Mitofusins Mfn1 and Mfn2 coordinately regulate mitochondrial fusion and are essential for embryonic development

Mitochondrial morphology is determined by a dynamic equilibrium between organelle fusion and fission, but the significance of these processes in vertebrates is unknown. The mitofusins, Mfn1 and Mfn2, have been shown to affect mitochondrial morphology when overexpressed. We find that mice deficient in either Mfn1 or Mfn2 die in midgestation. However, whereas Mfn2 mutant embryos have a specific and severe disruption of the placental trophoblast giant cell layer, Mfn1-deficient giant cells are normal. Embryonic fibroblasts lacking Mfn1 or Mfn2 display distinct types of fragmented mitochondria, a phenotype we determine to be due to a severe reduction in mitochondrial fusion. Moreover, we find that Mfn1 and Mfn2 form homotypic and heterotypic complexes and show, by rescue of mutant cells, that the homotypic complexes are functional for fusion. We conclude that Mfn1 and Mfn2 have both redundant and distinct functions and act in three separate molecular complexes to promote mitochondrial fusion. Strikingly, a subset of mitochondria in mutant cells lose membrane potential. Therefore, mitochondrial fusion is essential for embryonic development, and by enabling cooperation between mitochondria, has protective effects on the mitochondrial population.     

Mitochondrial clustering induced by overexpression of the mitochondrial fusion protein Mfn2 causes mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death

Mitochondria change their shapes dynamically mainly through fission and fusion. Dynamin-related GTPases have been shown to mediate remodeling of mitochondrial membranes during these processes. One of these GTPases, mitofusin, is anchored at the outer mitochondrial membrane and mediates fusion of the outer membrane. We found that overexpression of a mitofusin isoform, Mfn2, drastically changes mitochondrial morphology, forming mitochondrial clusters. High-resolution microscopic examination indicated that the mitochondrial clusters consisted of small fragmented mitochondria. Inhibiting mitochondrial fission prevented the cluster formation, supporting the notion that mitochondrial clusters are formed by fission-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation and aggregation. Mitochondrial clusters displayed a decreased inner membrane potential and mitochondrial function, suggesting a functional compromise of small fragmented mitochondria produced by Mfn2 overexpression; however, mitochondrial clusters still retained mitochondrial DNA. We found that cells containing clustered mitochondria lost cytochrome c from mitochondria and underwent caspase-mediated apoptosis. These results demonstrate that mitochondrial deformation impairs mitochondrial function, leading to apoptotic cell death and suggest the presence of an intricate form-function relationship in mitochondria.     

Molecular defects caused by temperature-sensitive mutations in Semliki Forest virus nsP1

Alphavirus replicase protein nsP1 has multiple functions during viral RNA synthesis. It catalyzes methyltransferase and guanylyltransferase activities needed in viral mRNA capping, attaches the viral replication complex to cytoplasmic membranes, and is required for minus-strand RNA synthesis. Two temperature-sensitive (ts) mutations in Semliki Forest virus (SFV) were previously identified within nsP1: ts10 (E529D) and ts14 (D119N). Recombinant viruses containing these individual mutations reproduced the features of the original ts strains. We now find that the capping-associated enzymatic activities of recombinant nsP1, containing ts10 or ts14 lesions, were not ts. The mutant proteins and polyproteins also were membrane bound, mutant nsP1 interacted normally with the other nonstructural proteins, and there was no major defect in nonstructural polyprotein processing in the mutants, although ts14 surprisingly displayed slightly retarded processing. The two mutant viruses were specifically defective in minus-strand RNA synthesis at the restrictive temperature. Integrating data from SFV and Sindbis virus, we discuss the domain structure of nsP1 and the relative positioning of and interactions between the replicase proteins. nsP1 is suggested to contain a specific subdomain involved in minus-strand synthesis and interaction with the polymerase nsP4 and the protease nsP2.     

