseases like Leigh syndrome (subacute necrotizing encephalopathy) and MELAS (mitochondrial myopathy with encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes), as well as complex age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Pharmacologic interventions targeting glutamine metabolizing and catabolizing pathways appear to provide some benefits in cell and animal models of these diseases, indicating glutamine metabolism may be a clinically relevant target. In this review, we discuss glutamine metabolism, mitochondrial disease, the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on glutamine metabolic processes, glutamine in neurodegeneration, and candidate targets for therapeutic intervention.

Keywords:  Glutamine toxicity; Mitochondrial disease; Neurodegenerative disease

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103887
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2023 08 22. 120(34): e2306073120

Milton assembles large mitochondrial clusters, mitoballs, to sustain spermatogenesis.

Andy Y Z Li, Ying Di, Sumaera Rathore, Ason C-Y Chiang, Jan Jezek, Hansong Ma.

  Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that undergo frequent remodeling to accommodate developmental needs. Here, we describe a striking organization of mitochondria into a large ball-like structure adjacent to the nucleus in premeiotic Drosophila melanogaster spermatocytes, which we term "mitoball". Mitoballs are transient structures that colocalize with the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi bodies, and the fusome. We observed similar premeiotic mitochondrial clusters in a wide range of insect species, including mosquitos and cockroaches. Through a genetic screen, we identified that Milton, an adaptor protein that links mitochondria to microtubule-based motors, mediates mitoball formation. Flies lacking a 54 amino acid region in the C terminus of Milton completely lacked mitoballs, had swollen mitochondria in their spermatocytes, and showed reduced male fertility. We suggest that the premeiotic mitochondrial clustering is a conserved feature of insect spermatogenesis that supports sperm development.

Keywords:  Milton-mediated mitochondrial trafficking; insect spermatogenesis; male fertility; mitoballs; mitochondrial clustering

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2306073120
Clin Genet. 2023 Aug 13.

Infantile onset encephalomyopathy, retinopathy, optic atrophy, and mitochondrial DNA depletion associated with a novel pathogenic DHX16 variant.

Milla-Riikka Hautakangas, Paula Widgren, Paavo Korpelainen, Salla M Kangas, Tuomas Komulainen, Päivi Vieira, Elisa Rahikkala, Katri Pylkäs, Hannu Tuominen, Hannaleena Kokkonen, Ilkka Miinalainen, Javad Nadaf, Jacek Majewski, Reetta Hinttala, Johanna Uusimaa.

  We studied a patient with mitochondrial DNA depletion in skeletal muscle and a multiorgan phenotype, including fatal encephalomyopathy, retinopathy, optic atrophy, and sensorineural hearing loss. Instead of pathogenic variants in the mitochondrial maintenance genes, we identified previously unpublished variant in DHX16 gene, a de novo heterozygous c.1360C>T (p. Arg454Trp). Variants in DHX16 encoding for DEAH-box RNA helicase have previously been reported only in five patients with a phenotype called as neuromuscular oculoauditory syndrome including developmental delay, neuromuscular symptoms, and ocular or auditory defects with or without seizures. We performed functional studies on patient-derived fibroblasts and skeletal muscle revealing, that the DHX16 expression was decreased. Clinical features together with functional data suggest, that our patient's disease is associated with a novel pathogenic DHX16 variant, and mtDNA depletion could be a secondary manifestation of the disease.

Keywords:  DHX16; encephalomyopathy; mitochondrial DNA depletion; optic atrophy; retinopathy

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/cge.14416
Mol Hum Reprod. 2023 Aug 18. pii: gaad028. [Epub ahead of print]

Control of mitochondrial integrity influences oocyte quality during reproductive aging.

Shaihla A Khan, Laura Reed, William B Schoolcraft, Ye Yuan, Rebecca L Krisher.

  Reduced quality in oocytes from women of advanced maternal age is associated with dysfunctional mitochondria. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanisms controlling mitochondrial quality during maternal aging in mouse and human oocytes. We first evaluated the expression of proteins involved in the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) and mitophagy in in-vivo matured metaphase II oocytes collected from young and aged mice. Expression of UPRmt proteins, HSPD1 and LONP1, and mitophagy proteins, total-PRKN and phosphorylated-PRKN, was significantly decreased in aged compared to young oocytes. Treatment of aged oocytes during in-vitro maturation with the mitochondrially targeted antioxidant mitoquinone (MQ) specifically restored total-PRKN and phosphorylated-PRKN expression to levels seen in young oocytes. We next investigated whether maturing young oocytes under a high oxygen environment would mimic the effects observed in oocytes from aged females. Phosphorylated-PRKN expression in oxidatively stressed young oocytes was reduced compared to that in oocytes matured under normal oxygen levels and the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number was increased. Treating oxidatively challenged young oocytes with MQ restored the phosphorylated-PRKN expression and mtDNA copy numbers. Treatment of oxidatively challenged oocytes with MQ also increased the co-localization of mitochondria and lysosomes, suggesting increased mitophagy. These data correlated with the developmental potential of the oocytes, as blastocyst development and hatching of oxidatively stressed oocytes was reduced, while treatment with MQ resulted in a significant increase in blastocyst development and hatching, and in the percentage of inner cell mass. Consistent with our results in mice, metaphase II oocytes from women of advanced maternal age exhibited a significant decrease in phosphorylated-PKRN and total-PRKN compared to those of young women. Our findings suggest that the protein machinery to control the health of the mitochondria via UPRmt and mitophagy may be compromised in oocytes from aged females, which may result in inefficient clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria and reduced oocyte quality.

