神经肌肉性疾病患者线粒体DNA突变的分析

为了探讨神经肌肉性疾病的发病与线粒体ＤＮＡ突变的关系,采用ＰＣＲ技术检测了２０例患有不同神经肌肉性疾病儿童的外周血和骨骼肌细胞中的线粒体ＤＮＡ（ｍｔＤＮＡ）,发现其中６例患儿有ｍｔＤＮＡ缺失,其中１例至少有２９６８ｂｐ片段的缺失,另５例至少有２０００ｂｐ片段的缺失,此缺失区位于线粒体呼吸链复合物１、４、５、编码区,表明该突变对神经肌肉性疾病的发生有一定作用。     

线粒体DNA及其提取方法

线粒体是存在于绝大多数真核细胞内的一种基本的重要的细胞器,其具有相对独立的遗传系统。线粒体基因在真核生物具有高保守性,线粒体DNA(mtDNA)已被广泛应用于发病机理、临床诊断、遗传变异、生物进化等多方面的研究。1981年,Anderson用氯化铯密度梯度分离得到线粒体DNA(mtDNA),进行了全序列分析。此后,mtDNA的研究日益得到重视。已有的mtDNA提取方法概括起来可分为密度梯度离心法、酶消化法、柱层析法、氯化铯超速离心法、碱变性法和改进高盐沉淀法等,通过对以上方法的比较,发现改进高盐沉淀法具有简便、经济、易重复等优点。     

人类线粒体DNA异质性研究进展及其法医学应用

线粒体DNA(mitochondrial DNA mtDNA)的异质性自从被发现以来,一直被遗传学、进化学、发育遗传学以及法医遗传学、分子生物学领域所重视。由于线粒体异质性的存在,使得很多涉及疾病、进化、系统发育线粒体基因组与核基因组的相互作用关系、线粒体DNA复制机制以及法医学运用线粒体DNA进行实际案件评估的问题变得复杂化。此外线粒体DNA异质性的发生原因以及对线粒体异质性的检测方法标准化问题还没有一个统一的答案。针对线粒体DNA异质性带来的种种问题,近年来国内外取得了不少研究进展。     

Mitochondrial DNA mutations and ageing

The mechanism by which we age has sparked a huge number of theories, and is an area of intense debate. As the elderly population rises, the importance of elucidating these mechanisms is becoming more apparent as age is the single biggest risk factor for a number of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative disease. Mitochondrial DNA (MtDNA) mutations have been shown to accumulate in cells and tissues during the ageing process; however the question as to whether these mutations have a causal role in the ageing process remains an area of uncertainty. Here we review the current literature, and discuss the evidence for and against a causal role of mtDNA mutations in ageing and in the pathogenesis of age-related disease.     

Mitochondrial DNA variation in pearl millet and related species

Summary Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) restriction endonuclease fragment patterns and patterns of mtDNA hybridized by mitochondrial gene probes were used to study phylogenetic relationships of seven Pennisetum species, including five P. americanum (pearl millet) ecotypes and a reference species from the distantly related genus, Panicum. The restriction patterns of the pearl millet ecotypes were uniform with the exception of the ecotype collected in Ethiopia. The probe hybridization method revealed more variability, with both the Rhodesian and Ethiopian ecotypes differing from the others and from each other. Considerable restriction pattern polymorphism was noted among different species of Pennisetum, and Panicum. Significant relationships were noted of Pennisetum polystachyon to P. pedicellatum and of P. purpureum to P. squamulatum using the restriction pattern method. In addition to those relationships, the hybridization method showed relationships of pearl millet to P. purpureum and to P. squamulatum. The relationships noted between species by the hybridization method agreed more closely to the cytological data than those indicated by the restriction pattern method. Therefore, the hybridization method appeared to be the preferred method for studying species relationships. The mitochondrial genome size of pearl millet was calculated to be 407 kb and the mitochondrial genome sizes of other Pennisetum species ranged from 341 to 486 kb.Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. 8485.     

