A peep into mitochondrial disorder:multifaceted from mitochondrial DNAmutations to nuclear gene modulation

Mitochondrial genome is responsible for multiple human diseases in a maternal inherited pattern, yet phenotypes of patients in a same pedigree frequently vary largely. Genes involving in epigenetic modification, RNA processing, and other biological pathways, rather than “threshold effect” and environmental factors, provide more specific explanation to the aberrant phenotype. Thus, the double hit theory, mutations both in mitochondrial DNA and modifying genes aggravating the symptom, throws new light on mitochondrial dysfunction processes. In addition, mitochondrial retrograde signaling pathway that leads to reconfiguration of cell metabolism to adapt defects in mitochondria may as well play an active role. Here we review selected examples of modifier genes and mitochondrial retrograde signaling in mitochondrial disorders, which refine our understanding and will guide the rational design of clinical therapies.     

Keshan disease and mitochondrial cardiomyopathy

Keshan disease (KD) is a potentially fatal form of cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle) endemic in certain areas of China. From 1984 to 1986, a national comprehensive scientific investigation on KD in Chuxiong region of Yunnan Province in the southwest China was conducted. The investigation team was composed of epidemiologists, clinic doctors, pathologists, biochemists, biophysicists and specialists in ecological environment. Results of pathological, biochemical and biophysical as well as clinical studies showed: an obvious increase of enlarged and swollen mitochondria with distended crista membranes in myocardium from patients with KD; significant reductions in the activity of oxidative phosphorylation (succinate dehydrogenase, cytochrome oxidase, succinate oxidase, H⁺-ATPase) of affected mitochondria; decrease in CoQ, cardiolipin, Se and GSHPx activity, while obvious increase in the Ca²⁺ content. So, it was suggested that mitochondria are the predominant target of the pathogenic factors of KD. Before Chuxiong KD survey only a few cases of mitochondrial cardiomyopathy were studied. During the multidisciplinary scientific investigation on KD in Chuxiong a large amount of samples from KD cases and the positive controls were examined. On the basis of the results obtained it was suggested that KD might be classified as a “Mitochondrial Cardiomyopathy” endemic in China. This is one of the achievements in the three years’ survey in Chuxiong and is valuable not only to the deeper understanding of pathogenic mechanism of KD but also to the study of mitochondrial cardiomyopathy in general. Keshan disease is not a genetic disease, but is closely related to the malnutrition (especially microelement Se deficiency). KD occurs along a low Se belt, and Se supplementation has been effective in prevention of such disease. The incidence of KD has sharply decreased along with the steady raise of living standard and realization of preventive measures. At present, patients of KD are very sparse. In recent years the research on the non-KD mitochondrial cardiomyopathy has progressed rapidly. Given the advances in this aspect a minireview is written to evaluate the classification of KD as a kind of mitochondrial cardiomyopathy.     

Parkinson's disease-associated DJ-1 mutations impair mitochondrial dynamics and cause mitochondrial dysfunction

Mitochondrial dysfunction represents a critical event during the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and expanding evidences demonstrate that an altered balance in mitochondrial fission/fusion is likely an important mechanism leading to mitochondrial and neuronal dysfunction/degeneration. In this study, we investigated whether DJ-1 is involved in the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and function in neuronal cells. Confocal and electron microscopic analysis demonstrated that M17 human neuroblastoma cells over-expressing wild-type DJ-1 (WT DJ-1 cells) displayed elongated mitochondria while M17 cells over-expressing PD-associated DJ-1 mutants (R98Q, D149A and L166P) (mutant DJ-1 cells) showed significant increase of fragmented mitochondria. Similar mitochondrial fragmentation was also noted in primary hippocampal neurons over-expressing PD-associated mutant forms of DJ-1. Functional analysis revealed that over-expression of PD-associated DJ-1 mutants resulted in mitochondria dysfunction and increased neuronal vulnerability to oxidative stress (H(2) O(2)) or neurotoxin. Further immunoblot studies demonstrated that levels of dynamin-like protein (DLP1), also known as Drp1, a regulator of mitochondrial fission, was significantly decreased in WT DJ-1 cells but increased in mutant DJ-1 cells. Importantly, DLP1 knockdown in these mutant DJ-1 cells rescued the abnormal mitochondria morphology and all associated mitochondria/neuronal dysfunction. Taken together, these studies suggest that DJ-1 is involved in the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics through modulation of DLP1 expression and PD-associated DJ-1 mutations may cause PD by impairing mitochondrial dynamics and function.     