Keywords:  advanced maternal age; mitochondria; mitochondrial unfolded protein response; mitophagy; oocyte

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1093/molehr/gaad028
Mol Cell. 2023 Aug 17. pii: S1097-2765(23)00563-4. [Epub ahead of print]83(16): 2976-2990.e9

E4 ubiquitin ligase promotes mitofusin turnover and mitochondrial stress response.

Vincent Anton, Ira Buntenbroich, Tânia Simões, Mariana Joaquim, Leonie Müller, Reinhard Buettner, Margarete Odenthal, Thorsten Hoppe, Mafalda Escobar-Henriques.

  Ubiquitin-dependent control of mitochondrial dynamics is important for protein quality and neuronal integrity. Mitofusins, mitochondrial fusion factors, can integrate cellular stress through their ubiquitylation, which is carried out by multiple E3 enzymes in response to many different stimuli. However, the molecular mechanisms that enable coordinated responses are largely unknown. Here we show that yeast Ufd2, a conserved ubiquitin chain-elongating E4 enzyme, is required for mitochondrial shape adjustments. Under various stresses, Ufd2 translocates to mitochondria and triggers mitofusin ubiquitylation. This elongates ubiquitin chains on mitofusin and promotes its proteasomal degradation, leading to mitochondrial fragmentation. Ufd2 and its human homologue UBE4B also target mitofusin mutants associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a hereditary sensory and motor neuropathy characterized by progressive loss of the peripheral nerves. This underscores the pathophysiological importance of E4-mediated ubiquitylation in neurodegeneration. In summary, we identify E4-dependent mitochondrial stress adaptation by linking various metabolic processes to mitochondrial fusion and fission dynamics.

Keywords:  CMT2A; Cdc48/p97; E4; Fzo1; MFN2; UBE4B; Ufd2; fusion; mitochondria; mitofusin; stress; ubiquitin

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcel.2023.07.021
EMBO Rep. 2023 Aug 17. e54540

Feasibility and impact of haplogroup matching for mitochondrial replacement treatment.

Yuko Takeda, Louise Hyslop, Meenakshi Choudhary, Fiona Robertson, Angela Pyle, Ian Wilson, Mauro Santibanez-Koref, Douglass Turnbull, Mary Herbert, Gavin Hudson.

  Mitochondrial replacement technology (MRT) aims to reduce the risk of serious disease in children born to women who carry pathogenic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants. By transplanting nuclear genomes from eggs of an affected woman to enucleated eggs from an unaffected donor, MRT creates new combinations of nuclear and mtDNA. Based on sets of shared sequence variants, mtDNA is classified into ~30 haplogroups. Haplogroup matching between egg donors and women undergoing MRT has been proposed as a means of reducing mtDNA sequence divergence between them. Here we investigate the potential effect of mtDNA haplogroup matching on clinical delivery of MRT and on mtDNA sequence divergence between donor/recipient pairs. Our findings indicate that haplogroup matching would limit the availability of egg donors such that women belonging to rare haplogroups may have to wait > 4 years for treatment. Moreover, we find that intra-haplogroup sequence variation is frequently within the range observed between randomly matched mtDNA pairs. We conclude that haplogroup matching would restrict the availability of MRT, without necessarily reducing mtDNA sequence divergence between donor/recipient pairs.

Keywords:  haplogroup matching; mitochondrial disease; mitochondrial replacement therapy

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.15252/embr.202154540
Mol Genet Metab. 2023 Aug 04. pii: S1096-7192(23)00305-0. [Epub ahead of print]140(3): 107675

Expanding the phenotypic and biochemical spectrum of NDUFAF3-related mitochondrial disease.

Amelie T van der Ven, Alfredo Cabrera-Orefice, Isabell Wente, René G Feichtinger, Konstantinos Tsiakas, Deike Weiss, Tatjana Bierhals, Leila Scholle, Holger Prokisch, Robert Kopajtich, René Santer, Johannes A Mayr, Maja Hempel, Ilka Wittig.