Mitochondrial DNA nucleoids determine mitochondrial genetics and dysfunction

Mitochondrial DNA plays a crucial role in cellular homeostasis; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial DNA inheritance and propagation are only beginning to be understood. To ensure the distribution and propagation of the mitochondrial genome, mitochondrial DNA is packaged into macromolecular assemblies called nucleoids, composed of one or more copies of mitochondrial DNA and associated proteins. We review current research on the mitochondrial nucleoid, including nucleoid-associated proteins, nucleoid dynamics within the cell, potential mechanisms to ensure proper distribution of nucleoids, and the impact of nucleoid organization on mitochondrial dysfunction. The nucleoid is the molecular organizing unit of mitochondrial genetics, and is the site of interactions that ultimately determine the bioenergetic state of the cell as a whole. Current and future research will provide essential insights into the molecular and cellular interactions that cause bioenergetic crisis, and yield clues for therapeutic rescue of mitochondrial dysfunction.     

Mitochondrial DNA diseases: Histological and cellular studies

Large-scale deletions and tRNA point mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are associated with a variety of different mitochondrial encephalomyopathies. Skeletal muscle in these patients shows a typical pathology, characterized by the focal accumulation of large numbers of morphologically and biochemically abnormal mitochondria (ragged-red fibers). Both mtDNA deletions and tRNA point mutations impair mitochondrial translation and produce deficiencies in oxidative phosphorylation. However, mutant and wild-type mtDNAs co-exist (mtDNA heteroplasmy) and the translation defect is not expressed until the ratio of mutant: wild-type mtDNAs exceeds a specific threshold. Below the threshold the phenotype can be rescued by intramitochondrial genetic complementation. The mosaic expression of the skeletal muscle pathology is thus determined by both the cellular and organellar distribution of mtDNA mutants.     

Mitochondrial DNA deletions and differential mitochondrial DNA content in Rhesus monkeys: Implications for aging

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions, mtDNA content and aging in rhesus monkeys. Using 2 sets of specific primers, we amplified an 8 kb mtDNA fragment covering a common 5.7 kb deletion and the entire 16.5 kb mitochondrial genome in the brain and buffy-coats of young and aged monkeys. We studied a total of 66 DNA samples: 39 were prepared from a buffy-coat and 27 were prepared from occipital cortex tissues. The mtDNA data were assessed using a permutation test to identify differences in mtDNA, in the different monkey groups. Using real-time RT-PCR strategy, we also assessed both mtDNA and nuclear DNA levels for young, aged and male and female monkeys. We found a 5.7 kb mtDNA deletion in 81.8% (54 of 66) of the total tested samples. In the young group of buffy-coat DNA, we found 5.7 kb deletions in 7 of 17 (41%), and in the aged group, we found 5.7 kb deletions in 12 of 22 (54%), suggesting that the prevalence of mtDNA deletions is related to age. We found decreased mRNA levels of mtDNA in aged monkeys relative to young monkeys. The increases in mtDNA deletions and mtDNA levels in aged rhesus monkeys suggest that damaged DNA accumulates as rhesus monkeys age and these altered mtDNA changes may have physiological relevance to compensate decreased mitochondrial function.     

Mitochondrial DNA mutations and breast tumorigenesis

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and genetic factors play an important role in its genesis. Although mutations in tumor suppressors and oncogenes encoded by the nuclear genome are known to play a critical role in breast tumorigenesis, the contribution of the mitochondrial genome to this process is unclear. Like the nuclear genome, the mitochondrial genome also encodes proteins critical for mitochondrion functions such as oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), which is known to be defective in cancer including breast cancer. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is more susceptible to mutations due to limited repair mechanisms compared to nuclear DNA (nDNA). Thus changes in mitochondrial genes could also contribute to the development of breast cancer. In this review we discuss mtDNA mutations that affect OXPHOS. Continuous acquisition of mtDNA mutations and selection of advantageous mutations ultimately leads to generation of cells that propagate uncontrollably to form tumors. Since irreversible damage to OXPHOS leads to a shift in energy metabolism towards enhanced aerobic glycolysis in most cancers, mutations in mtDNA represent an early event during breast tumorigenesis, and thus may serve as potential biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of breast cancer. Because mtDNA mutations lead to defective OXPHOS, development of agents that target OXPHOS will provide specificity for preventative and therapeutic agents against breast cancer with minimal toxicity.     