线粒体疾病与核基因－线粒体基因的表达调控

线粒体与疾病是当前生物医学领域最前沿之一。本文简单介绍线粒体生物医学的基础知识、线粒体疾病的遗传模式,综述了近年来在线粒体DNA（mtDNA）突变和疾病、核基因突变和疾病等领域的研究进展,着重阐明核基因（特别是核修饰基因）调控mtDNA突变致病表达的分子机制。     

Keshan disease and mitochondrial cardiomyopathy

Keshan disease (KD) is a potentially fatal form of cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle) endemic in certain areas of China. From 1984 to 1986, a national comprehensive scientific investigation on KD in Chuxiong region of Yunnan Province in the southwest China was conducted. The investigation team was composed of epidemiologists, clinic doctors, pathologists, biochemists, biophysicists and specialists in ecological environment. Results of pathological, biochemical and biophysical as well as clinical studies showed: an obvious increase of enlarged and swollen mito- chondria with distended crista membranes in myocardium from patients with KD; significant reduc- tions in the activity of oxidative phosphorylation (succinate dehydrogenase, cytochrome oxidase, succinate oxidase, H -ATPase) of affected mitochondria; decrease in CoQ, cardiolipin, Se and GSHPx activity, while obvious increase in the Ca2 content. So, it was suggested that mitochondria are the predominant target of the pathogenic factors of KD. Before Chuxiong KD survey only a few cases of mitochondrial cardiomyopathy were studied. During the multidisciplinary scientific investiga- tion on KD in Chuxiong a large amount of samples from KD cases and the positive controls were examined. On the basis of the results obtained it was suggested that KD might be classified as a “Mitochondrial Cardiomyopathy” endemic in China. This is one of the achievements in the three years’ survey in Chuxiong and is valuable not only to the deeper understanding of pathogenic mechanism of KD but also to the study of mitochondrial cardiomyopathy in general. Keshan disease is not a genetic disease, but is closely related to the malnutrition (especially mi- croelement Se deficiency). KD occurs along a low Se belt, and Se supplementation has been effective in prevention of such disease. The incidence of KD has sharply decreased along with the steady raise of living standard and realization of preventive measures. At present, patients of KD are very sparse. In recent years the research on the non-KD mitochondrial cardiomyopathy has progressed rapidly. Given the advances in this aspect a minireview is written to evaluate the classification of KD as a kind of mitochondrial cardiomyopathy.     

Vildagliptin improves high glucose‐induced endothelial mitochondrial dysfunction via inhibiting mitochondrial fission

The dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor vildagliptin (VLD), a widely used anti‐diabetic drug, exerts favourable effects on vascular endothelium in diabetes. We determined for the first time the improving effects of VLD on mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic mice and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured under hyperglycaemic conditions, and further explored the mechanism behind the anti‐diabetic activity. Mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) production was detected by fluorescent microscope and flow cytometry. Mitochondrial DNA damage and ATP synthesis were analysed by real time PCR and ATPlite assay, respectively. Mitochondrial network stained with MitoTracker Red to identify mitochondrial fragmentation was visualized under confocal microscopy. The expression levels of dynamin‐related proteins (Drp1 and Fis1) were determined by immunoblotting. We found that VLD significantly reduced mtROS production and mitochondrial DNA damage, but enhanced ATP synthesis in endothelium under diabetic conditions. Moreover, VLD reduced the expression of Drp1 and Fis1, blocked Drp1 translocation into mitochondria, and blunted mitochondrial fragmentation induced by hyperglycaemia. As a result, mitochondrial dysfunction was alleviated and mitochondrial morphology was restored by VLD. Additionally, VLD promoted the phosphorylation of AMPK and its target acetyl‐CoA carboxylase in the setting of high glucose, and AMPK activation led to a decreased expression and activation of Drp1. In conclusion, VLD improves endothelial mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetes, possibly through inhibiting Drp1‐mediated mitochondrial fission in an AMPK‐dependent manner.     

Unusual mitochondrial genome structures throughout the Euglenozoa

Mitochondrial DNA of Kinetoplastea is composed of different chromosomes, the maxicircle (bearing 'regular' genes) and numerous minicircles (specifying guide RNAs involved in RNA editing). In trypanosomes [Kinetoplastea], DNA circles are compacted into a single dense body, the kinetoplast. This report addresses the question whether multi-chromosome mitochondrial genomes and compacted chromosome organization are restricted to Kinetoplastea or rather occur throughout Euglenozoa, i.e., Kinetoplastea, Euglenida and Diplonemea. To this end, we investigated the diplonemid Rhynchopus euleeides and the euglenids Petalomonas cantuscygni, Peranema trichophorum and Entosiphon sulcatum, using light and electron microscopy and molecular techniques. Our findings together with previously published data show that multi-chromosome mitochondrial genomes prevail across Euglenozoa, while kinetoplast-like mtDNA packaging is confined to trypanosomes.     