  Recessive variants in NDUFAF3 are a known cause of complex I (CI)-related mitochondrial disorders (MDs). The seven patients reported to date exhibited severe neurologic symptoms and lactic acidosis, followed by a fatal course and death during infancy in most cases. We present a 10-year-old patient with a neurodevelopmental disorder, progressive exercise intolerance, dystonia, basal ganglia abnormalities, and elevated lactate concentration in blood. Trio-exome sequencing revealed compound-heterozygosity for a pathogenic splice-site and a likely pathogenic missense variant in NDUFAF3. Spectrophotometric analysis of fibroblast-derived mitochondria demonstrated a relatively mild reduction of CI activity. Complexome analyses revealed severely reduced NDUFAF3 as well as CI in patient fibroblasts. Accumulation of early sub-assemblies of the membrane arm of CI associated with mitochondrial complex I intermediate assembly (MCIA) complex was observed. The most striking additional findings were both the unusual occurrence of free monomeric CI holding MCIA and other assembly factors. Here we discuss our patient in context of genotype, phenotype and metabolite data from previously reported NDUFAF3 cases. With the atypical presentation of our patient, we provide further insight into the phenotypic spectrum of NDUFAF3-related MDs. Complexome analysis in our patient confirms the previously defined role of NDUFAF3 within CI biogenesis, yet adds new aspects regarding the correct timing of both the association of soluble and membrane arm modules and CI-maturation as well as respiratory supercomplex formation.

Keywords:  Complexome profiling; Exome sequencing; Intellectual and developmental disability; Metabolic disorder; Mitochondria

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.107675
Front Physiol. 2023 ;14 1217815

Exploring the therapeutic potential of the mitochondrial transfer-associated enzymatic machinery in brain degeneration.

Noymar Luque-Campos, Ricardo Riquelme, Luis Molina, Gisela Canedo-Marroquín, Ana María Vega-Letter, Patricia Luz-Crawford, Felipe A Bustamante-Barrientos.

  Mitochondrial dysfunction is a central event in the pathogenesis of several degenerative brain disorders. It entails fission and fusion dynamics disruption, progressive decline in mitochondrial clearance, and uncontrolled oxidative stress. Many therapeutic strategies have been formulated to reverse these alterations, including replacing damaged mitochondria with healthy ones. Spontaneous mitochondrial transfer is a naturally occurring process with different biological functions. It comprises mitochondrial donation from one cell to another, carried out through different pathways, such as the formation and stabilization of tunneling nanotubules and Gap junctions and the release of extracellular vesicles with mitochondrial cargoes. Even though many aspects of regulating these mechanisms still need to be discovered, some key enzymatic regulators have been identified. This review summarizes the current knowledge on mitochondrial dysfunction in different neurodegenerative disorders. Besides, we analyzed the usage of mitochondrial transfer as an endogenous revitalization tool, emphasizing the enzyme regulators that govern this mechanism. Going deeper into this matter would be helpful to take advantage of the therapeutic potential of mitochondrial transfer.

Keywords:  cellular therapy; degenerative brain disorders; enzymes; fission and fusion; mitochondrial dysfunction; mitochondrial transfer; mitophagy; oxidative damage

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1217815
J Cell Biol. 2023 10 02. pii: e202301091. [Epub ahead of print]222(10):

NME3 binds to phosphatidic acid and mediates PLD6-induced mitochondrial tethering.

You-An Su, Hsin-Yi Chiu, Yu-Chen Chang, Chieh-Ju Sung, Chih-Wei Chen, Reika Tei, Xuang-Rong Huang, Shao-Chun Hsu, Shan-Shan Lin, Hsien-Chu Wang, Yu-Chun Lin, Jui-Cheng Hsu, Hermann Bauer, Yuxi Feng, Jeremy M Baskin, Zee-Fen Chang, Ya-Wen Liu.

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles regulated by fission and fusion processes. The fusion of membranes requires elaborative coordination of proteins and lipids and is particularly crucial for the function and quality control of mitochondria. Phosphatidic acid (PA) on the mitochondrial outer membrane generated by PLD6 facilitates the fusion of mitochondria. However, how PA promotes mitochondrial fusion remains unclear. Here, we show that a mitochondrial outer membrane protein, NME3, is required for PLD6-induced mitochondrial tethering or clustering. NME3 is enriched at the contact interface of two closely positioned mitochondria depending on PLD6, and NME3 binds directly to PA-exposed lipid packing defects via its N-terminal amphipathic helix. The PA binding function and hexamerization confer NME3 mitochondrial tethering activity. Importantly, nutrient starvation enhances the enrichment efficiency of NME3 at the mitochondrial contact interface, and the tethering ability of NME3 contributes to fusion efficiency. Together, our findings demonstrate NME3 as a tethering protein promoting selective fusion between PLD6-remodeled mitochondria for quality control.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202301091
J Cardiovasc Aging. 2023 Jul;pii: 33. [Epub ahead of print]3(3):

Cardiovascular aging: the mitochondrial influence.