Mitochondrial DNA 3644T-->C mutation associated with bipolar disorder

Mitochondrial dysfunction associated with mutant mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been suggested in bipolar disorder, and comorbidity with neurodegenerative diseases was often noted. We examined the entire sequence of mtDNA in six subjects with bipolar disorder having comorbid somatic symptoms suggestive of mitochondrial disorders and found several uncharacterized homoplasmic nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions of mtDNA. Of these, 3644C was found in 5 of 199 patients with bipolar disorder but in none of 258 controls (p = 0.015). The association was significant in the extended samples [bipolar disorder, 9/630 (1.43%); controls, 1/734 (0.14%); p = 0.007]. On the other hand, only 5 of 25 family members with this mutation developed bipolar disorder, of which 4 patients with 3644C had comorbid physical symptoms. The 3644T-->C mutation converts amino acid 113, valine, to alanine in the NADH-ubiquinone dehydrogenase subunit I, a subunit of complex I, and 113 valine is well conserved from Drosophila to 61 mammalian species. Using transmitochondrial cybrids, 3644T-->C was shown to decrease mitochondrial membrane potential and complex I activity compared with haplogroup-matched controls. According to human mitochondrial genome polymorphism databases, 3644C was not found in centenarians but was found in 3% of patients with Alzheimer disease and 2% with Parkinson disease. The result of modest functional impairment caused by 3644T-->C suggests that this mutation could increase the risk for bipolar disorder.     

Mitochondrial inheritance and the detection of non-parental mitochondrial DNA haplotypes in crosses of Agaricus bisporus homokaryons

This study evaluates mtDNA transmission in Agaricus bisporus, as well as the occurrence of non-parental haplotypes in heterokaryons produced by controlled crosses. Sixteen crosses were performed with blended liquid cultures, using different combinations of 13 homokaryotic strains. For each cross, different mtDNA haplotypes were present in each homokaryon. Heterokaryons generated from these crosses were subject to genetic analysis with RFLP markers to identify (i). karyotic status, (ii). mtDNA haplotype, and (iii). the occurrence of non-parental mtDNA haplotypes. These analyses generally supported the occurrence of uniparental mitochondrial (mt) inheritance in A. bisporus, with one mtDNA haplotype usually favoured in the new heterokaryon. The preponderance of one mtDNA haplotype in a new heterokaryon did not necessarily show a correlation with a greater mycelial growth rate for the parent homokaryon possessing that haplotype. Mixed mtDNA haplotypes and non-parental haplotypes were also identified in the heterokaryons from some crosses. Evidence for the occurrence of two mtDNA haplotypes in one heterokaryotic mycelium was observed in 8 of 16 crosses, suggesting the maintenance of true heteroplasmons after three successive subculturing steps. Non-parental mtDNA haplotypes were seen in heterokaryons produced from 7 of 16 crosses. The mating protocol described can be utilized to generate novel mtDNA haplotypes for strain improvement and the development of strain-specific markers. Mechanisms of mt selection and inheritance are discussed.     