For dioxin-induced birth defects, mouse or human CYP1A2 in maternal liver protects whereas mouse CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 are inconsequential

Dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) induces cleft palate and hydronephrosis in mice, when exposed in utero; these effects are mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. The Cyp1a1, Cyp1a2, and Cyp1b1 genes are up-regulated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. To elucidate their roles in dioxin-induced teratogenesis, we compared Cyp1a1(-/-), Cyp1a2(-/-), and Cyp1b1(-/-) knock-out mice with Cyp1(+/+) wild-type mice. Dioxin was administered (25 microg/kg, gavage) on gestational day 10, and embryos were examined on gestational day 18. The incidence of cleft palate and hydronephrosis was not significantly different in fetuses from Cyp1a1(-/-), Cyp1b1(-/-), and Cyp1(+/+) wild-type mice. To fetuses carried by Cyp1a2(-/-) dams, however, this dose of dioxin was lethal; this effect was absolutely dependent on the maternal Cyp1a2 genotype and independent of the embryonic Cyp1a2 genotype. Dioxin levels were highest in adipose tissue, mammary gland, and circulating blood of Cyp1a2(-/-) mothers, compared with that in the Cyp1(+/+) mothers, who showed highest dioxin levels in liver. More dioxin reached the embryos from Cyp1a2(-/-) dams, compared with that from Cyp1(+/+) dams. Fetuses from Cyp1a2(-/-) dams exhibited a approximately 6-fold increased sensitivity to cleft palate, hydronephrosis, and lethality. Using the humanized hCYP1A1_1A2 transgenic mouse (expressing the human CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 genes in the absence of mouse Cyp1a2 gene), the teratogenic effects of dioxin reverted to the wild-type phenotype. These data indicate that maternal mouse hepatic CYP1A2, by sequestering dioxin and thus altering the pharmacokinetics, protects the embryos from toxicity and birth defects; substitution of the human CYP1A2 trans-gene provides the same protection. In contrast, neither CYP1A1 nor CYP1B1 appears to play a role in dioxin-mediated teratogenesis.     

Detection of protein folding defects caused by BRCA1-BRCT truncation and missense mutations

Most cancer-associated BRCA1 mutations identified to date result in the premature translational termination of the protein, highlighting a crucial role for the C-terminal, BRCT repeat region in mediating BRCA1 tumor suppressor function. However, the molecular and genetic effects of missense mutations that map to the BRCT region remain largely unknown. Using a protease-based assay, we directly assessed the sensitivity of the folding of the BRCT domain to an extensive set of truncation and single amino acid substitutions derived from breast cancer screening programs. The protein can tolerate truncations of up to 8 amino acids, but further deletion results in drastic BRCT folding defects. This molecular phenotype can be correlated with an increased susceptibility to disease. A cross-validated computational assessment of the BRCT mutation data base suggests that as much as half of all BRCT missense mutations contribute to BRCA1 loss of function and disease through protein-destabilizing effects. The coupled use of proteolytic methods and computational predictive methods to detect mutant BRCA1 conformations at the protein level will augment the efficacy of current BRCA1 screening protocols, especially in the absence of clinical data that can be used to discriminate deleterious BRCT missense mutations from benign polymorphisms.     

Disruption of microRNA‐214 during general anaesthesia prevents brain injury and maintains mitochondrial fusion by promoting Mfn2 interaction with Pkm2

Duration of surgical general anaesthesia is associated with severe brain injury and neurological deficits. The specific mechanisms underlying post‐general anaesthesia brain injury, however, still remain to be elucidated. Herein, we explore the role of microRNA‐214 (miR‐214) in the occurrence of brain injury after general anaesthesia and its underlying mechanism. Hippocampal tissues and neurons were isolated from rats exposed to 2% sevoflurane. TUNEL stains reflect hippocampal neuron apoptosis. Cultured hippocampal neurons stained with JC‐1 and MitoTracker dyes were imaged by fluorescence microscope to visualize changes of mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial fusion. Mitochondrial function was evaluated. Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) binding to miR‐214 or pyruvate kinase M2 (Pkm2) was confirmed by co‐immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, dual luciferase reporter gene and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. After exposure to 2% sevoflurane, up‐regulated miR‐214 expression and impaired interaction between Mfn2 and Pkm2 were found in rat hippocampal tissues. Rats exposed to 2% sevoflurane also experienced neuronal injury, mitochondrial defects and deficits in the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) signalling. miR‐214 was shown to target Mfn2 by impairing its binding with Pkm2. Inhibiting miR‐214 expression using its specific inhibitor improved mitochondrial membrane potential, enhanced mitochondrial fusion, maintained mitochondrial function, restored interaction between Mfn2 and Pkm2, and activated the Bdnf signalling in cultured hippocampal neurons. Adenovirus infection of miR‐214 inhibitor reduced neuron apoptosis and maintained mitochondrial function in the hippocampus of rats exposed to 2% sevoflurane. Taken together, the study demonstrates inhibition of miR‐214 is cerebral protective against brain injury following general anaesthesia.     