Shakti Sagar, Asa B Gustafsson.

  Age-associated cardiovascular disease is becoming progressively prevalent due to the increased lifespan of the population. However, the fundamental mechanisms underlying the aging process and the corresponding decline in tissue functions are still poorly understood. The heart has a very high energy demand and the cellular energy needed to sustain contraction is primarily generated by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria are also involved in supporting various metabolic processes, as well as activation of the innate immune response and cell death pathways. Given the central role of mitochondria in energy metabolism and cell survival, the heart is highly susceptible to the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction. These key organelles have been implicated as underlying drivers of cardiac aging. Here, we review the evidence demonstrating the mitochondrial contribution to the cardiac aging process and disease susceptibility. We also discuss the potential mechanisms responsible for the age-related decline in mitochondrial function.

Keywords:  Aging; heart disease; mitochondria

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.20517/jca.2023.22
Stem Cell Res Ther. 2023 08 15. 14(1): 202

Optimization of differential filtration-based mitochondrial isolation for mitochondrial transplant to cerebral organoids.

David F Bodenstein, Pavel Powlowski, Kassandra A Zachos, Dana El Soufi El Sabbagh, Hyunjin Jeong, Liliana Attisano, Landon Edgar, Douglas C Wallace, Ana Cristina Andreazza.

   BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in several diseases ranging from genetic mitochondrial disorders to chronic metabolic diseases. An emerging approach to potentially treat mitochondrial dysfunction is the transplantation of autologous live mitochondria to promote cell regeneration. We tested the differential filtration-based mitochondrial isolation protocol established by the McCully laboratory for use in cellular models but found whole cell contaminants in the mitochondrial isolate.
METHODS: Therefore, we explored alternative types of 5-μm filters (filters A and B) for isolation of mitochondria from multiple cell lines including HEK293 cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). MitoTracker™ staining combined with flow cytometry was used to quantify the concentration of viable mitochondria. A proof-of-principle mitochondrial transplant was performed using mitoDsRed2-tagged mitochondria into a H9-derived cerebral organoid.
RESULTS: We found that filter B provided the highest quality mitochondria as compared to the 5-μm filter used in the original protocol. Using this method, mitochondria were also successfully isolated from induced pluripotent stem cells. To test for viability, mitoDsRed2-tagged mitochondria were isolated and transplanted into H9-derived cerebral organoids and observed that mitochondria were engulfed as indicated by immunofluorescent co-localization of TOMM20 and MAP2.
CONCLUSIONS: Thus, use of filter B in a differential filtration approach is ideal for isolating pure and viable mitochondria from cells, allowing us to begin evaluating long-term integration and safety of mitochondrial transplant using cellular sources.

Keywords:  Cerebral organoids; Induced pluripotent stem cells; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial isolation; Mitochondrial transplant

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-023-03436-y
Cell Commun Signal. 2023 Aug 18. 21(1): 214

A new perspective on mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy for liver diseases: restoring mitochondrial function.

Yelei Cen, Guohua Lou, Jinjin Qi, Min Zheng, Yanning Liu.

  Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising alternative treatment for liver disease due to their roles in regeneration, fibrosis inhibition, and immunoregulation. Mitochondria are crucial in maintaining hepatocyte integrity and function. Mitochondrial dysfunction, such as impaired synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), decreased activity of respiratory chain complexes, and altered mitochondrial dynamics, is observed in most liver diseases. Accumulating evidence has substantiated that the therapeutic potential of MSCs is mediated not only through their cell replacement and paracrine effects but also through their regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction in liver disease. Here, we comprehensively review the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of liver disease and how MSCs can target mitochondrial dysfunction. We also discuss recent advances in a novel method that modifies MSCs to enhance their functions in liver disease. A full understanding of MSC restoration of mitochondrial function and the underlying mechanisms will provide innovative strategies for clinical applications. Video Abstract.

Keywords:  Liver disease; MSC therapy; Mesenchymal stem cell; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial dysfunction

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12964-023-01230-0
Nature. 2023 Aug 16.

Nuclear genetic control of mtDNA copy number and heteroplasmy in humans.