Synthesis of water-soluble ruthenium porphyrins as DNA cleavers and potential cytotoxic agents

 Three new water-soluble ruthenium porphyrin complexes have been prepared and characterized, one with a cationic ligand, Ru(TMPyP), and two others with anionic ligands, Ru(p–COOH-PP) and Ru(TPPS). These different complexes and their manganese and iron analogues were tested in vivo as potential antitumor agents with mice bearing P388 leukemia cells, but these complexes have no significant antitumor activity. The nuclease activity of Ru(TMPyP) and Ru(p–COOH-PP) was evaluated on supercoiled plasmid DNA after activation by a reducing agent (ascorbate) in the presence of air or by potassium monopersulfate. No significant activity was evidenced for these ruthenium complexes, in contrast with the already known nuclease activity of the manganese and iron derivatives of TMPyP. Received: 15 November 1996 / Accepted: 7 April 1997     

Mitochondrial DNA rearrangements in somatic hybrids of Solanum tuberosum and Solanum brevidens

Summary Thirty somatic hybrids between Solanum tuberosum and Solanum brevidens were analysed for mitochondrial and chloroplast genome rearrangements. In all cases, the chloroplast genomes were inherited from one of the parental protoplast populations. No chloroplast DNA alterations were evident but a range of mitochondrial DNA alterations, from zero to extensive intra- and inter-molecular recombinations, were found. Such recombinations involved specific recombination hot spots in the mitochondrial genome. Not all hybrids regenerated from a common callus possessed identical mitochondrial genomes, suggesting that sorting out of mitochondrial populations in the callus may have been incomplete at the plant regeneration stage. Sorting out of organelles in planta was not observed.     

Mitochondria-targeted Ogg1 and Aconitase-2 Prevent Oxidant-induced Mitochondrial DNA Damage in Alveolar Epithelial Cells

Mitochondria-targeted human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (mt-hOgg1) and aconitase-2 (Aco-2) each reduce oxidant-induced alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) apoptosis, but it is unclear whether protection occurs by preventing AEC mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage. Using quantitative PCR-based measurements of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA damage, mtDNA damage was preferentially noted in AEC after exposure to oxidative stress (e.g. amosite asbestos (5–25 μg/cm²) or H₂O₂ (100–250 μm)) for 24 h. Overexpression of wild-type mt-hOgg1 or mt-long α/β 317–323 hOgg1 mutant incapable of DNA repair (mt-hOgg1-Mut) each blocked A549 cell oxidant-induced mtDNA damage, mitochondrial p53 translocation, and intrinsic apoptosis as assessed by DNA fragmentation and cleaved caspase-9. In contrast, compared with controls, knockdown of Ogg1 (using Ogg1 shRNA in A549 cells or primary alveolar type 2 cells from ogg1^−/− mice) augmented mtDNA lesions and intrinsic apoptosis at base line, and these effects were increased further after exposure to oxidative stress. Notably, overexpression of Aco-2 reduced oxidant-induced mtDNA lesions, mitochondrial p53 translocation, and apoptosis, whereas siRNA for Aco-2 (siAco-2) enhanced mtDNA damage, mitochondrial p53 translocation, and apoptosis. Finally, siAco-2 attenuated the protective effects of mt-hOgg1-Mut but not wild-type mt-hOgg1 against oxidant-induced mtDNA damage and apoptosis. Collectively, these data demonstrate a novel role for mt-hOgg1 and Aco-2 in preserving AEC mtDNA integrity, thereby preventing oxidant-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, p53 mitochondrial translocation, and intrinsic apoptosis. Furthermore, mt-hOgg1 chaperoning of Aco-2 in preventing oxidant-mediated mtDNA damage and apoptosis may afford an innovative target for the molecular events underlying oxidant-induced toxicity.     

Mitochondrial DNA fragments released through the permeability transition pore correspond to specific gene size

In the present work, we show that after induction of mitochondrial damage by oxidative stress, in the presence of calcium, matrix DNA content decreased to 42+/-6%. Mitochondrial damage was analyzed by measuring aconitase activity, a marker enzyme of mitochondrial oxidative stress. The genes were identified by amplifying them through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using specific primers for each mitochondrial gene (MTCO1, MTCO2, MTCO3, MTND3, MTND5, MTATP6, MTATP8, and MTCYB). The results show that after oxidative stress, the amount of MTCO1, MTND3, and MTCYB genes in the mitochondria approximately decreased by 46, 22, and 54%, respectively. This effect was inhibited in the presence of cyclosporin A. These genes were found outside the mitochondria after permeability transition was induced. Mitochondrial integrity was evaluated by observing the activity of adenylate kinase and malate dehydrogenase.     