Interspecies mitochondrial fusion between mouse and human mitochondria is rapid and efficient

A detailed molecular understanding of mitochondrial fusion and fission in mammalian cells is rapidly emerging. In this report, we demonstrate for the first time cross-species mitochondrial fusion between distantly related species using green and red fluorescent proteins targeted to the mitochondrial matrix. We found that mouse mitochondria were able to efficiently fuse to unmodified mitochondria of human cells and that the contents of the mitochondrial matrix were completely mixed in less than 4h. We also observed that mitochondria from the mtDNA-less (rho(0)) mouse cells can homogeneously fuse to the mitochondria of human cells. We were, however, unable to maintain human mitochondrial DNA in the mouse cells. These results indicate that mitochondrial fusion proteins in mouse and human cells have enough functional homology to mediate efficient cross-species mitochondrial fusion, but mouse nuclear and human mitochondrial genomes have not retained functional compatibility with one another.     

Mitochondrial DNA defects in Saccharomyces cerevisiae caused by functional interactions between DNA polymerase gamma mutations associated with disease in human

The yeast mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replicase Mip1 has been used as a model to generate five mutations equivalent to POLG mutations associated with a broad spectrum of diseases in human. All mip1 mutations, alone or in combination in cis or in trans, increase mtDNA instability as measured by petite frequency and Ery(R) mutant accumulation. This phenotype is associated with decreased Mip1 levels in mitochondrial extracts and/or decreased polymerase activity. We have demonstrated that (1) in the mip1(G651S) (hG848S) mutant the high mtDNA instability and increased frequency of point Ery(R) mutations is associated with low Mip1 levels and polymerase activity; (2) in the mip1(A692T-E900G) (hA889T-hE1143G) mutant, A692T is the major contributor to mtDNA instability by decreasing polymerase activity, and E900G acts synergistically by decreasing Mip1 levels; (3) in the mip1(H734Y)/mip1(G807R) (hH932Y/hG1051R) mutant, H734Y is the most deleterious mutation and acts synergistically with G807R as a result of its dominant character; (4) the mip1(E900G) (h1143G) mutation is not neutral but results in a temperature-sensitive phenotype associated with decreased Mip1 levels, a property explaining its synergistic effect with mutations impairing the polymerase activity. Thus, the human E1143G mutation is not a true polymorphism.     

Resveratrol improves mitochondrial function and protects against metabolic disease by activating SIRT1 and PGC-1alpha

Diminished mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and aerobic capacity are associated with reduced longevity. We tested whether resveratrol (RSV), which is known to extend lifespan, impacts mitochondrial function and metabolic homeostasis. Treatment of mice with RSV significantly increased their aerobic capacity, as evidenced by their increased running time and consumption of oxygen in muscle fibers. RSV's effects were associated with an induction of genes for oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial biogenesis and were largely explained by an RSV-mediated decrease in PGC-1alpha acetylation and an increase in PGC-1alpha activity. This mechanism is consistent with RSV being a known activator of the protein deacetylase, SIRT1, and by the lack of effect of RSV in SIRT1(-/-) MEFs. Importantly, RSV treatment protected mice against diet-induced-obesity and insulin resistance. These pharmacological effects of RSV combined with the association of three Sirt1 SNPs and energy homeostasis in Finnish subjects implicates SIRT1 as a key regulator of energy and metabolic homeostasis.     

Reciprocal mouse and human limb phenotypes caused by gain- and loss-of-function mutations affecting Lmbr1

An intensive linkage map of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, was constructed using single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of cDNA markers to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A total of 94 A. aegypti cDNAs were downloaded from GenBank and primers were designed to amplify fragments <500 bp in size. These primer pairs amplified 94 loci, 57 (61%) of which segregated in a single F(1) intercross family among 83 F(2) progeny. This allowed us to produce a dense linkage map of one marker every 2 cM distributed over a total length of 134 cM. Many A. aegypti cDNAs were highly similar to genes in the Drosophila melanogaster genome project. Comparative linkage analysis revealed areas of synteny between the two species. SNP polymorphisms are abundant in A. aegypti genes and should prove useful in both population genetics and mapping studies.     