Rahul Gupta, Masahiro Kanai, Timothy J Durham, Kristin Tsuo, Jason G McCoy, Anna V Kotrys, Wei Zhou, Patrick F Chinnery, Konrad J Karczewski, Sarah E Calvo, Benjamin M Neale, Vamsi K Mootha.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a maternally inherited, high-copy-number genome required for oxidative phosphorylation1. Heteroplasmy refers to the presence of a mixture of mtDNA alleles in an individual and has been associated with disease and ageing. Mechanisms underlying common variation in human heteroplasmy, and the influence of the nuclear genome on this variation, remain insufficiently explored. Here we quantify mtDNA copy number (mtCN) and heteroplasmy using blood-derived whole-genome sequences from 274,832 individuals and perform genome-wide association studies to identify associated nuclear loci. Following blood cell composition correction, we find that mtCN declines linearly with age and is associated with variants at 92 nuclear loci. We observe that nearly everyone harbours heteroplasmic mtDNA variants obeying two principles: (1) heteroplasmic single nucleotide variants tend to arise somatically and accumulate sharply after the age of 70 years, whereas (2) heteroplasmic indels are maternally inherited as mixtures with relative levels associated with 42 nuclear loci involved in mtDNA replication, maintenance and novel pathways. These loci may act by conferring a replicative advantage to certain mtDNA alleles. As an illustrative example, we identify a length variant carried by more than 50% of humans at position chrM:302 within a G-quadruplex previously proposed to mediate mtDNA transcription/replication switching2,3. We find that this variant exerts cis-acting genetic control over mtDNA abundance and is itself associated in-trans with nuclear loci encoding machinery for this regulatory switch. Our study suggests that common variation in the nuclear genome can shape variation in mtCN and heteroplasmy dynamics across the human population.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06426-5
Front Neurosci. 2023 ;17 1249815

Presenilins and mitochondria-an intriguing link: mini-review.

Mark Makarov, Liliia Kushnireva, Michele Papa, Eduard Korkotian.

  This review uncovers the intricate relationship between presenilins, calcium, and mitochondria in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with a particular focus on the involvement of presenilin mutations in mitochondrial dysfunction. So far, it is unclear whether the impairment of mitochondrial function arises primarily from damage inflicted by β-amyloid upon mitochondria or from the disruption of calcium homeostasis due to presenilins dysfunctions. The roles of presenilins in mitophagy, autophagy, mitochondrial dynamics, and many other functions, non-γ-secretase related, also require close attention in future research. Resolution of contradictions in understanding of presenilins cellular functions are needed for new effective therapeutic strategies for AD.

Keywords:  Alzheimer’s disease; mitochondria associated membranes; neurodegeneration; presenilins; spine apparatus

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2023.1249815
iScience. 2023 Aug 18. 26(8): 107473

The mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase complex controls the STAT3-IL-10 pathway in inflammatory macrophages.

Dino Gobelli, Pablo Serrano-Lorenzo, María J Esteban-Amo, Julia Serna, M Teresa Pérez-García, Antonio Orduña, Alexis A Jourdain, Miguel Á Martín-Casanueva, Miguel Á de la Fuente, María Simarro.

  The functions of macrophages are tightly regulated by their metabolic state. However, the role of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) in macrophage functions remains understudied. Here, we provide evidence that the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)/complex II (CII) is required for respiration and plays a role in controlling effector responses in macrophages. We find that the absence of the catalytic subunits Sdha and Sdhb in macrophages impairs their ability to effectively stabilize HIF-1α and produce the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in response to LPS stimulation. We also arrive at the novel result that both subunits are essential for the LPS-driven production of IL-10, a potent negative feedback regulator of the macrophage inflammatory response. This phenomenon is explained by the fact that the absence of Sdha and Sdhb leads to the inhibition of Stat3 tyrosine phosphorylation, caused partially by the excessive accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS) in the knockout cells.

Keywords:  Biological sciences; Cell biology; Immunology; Molecular biology

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.107473
EMBO Rep. 2023 Aug 14. e56596

Dynamics of SLC25A51 reveal preference for oxidized NAD+ and substrate led transport.

Shivansh Goyal, Akhilesh Paspureddi, Mu-Jie Lu, Hsin-Ru Chan, Scott N Lyons, Crystal N Wilson, Marc Niere, Mathias Ziegler, Xiaolu A Cambronne.

  SLC25A51 is a member of the mitochondrial carrier family (MCF) but lacks key residues that contribute to the mechanism of other nucleotide MCF transporters. Thus, how SLC25A51 transports NAD+ across the inner mitochondrial membrane remains unclear. To elucidate its mechanism, we use Molecular Dynamics simulations to reconstitute SLC25A51 homology models into lipid bilayers and to generate hypotheses to test. We observe spontaneous binding of cardiolipin phospholipids to three distinct sites on the exterior of SLC25A51's central pore and find that mutation of these sites impairs cardiolipin binding and transporter activity. We also observe that stable formation of the required matrix gate is controlled by a single salt bridge. We identify binding sites in SLC25A51 for NAD+ and show that its selectivity for NAD+ is guided by an electrostatic interaction between the charged nicotinamide ring in the ligand and a negatively charged patch in the pore. In turn, interaction of NAD+ with interior residue E132 guides the ligand to dynamically engage and weaken the salt bridge gate, representing a ligand-induced initiation of transport.