Mitochondrial biology and dysfunction in secondary mitochondrial disease

Mitochondrial diseases are a broad, genetically heterogeneous class of metabolic disorders characterized by deficits in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Primary mitochondrial disease (PMD) defines pathologies resulting from mutation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) or nuclear genes affecting either mtDNA expression or the biogenesis and function of the respiratory chain. Secondary mitochondrial disease (SMD) arises due to mutation of nuclear-encoded genes independent of, or indirectly influencing OXPHOS assembly and operation. Despite instances of novel SMD increasing year-on-year, PMD is much more widely discussed in the literature. Indeed, since the implementation of next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques in 2010, many novel mitochondrial disease genes have been identified, approximately half of which are linked to SMD. This review will consolidate existing knowledge of SMDs and outline discrete categories within which to better understand the diversity of SMD phenotypes. By providing context to the biochemical and molecular pathways perturbed in SMD, we hope to further demonstrate the intricacies of SMD pathologies outside of their indirect contribution to mitochondrial energy generation.     

基于太平洋甲胁虱裂化线粒体基因组推测甲胁虱属祖先线粒体核型

[目的]动物典型的单一染色体线粒体基因组在甲胁虱属Hoplopleura已裂化成多个线粒体微环染色体.本研究旨在通过测定太平洋甲胁虱Hoplopleura pacifica的线粒体基因组来推测甲胁虱属祖先线粒体核型.[方法]利用Illumina HiSeq X Ten高通量测序技术对太平洋甲胁虱裂化线粒体基因组进行测定...     

Effects of doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity on cardiac mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial function: Insights for future interventions

Anthracyclines is an effective chemotherapeutic treatment used for many types of cancer. However, high cumulative dosage of anthracyclines leads to cardiac toxicity and heart failure. Dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics and function are major pathways driving this toxicity. Several pharmacological and non‐pharmacological interventions aiming to attenuate cardiac toxicity by targeting mitochondrial dynamics and function have shown beneficial effects in cell and animal models. However, in clinical practice, there is currently no standard therapy for the prevention of anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity. This review summarizes current reports on the impact of anthracyclines on cardiac mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial function and potential interventions targeting these pathways. The roles of mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial function in the development of anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity should provide insights in devising novel strategies to attenuate the cardiac toxicity induced by anthracyclines.     

The many shapes of mitochondrial membranes

The roles of mitochondria in cell death and in aging have generated much excitement in recent years. At the same time, however, a quiet revolution in our thinking about mitochondrial ultrastructure has begun. This revolution started with the use of vital dyes and of green fluorescent protein fusion proteins, showing that mitochondria are very dynamic structures that constantly move, divide and fuse throughout the life of a cell. More recently, some of the first proteins contributing to these various processes have been discovered. Our view of the internal structures of mitochondria has also changed. Three-dimensional reconstructions obtained with high voltage electron microscopy show that cristae are often connected to the mitochondrial inner membrane by thin tubules. These new insights are brought to bear on the wealth of data collected by conventional electron microscopic analysis.     

ZnO nanomaterials target mitochondrial apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy pathways in cancer cells

In recent years, the application of engineering nanomaterials has significantly contributed to the development of various biomedical fields. Zinc oxide nanomaterials (ZnO NMts) have gained wide popularity due to their biocompatibility, unique physical and chemical properties, stability, and cost-effectiveness for large-scale production. They have emerged as potential materials for anticancer applications. This article provides a comprehensive review of the synthesis methods of ZnO NMts and highlights the advantages of combining ZnO NMts with anticancer drugs as a nano platform for cancer treatment. Additionally, the article briefly explains the mechanism of action of ZnO NMts in tumor cells, focusing on the mitochondrial pathways that target cell apoptosis and autophagy. It is observed that these pathways are primarily influenced by reactive oxygen species generated through oxidative stress. The article discusses the promising prospects of ZnO NMts combined with anticancer drugs in the field of cancer medicine and emphasizes the need for further in-depth research on the mitochondrial apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy pathways.     