Relationship between OPA1 and cardiolipin in mitochondrial inner-membrane fusion

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that undergo frequent fusion and fission. The large GTPase optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) is identified as a core component of inner membrane (IM) fusion. OPA1 exists as the membrane-anchored L-OPA1 and the proteolytically cleavage soluble S-OPA1. Recently, we showed that OPA1 and mitochondria-localized lipid cardiolipin (CL) cooperate in heterotypic IM fusion [Ban et al., Nat. Cell Biol. 19 (2017) 856–863]. We reconstituted an in vitro membrane fusion reaction using purified human L-OPA1 and S-OPA1 expressed in silkworm and found that L-OPA1 on one side of the membrane and CL on the other side were sufficient for mitochondrial fusion. L-OPA1 is the major fusion-prone factor in heterotypic fusion. However, the role of S-OPA1 remains unknown as S-OPA1 promoted L-OPA1-dependent heterotypic membrane fusion and homotypic CL-containing membrane fusion, but S-OPA1 alone was not sufficient for heterotypic membrane fusion. L-OPA1- and CL-mediated heterotypic mitochondrial fusion was confirmed in living cells, but tafazzin (Taz1), the causal gene product of Barth syndrome, was not essential for mitochondrial fusion. Taz1-dependent CL maturation might have other roles in the remodeling of mitochondrial DNA nucleoids.     

PEP-1-SOD fusion protein efficiently protects against paraquat-induced dopaminergic neuron damage in a Parkinson disease mouse model

Parkinson disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). However, the mechanism of the pathology of PD still remains poorly understood. Because the administration of the herbicide paraquat triggers selective dopaminergic neuronal cell death, exposure of mice to this herbicide is one valuable model for studying the pathological aspects of PD. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of PEP-1-SOD in vitro and in vivo under exposure to the herbicide paraquat. The viability of neuronal cells treated with paraquat was markedly increased by transduced PEP-1-SOD. When the PEP-1-SOD fusion protein was injected intraperitoneally into mice, a completely protective effect against dopaminergic neuronal cell death in the SN was observed. This protective effect was synergistically increased when the PEP-1-SOD was cotransduced with Tat-alpha-synuclein. These results suggest that PEP-1-SOD provides a strategy for therapeutic delivery in various human diseases related to reactive oxygen species, including PD.     

Relative roles of CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 in mouse uroporphyria caused by acetone

Porphyria cutanea tarda is a liver disease characterized by excess production of uroporphyrin. We previously reported that acetone, an inducer of CYP2E1, enhances hepatic uroporphyrin accumulation in mice treated with iron dextran (Fe) and 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). Cyp2e1(-/-) mice treated with Fe and ALA were used to investigate whether CYP2E1 is required for the acetone effect. Hepatic uroporphyrin accumulation was stimulated by acetone in Cyp2e1(-/-) mice to the same extent as in wild-type mice. In the absence of acetone, uroporphyrin accumulated in Cyp2e1(-/-) mice treated with Fe and ALA, but less than in wildtype mice. However, in Cypla2(-/-) mice, uroporphyrin accumulation caused by Fe and ALA, with or without acetone, was completely prevented. Acetone was not an inducer of hepatic CYP1A2 in the wild-type mice. Although acetone is an inducer of CYP2E1, CYP1A2 appears to have the essential role in acetone-enhancement of uroporphyria.     

Multiple joint and skeletal patterning defects caused by single and double mutations in the mouse Gdf6 and Gdf5 genes

Growth/differentiation factors 5, 6, and 7 (GDF5/6/7) represent a distinct subgroup within the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family of secreted signaling molecules. Previous studies have shown that the Gdf5 gene is expressed in transverse stripes across developing skeletal elements and is one of the earliest known markers of joint formation during embryonic development. Although null mutations in this gene disrupt formation of some bones and joints in the skeleton, many sites are unaffected. Here, we show that the closely related family members Gdf6 and Gdf7 are expressed in different subsets of developing joints. Inactivation of the Gdf6 gene causes defects in joint, ligament, and cartilage formation at sites distinct from those seen in Gdf5 mutants, including the wrist and ankle, the middle ear, and the coronal suture between bones in the skull. Mice lacking both Gdf5 and Gdf6 show additional defects, including severe reduction or loss of some skeletal elements in the limb, additional fusions between skeletal structures, scoliosis, and altered cartilage in the intervertebral joints of the spinal column. These results show that members of the GDF5/6/7 subgroup are required for normal formation of bones and joints in the limbs, skull, and axial skeleton. The diverse effects on joint development and the different types of joints affected in the mutants suggest that members of the GDF family play a key role in establishing boundaries between many different skeletal elements during normal development. Some of the skeletal defects seen in single or double mutant mice resemble defects seen in human skeletal diseases, which suggests that these genes may be candidates that underlie some forms of carpal/tarsal coalition, conductive deafness, scoliosis, and craniosynostosis.     