Keywords:  MCART1; SLC25A51; mitochondrial carrier family; mitochondrial transport; nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.15252/embr.202256596
Nat Commun. 2023 Aug 18. 14(1): 5031

Mitochondria are secreted in extracellular vesicles when lysosomal function is impaired.

Wenjing Liang, Shakti Sagar, Rishith Ravindran, Rita H Najor, Justin M Quiles, Liguo Chi, Rachel Y Diao, Benjamin P Woodall, Leonardo J Leon, Erika Zumaya, Jason Duran, David M Cauvi, Antonio De Maio, Eric D Adler, Åsa B Gustafsson.

Mitochondrial quality control is critical for cardiac homeostasis as these organelles are responsible for generating most of the energy needed to sustain contraction. Dysfunctional mitochondria are normally degraded via intracellular degradation pathways that converge on the lysosome. Here, we identified an alternative mechanism to eliminate mitochondria when lysosomal function is compromised. We show that lysosomal inhibition leads to increased secretion of mitochondria in large extracellular vesicles (EVs). The EVs are produced in multivesicular bodies, and their release is independent of autophagy. Deletion of the small GTPase Rab7 in cells or adult mouse heart leads to increased secretion of EVs containing ubiquitinated cargos, including intact mitochondria. The secreted EVs are captured by macrophages without activating inflammation. Hearts from aged mice or Danon disease patients have increased levels of secreted EVs containing mitochondria indicating activation of vesicular release during cardiac pathophysiology. Overall, these findings establish that mitochondria are eliminated in large EVs through the endosomal pathway when lysosomal degradation is inhibited.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40680-5
Eur J Med Genet. 2023 Aug 12. pii: S1769-7212(23)00127-1. [Epub ahead of print]66(9): 104821

Autosomal recessive Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy caused by a homozygous variant in DNAJC30 gene.

L Mauring, S Puusepp, M Parik, E Roomets, R Teek, T Reimand, S Pajusalu, K Kaljurand, K Õunap.

  Recently, Stenton et al. (2021) described a new, autosomal recessive inheritance pattern of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) caused by missense variants in the DNAJC30 gene. The DNAJC30 c.152A > G, p.(Tyr51Cys) variant was by far the most common variant reported in patients originating from Eastern Europe, therefore, it is believed to be a founder variant in these populations. We report the first two cases of DNAJC30-linked autosomal recessive LHON in a young male and a female originating from Estonia. The patients presented severe loss of central vision and clinical features indistinguishable from mitochondrial LHON. The whole exome sequencing carried out in the male patient and the next-generation sequencing panel in the young female patient identified the same homozygous missense variant in the DNAJC30 gene. Our cases further reinforce the pathogenicity of c.152A > G, p.(Tyr51Cys) DNAJC30 variant causing autosomal recessive LHON. According to the gnomAD database, the allele frequency of this variant in the Estonian population is 0.8%, translating into a prevalence of carriers of 1:60. It is the highest among different gnomAD populations. Applying the Hardy-Weinberg equation, an estimated 92 persons in the Estonian population carry the homozygous variant c.152A > G, p.(Tyr51Cys) in DNAJC30. In patients with LHON, we advise sequencing both the DNAJC30 gene and mitochondrial DNA simultaneously.

Keywords:  Autosomal recessive LHON; DNAJC30; DNAJC30 c.152A>G; Homozygote; Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy; arLHON; p.(Tyr51Cys) variant

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmg.2023.104821
Ann Clin Transl Neurol. 2023 Aug 17.

Disease progression of spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 2, 3 and 6 before and after ataxia onset.