Involvement of autophagy and mitochondrial dynamics in determining the fate and effects of irreparable mitochondrial DNA damage

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is different in many ways from nuclear DNA. A key difference is that certain types of DNA damage are not repaired in the mitochondrial genome. What, then, is the fate of such damage? What are the effects? Both questions are important from a health perspective because irreparable mtDNA damage is caused by many common environmental stressors including ultraviolet C radiation (UVC). We found that UVC-induced mtDNA damage is removed slowly in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans via a mechanism dependent on mitochondrial fusion, fission, and autophagy. However, knockdown or knockout of genes involved in these processes—many of which have homologs involved in human mitochondrial diseases—had very different effects on the organismal response to UVC. Reduced mitochondrial fission and autophagy caused no or small effects, while reduced mitochondrial fusion had dramatic effects.     

Changes in mitochondrial proteins during neuroblastoma differentiation

The evolution of three major mit-proteins was followed in neuroblastoma cells cultured in different conditions of differentiation. 1 methyl cyclohexane carboxylic acid (CCA) was found to stimulate the synthesis of the three mit-protein markers. This result, compared to the effects of oligomycin, an inhibitor of mitochondrial function, favours the hypothesis that CCA induces in vitro neurogenesis through a general metabolic alteration.     

吸虱亚目非典型线粒体基因组研究进展

吸虱是真兽类哺乳动物体表的专性寄生虫,在全世界广泛分布,物种数量高达540种。近年来随着分子生物学的飞速发展,在NCBI中已收录15种吸虱线粒体基因组序列,其独特的非典型线粒体基因组发生剧烈的裂化现象,形成数目不等的微环染色体。本文综述了15种吸虱线粒体基因组的结构和组成、RNA基因、非编码区以及对吸虱祖先线粒体核型推测的方法和结果。探讨了不同种属间以及与其它昆虫的差异,提出今后对吸虱亚目线粒体基因组研究的展望。     

Nitric oxide inhibits mitochondrial movement in forebrain neurons associated with disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential

Nitric oxide (NO) has a number of physiological and pathophysiological effects in the nervous system. One target of NO is the mitochondrion, where it inhibits respiration and ATP synthesis, which may contribute to NO-mediated neuronal injury. Our recent studies suggested that impaired mitochondrial function impairs mitochondrial trafficking, which could also contribute to neuronal injury. Here, we studied the effects of NO on mitochondrial movement and morphology in primary cultures of forebrain neurons using a mitochondrially targeted enhanced yellow fluorescent protein. NO produced by two NO donors, papa non-oate and diethylamine/NO complex, caused a rapid cessation of mitochondrial movement but did not alter morphology. Movement recovered after removal of NO. The effects of NO on movement were associated with dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Increasing cGMP levels using 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, did not mimic the effects on mitochondrial movement. Furthermore, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), an inhibitor of NO-induced activation of soluble guanylate cyclase, did not block the effects of NO. Thus, neither increasing nor decreasing cGMP levels had an effect on mitochondrial movement. Based on these data, we conclude that NO is a novel modulator of mitochondrial trafficking in neurons, which may act through the inhibition of mitochondrial function.     

线粒体动力学改变在神经变性疾病中的地位

线粒体是一种处于高度运动状态的细胞器,频繁地出现分裂和融合,线粒体分裂和融合的动态过程被称为线粒体动力学。对于神经元来说,线粒体的动力学过程具有十分重要的生物学意义。已知线粒体融合介导蛋白的功能缺失性突变可以导致常染色体显性遗传性视神经萎缩和Charcot-Marie-Tooth病等神经变性疾病。近来发现,在迟发性神经变性疾病中,线粒体动力学的改变也具有重要地位。本文将在线粒体动力学的分子调控以及与细胞死亡的关系、在神经变性疾病中的地位等方面综述这一领域的最新进展。     

Specific photolabelling of beef-heart mitochondrial ATPase by 8-azido-ATP

1. 8-Azido-ATP is a suitable photoaffinity label for beef-heart mitochondrial ATPase (F₁).2. 8-Azido-ATP is hydrolysed slowly by F₁ in the dark. Photolysis at 350 nm in the presence of F₁ leads to inhibition of the ATPase activity. The presence of ATP during illumination prevents the inhibition. Illumination of F₁ in the absence of 8-azido-ATP causes no inhibition.3. Added Mg²⁺ is not necessary for the binding of the 8-azido-ATP to F₁.4. 8-Azido-ATP binds specifically to the β subunits of F₁.5. The ATPase activity is completely inhibited when 2 mol of 8-azido-ATP are bound per mol F₁.