Distinct effects on Ca2+ handling caused by malignant hyperthermia and central core disease mutations in RyR1

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) and central core disease (CCD) are disorders of skeletal muscle Ca2+ homeostasis that are linked to mutations in the type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1). Certain RyR1 mutations result in an MH-selective phenotype (MH-only), whereas others result in a mixed phenotype (MH + CCD). We characterized effects on Ca2+ handling and excitation-contraction (EC) coupling of MH-only and MH + CCD mutations in RyR1 after expression in skeletal myotubes derived from RyR1-null (dyspedic) mice. Compared to wild-type RyR1-expressing myotubes, MH + CCD- and MH-only-expressing myotubes exhibited voltage-gated Ca2+ release (VGCR) that activated at more negative potentials and displayed a significantly higher incidence of spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations. However, maximal VGCR was reduced only for MH + CCD mutants (Y4795C, R2435L, and R2163H) in which spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations occurred with significantly longer duration (Y4795C and R2435L) or higher frequency (R2163H). Notably, myotubes expressing these MH + CCD mutations in RyR1 exhibited both increased [Ca2+]i and reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content. We conclude that MH-only mutations modestly increase basal release-channel activity in a manner insufficient to alter net SR Ca2+ content ("compensated leak"), whereas the mixed MH + CCD phenotype arises from mutations that enhance basal activity to a level sufficient to promote SR Ca2+ depletion, elevate [Ca2+]i, and reduce maximal VGCR ("decompensated leak").     

Craniofacial disorders caused by mutations in homeobox genes MSX1 and MSX2

The molecular biology of the homeobox genes MSX1 and MSX2 is reviewed. In a selective type of tooth agenesis, an MSX1 G --> C transversion results in a missense mutation Arg31Pro. The phenotype is due to haploinsufficiency. Boston-type craniosynostosis involves an MSX2 C --> A transversion, resulting in a missense mutation Pro7His. Three different mutations on MSX2 cause parietal foramina by haploinsufficiency. These mutations, which result in decreased parietal ossification, are in marked contrast to the gain-of-function mutation for Boston-type craniosynostosis, which results in increased sutural ossification.     

Cardiac disease due to random mitochondrial DNA mutations is prevented by cyclosporin A

Mice expressing an error-prone mitochondrial DNA polymerase rapidly accumulate random mutations in mitochondrial DNA. Expression of the transgene in the heart leads to dilated cardiomyopathy accompanied by a wave of apoptosis in cardiomyocytes, and a vigorous and persistent protective response, including upregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2. To investigate the role of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in the development of disease, we treated mice with cyclosporin A (CsA), an inhibitor of pore opening. Drug treatment prevented cardiac dilatation, transgene-specific apoptosis, and upregulation of Bcl-2. It also rescued hearts from the profound decrease in connexin 43, which characterizes the dilatated heart. Treatment with FK506, which like CsA inhibits cytoplasmic calcineurin but not the mitochondrial pore, did not affect disease development, suggesting that the relevant target of CsA was the mitochondrial pore. These data implicate breakdowns in the mitochondrial permeability barrier in pathogenesis of elevated frequencies of mtDNA mutations.     

Complementation between avirulent Newcastle disease virus and a fusion protein gene expressed from a retrovirus vector: requirements for membrane fusion.

The cDNA derived from the fusion gene of the virulent AV strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was expressed in chicken embryo cells by using a retrovirus vector. The fusion protein expressed in this system was transported to the cell surface and was efficiently cleaved into the disulfide-linked F1-F2 form found in infectious virions. The cells expressing the fusion gene grew normally and could be passaged many times. Monolayers of these cells would plaque, in the absence of trypsin, avirulent NDV strains (strains which encode a fusion protein which is not cleaved in tissue culture). Fusion protein-expressing cells would not fuse if mixed with uninfected cells or uninfected cells expressing the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein. However, the fusion protein-expressing cells, if infected with avirulent strains of NDV, would fuse with uninfected cells, suggesting that fusion requires both the fusion protein and another viral protein expressed in the same cell. Fusion was also seen after transfection of the HN protein gene into fusion protein-expressing cells. Thus, the expressed fusion protein gene is capable of complementing the virus infection, providing an active cleaved fusion protein required for the spread of infection. However, the fusion protein does not mediate cell fusion unless the cell also expresses the HN protein. Fusion protein-expressing cells would not plaque influenza virus in the absence of trypsin, nor would influenza virus-infected fusion protein-expressing cells fuse with uninfected cells. Thus, the influenza virus HA protein will not substitute for the NDV HN protein in cell-to-cell fusion.