EUROSCA and RISCA Study Groups

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to study the evolution of ataxia and neurological symptoms before and after ataxia onset in the most common spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), SCA1, SCA2, SCA3 and SCA6. We therefore jointly analysed the data of the EUROSCA and RISCA studies, which recruited ataxic and non-ataxic mutation carriers.
METHODS: We used mixed effect models to analyse the evolution of Scale for the Rating and Assessment of Ataxia (SARA) scores, SCA Functional Index (SCAFI) and Inventory of Non-Ataxia Signs (INAS) counts. We applied multivariable modelling to identify factors associated with SARA progression. In the time interval 5 years prior to and after ataxia onset, we calculated sensitivity to change ratios (SCS) of SARA, SCAFI and INAS.
RESULTS: 2740 visits of 677 participants were analysed. All measures showed non-linear progression that was best fitted by linear mixed models with linear, quadratic and cubic time effects. R2 values indicating quality of the fit ranged from 0.70 to 0.97. CAG repeat was associated with faster progression in SCA1, SCA2 and SCA3, but not SCA6. 5 years prior to and after ataxia onset, SARA had the highest SCS of all measures with a mean of 1.21 (95% CI: 1.20, 1.21) in SCA1, 0.94 (0.93, 0.94) in SCA2 and 1.23 (1.22, 1.23) in SCA3.
INTERPRETATION: Our data have important implications for the understanding of disease progression in SCA1, SCA2, SCA3 and SCA6 across the lifespan. Furthermore, our study provides information for the design of interventional trials, especially in pre-ataxic mutation carriers close to ataxia onset and patients in early disease stages.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/acn3.51875
Eur J Neurol. 2023 Aug 14.

Frequency and phenotypic spectrum of spinocerebellar ataxia 27B and other genetic ataxias in a Spanish cohort of late-onset cerebellar ataxia.

Pablo Iruzubieta, David Pellerin, Alberto Bergareche, Inés Albajar, Elisabet Mondragón, Ana Vinagre, Roberto Fernández-Torrón, Fermín Moreno, Jon Equiza, David Campo-Caballero, Juan José Poza, Marta Ruibal, Alessandro Formica, Marie-Josée Dicaire, Matt C Danzi, Stephan Zuchner, Ioana Croitoru, Montserrat Ruiz, Agatha Schlüter, Carlos Casasnovas, Aurora Pujol, Bernard Brais, Henry Houlden, Adolfo López de Munain, Javier Ruiz-Martínez.

   BACKGROUND: Dominantly inherited GAA repeat expansions in the fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14) gene have recently been shown to cause spinocerebellar ataxia 27B (SCA27B). We aimed to study the frequency and phenotype of SCA27B in a cohort of patients with unsolved late-onset cerebellar ataxia (LOCA). We also assessed the frequency of SCA27B relative to other genetically defined LOCAs.
METHODS: We recruited a consecutive series of 107 patients with LOCA. 64 remained genetically undiagnosed. We screened these 64 patients for the FGF14 GAA repeat expansion. We next analysed the frequency of SCA27B relative to other genetically-defined forms of LOCA in the cohort of 107 patients.
RESULTS: Eighteen of 64 patients (28%) carried an FGF14 (GAA)≥250 expansion. The median age at onset was 62.5 years (range, 39-72). The most common clinical features included gait ataxia (100%) and mild cerebellar dysarthria (67%). In addition, episodic symptoms and downbeat nystagmus were present in 39% (7/18) and 37% (6/16) of patients, respectively. SCA27B was the most common cause of LOCA in our cohort (17%, 18/107). Among patients with genetically defined LOCA, SCA27B was the main cause of pure ataxia, RFC1-related disease of ataxia with neuropathy, and SPG7 of ataxia with spasticity.
CONCLUSION: We showed that SCA27B is the most common cause of LOCA in our cohort. Our results support the use of FGF14 GAA repeat expansion screening as a first-tier genetic test in patients with LOCA.

Keywords:  FGF14; RFC1; SCA27B; ataxia; late-onset cerebellar ataxia; neurogenetics; repeat expansion disorder; GAA-FGF14 ataxia

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/ene.16039
Cell Death Dis. 2023 Aug 15. 14(8): 521

Correction: Cisplatin resistance can be curtailed by blunting Bnip3-mediated mitochondrial autophagy.

Caterina Vianello, Veronica Cocetta, Daniela Catanzaro, Gerald W Dorn, Angelo De Milito, Flavio Rizzolio, Vincenzo Canzonieri, Erika Cecchin, Rossana Roncato, Giuseppe Toffoli, Vincenzo Quagliariello, Annabella Di Mauro, Simona Losito, Nicola Maurea, Cono Scaffa, Gabriele Sales, Luca Scorrano, Marta Giacomello, Monica Montopoli.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-023-05901-1
Brain Behav Immun Health. 2023 Oct;32 100669

In utero and post-natal opioid exposure followed by mild traumatic brain injury contributes to cortical neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and behavioral deficits in juvenile rats.

Austin M Gowen, Jina Yi, Kelly Stauch, Luke Miles, Sanjay Srinivasan, Katherine Odegaard, Gurudutt Pendyala, Sowmya V Yelamanchili.