Mitochondrial DNA as a marker of molecular diversity: a reappraisal

Over the last three decades, mitochondrial DNA has been the most popular marker of molecular diversity, for a combination of technical ease-of-use considerations, and supposed biological and evolutionary properties of clonality, near-neutrality and clock-like nature of its substitution rate. Reviewing recent literature on the subject, we argue that mitochondrial DNA is not always clonal, far from neutrally evolving and certainly not clock-like, questioning its relevance as a witness of recent species and population history. We critically evaluate the usage of mitochondrial DNA for species delineation and identification. Finally, we note the great potential of accumulating mtDNA data for evolutionary and functional analysis of the mitochondrial genome.     

Mitochondrial superoxide radical formation is controlled by electron bifurcation to the high and low potential pathways

The generation of oxygen radicals in biological systems and their sites of intracellular release have been subject of numerous studies in the last decades. Based on these studies mitochondria are considered to be the major source of intracellular oxygen radicals. Although this finding is more or less accepted, the mechanism of univalent oxygen reduction in mitochondria is still obscure. One of the most critical electron transfer steps in the respiratory chain is the electron bifurcation at the cytochrome bc 1 complex. Recent studies with genetically mutated mitochondria have made it clear that electron bifurcation from ubiquinol to the cytochrome bc 1 complex requires the free mobility of the head domain of the Rieske iron-sulfur protein. On the other hand, it has been long known that inhibition of electron bifurcation by antimycin A causes leakage of single electrons to dioxygen, which results in the release of superoxide radicals. These findings lead us to study whether hindrance of the interaction of ubiquinol with the cytochrome bc 1 complex is the regulator of single electron diversion to oxygen. Hindrance of electron bifurcation was observed following alterations of the physical state of membrane phospholipids in which the cytochrome bc 1 complex is inserted. Irrespective of whether the fluidity of the membrane lipids was elevated or decreased, electron flow rates to the Rieske iron-sulfur protein were drastically reduced. Concomitantly superoxide radicals were released from these mitochondria, strongly suggesting an effect on the mobility of the head domain of the Rieske iron-sulfur protein. This revealed the involvement of the ubiquinol cytochrome bc 1 redox couple in mitochondrial superoxide formation. The regulator, which controls leakage of electrons to oxygen, appears to be the electron-branching activity of the cytochrome bc 1 complex.     

Mitochondrial DNA Sequence and Phylogenetic Evaluation of Geographically Disparate Sus scrofa Breeds

Next generation sequencing of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) facilitates studies into the metabolic characteristics of production animals and their relation to production traits. Sequence analysis of mtDNA from pure-bred swine with highly disparate production characteristics (Mangalica Blonde, Mangalica Swallow-bellied, Meishan, Turopolje, and Yorkshire) was initiated to evaluate the influence of mtDNA polymorphisms on mitochondrial function. Herein, we report the complete mtDNA sequences of five Sus scrofa breeds and evaluate their position within the phylogeny of domestic swine. Phenotypic traits of Yorkshire, Mangalica Blonde, and Swallow-belly swine are presented to demonstrate their metabolic characteristics. Our data support the division of European and Asian breeds noted previously and confirm European ancestry of Mangalica and Turopolje breeds. Furthermore, mtDNA differences between breeds suggest function-altering changes in proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation such as ATP synthase 6 (MT-ATP6), cytochrome oxidase I (MT-CO1), cytochrome oxidase III (MT-CO3), and cytochrome b (MT-CYB), supporting the hypothesis that mtDNA polymorphisms contribute to differences in metabolic traits between swine breeds. Our sequence data form the basis for future research into the roles of mtDNA in determining production traits in domestic animals. Additionally, such studies should provide insight into how mtDNA haplotype influences the extreme adiposity observed in Mangalica breeds.