  Maternal opioid use poses a significant health concern not just to the expectant mother but also to the fetus. Notably, increasing numbers of children born suffering from neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) further compounds the crisis. While epidemiological research has shown the heightened risk factors associated with NOWS, little research has investigated what molecular mechanisms underly the vulnerabilities these children carry throughout development and into later life. To understand the implications of in utero and post-natal opioid exposure on the developing brain, we sought to assess the response to one of the most common pediatric injuries: minor traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Using a rat model of in utero and post-natal oxycodone (IUO) exposure and a low force weight drop model of mTBI, we show that not only neonatal opioid exposure significantly affects neuroinflammation, brain metabolites, synaptic proteome, mitochondrial function, and altered behavior in juvenile rats, but also, in conjunction with mTBI these aberrations are further exacerbated. Specifically, we observed long term metabolic dysregulation, neuroinflammation, alterations in synaptic mitochondria, and impaired behavior were impacted severely by mTBI. Our research highlights the specific vulnerability caused by IUO exposure to a secondary stressor such as later life brain injury. In summary, we present a comprehensive study to highlight the damaging effects of prenatal opioid abuse in conjunction with mild brain injury on the developing brain.

Keywords:  Cortex; Minor traumatic brain injury; Mitochondria; Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome; Neuroinflammation; Opioid; Synaptosome

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100669
Nature. 2023 Aug 16.

Brain mitochondria predict a mouse's stress level.



Keywords:  Metabolism

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-02575-9
Cell Chem Biol. 2023 Aug 09. pii: S2451-9456(23)00237-4. [Epub ahead of print]

Mitochondria-targeted melatonin photorelease supports the presence of melatonin MT1 receptors in mitochondria inhibiting respiration.

Gloria Somalo-Barranco, Antonio C Pagano Zottola, Abdulrasheed O Abdulrahman, Rami M El Zein, Astrid Cannich, Lourdes Muñoz, Carme Serra, Atsuro Oishi, Giovanni Marsicano, Bernard Masri, Luigi Bellocchio, Amadeu Llebaria, Ralf Jockers.

  The presence of signaling-competent G protein-coupled receptors in intracellular compartments is increasingly recognized. Recently, the presence of Gi/o protein-coupled melatonin MT1 receptors in mitochondria has been revealed, in addition to the plasma membrane. Melatonin is highly cell permeant, activating plasma membrane and mitochondrial receptors equally. Here, we present MCS-1145, a melatonin derivative bearing a triphenylphosphonium cation for specific mitochondrial targeting and a photocleavable o-nitrobenzyl group releasing melatonin upon illumination. MCS-1145 displayed low affinity for MT1 and MT2 but spontaneously accumulated in mitochondria, where it was resistant to washout. Uncaged MCS-1145 and exogenous melatonin recruited β-arrestin 2 to MT1 in mitochondria and inhibited oxygen consumption in mitochondria isolated from HEK293 cells only when expressing MT1 and from mouse cerebellum of WT mice but not from MT1-knockout mice. Overall, we developed the first mitochondria-targeted photoactivatable melatonin ligand and demonstrate that melatonin inhibits mitochondrial respiration through mitochondrial MT1 receptors.

Keywords:  G protein-coupled receptors; intracellular signaling; melatonin; melatonin receptors; mitochondria; mitochondria-targeted caged melatonin ligand; mitochondrial respiration; photopharmacology

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.07.009
Front Neurol. 2023 ;14 1237255

Effects of ketogenic diet on the classification and functional composition of intestinal flora in children with mitochondrial epilepsy.

Jing Wang, LIjuan Huang, Hua Li, Guohong Chen, Liming Yang, Dong Wang, Hong Han, Guo Zheng, Xu Wang, Jianmin Liang, Weijie He, Fang Fang, Jianxiang Liao, Dan Sun.

  The ketogenic diet (KD) has shown excellent performance in the treatment of refractory epilepsy, but how it works is not yet fully understood. Gut microbiota is associated with various neurological disorders through the brain-gut axis. Different dietary patterns have different effects on the composition and function of gut microbiota. Here, by analyzing fecal samples from some patients with mitochondrial epilepsy before and after KD treatment through 16SrRNA sequencing, we found that KD intervention reduced the abundance of Firmicutes in the patient's gut, while the abundance of Bacteroidota increased in the KD group. LefSe analysis showed that Actinobacteriota, Phascolarctobacterium had significant advantages in the control group, while Bacteroides increased significantly after KD intervention, especially Bacteroides fragilis. Functional analysis showed that there were significant differences in 12 pathways in level 3. These changes suggest that KD can change the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota in patients and affect their function. Changes in specific bacterial groups in the gut may serve as biomarkers for the therapeutic effects of KD on epilepsy.

Keywords:  Bacteroides fragilis; gut microbiota; ketogenic diet; microbiota-gut-brain axis; mitochondrial epilepsy

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2023.1237255