Dynamics of Mitochondrial DNA Nucleoids Regulated by Mitochondrial Fission Is Essential for Maintenance of Homogeneously Active Mitochondria during Neonatal Heart Development

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles, and their fusion and fission regulate cellular signaling, development, and mitochondrial homeostasis, including mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) distribution. Cardiac myocytes have a specialized cytoplasmic structure where large mitochondria are aligned into tightly packed myofibril bundles; however, recent studies have revealed that mitochondrial dynamics also plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of cardiomyocytes. Here, we precisely analyzed the role of mitochondrial fissionin vivo. The mitochondrial fission GTPase, Drp1, is highly expressed in the developing neonatal heart, and muscle-specific Drp1 knockout (Drp1-KO) mice showed neonatal lethality due to dilated cardiomyopathy. The Drp1 ablation in heart and primary cultured cardiomyocytes resulted in severe mtDNA nucleoid clustering and led to mosaic deficiency of mitochondrial respiration. The functional and structural alteration of mitochondria also led to immature myofibril assembly and defective cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Thus, the dynamics of mtDNA nucleoids regulated by mitochondrial fission is required for neonatal cardiomyocyte development by promoting homogeneous distribution of active mitochondria throughout the cardiomyocytes.

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Drosophila phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase fwd promotes mitochondrial fission and can suppress Pink1/parkin phenotypes

10.1101/2020.05.13.093823 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ana Terriente-Felix ◽

Emma L. Wilson ◽

Alexander J. Whitworth

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽

Mitochondrial Fission ◽

High Energy ◽

Male Sterile ◽

Mitochondrial Homeostasis ◽

Locomotor Deficits ◽

Phosphatidylinositol 4

AbstractBalanced mitochondrial fission and fusion play an important role in shaping and distributing mitochondria, as well as contributing to mitochondrial homeostasis and adaptation to stress. In particular, mitochondrial fission is required to facilitate degradation of damaged or dysfunctional units via mitophagy. Two Parkinson’s disease factors, PINK1 and Parkin, are considered key mediators of damage-induced mitophagy, and promoting mitochondrial fission is sufficient to suppress the pathological phenotypes in Pink1/parkin mutant Drosophila. We sought additional factors that impinge on mitochondrial dynamics and which may also suppress Pink1/parkin phenotypes. We found that the Drosophila phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIβ homologue, Four wheel drive (Fwd), promotes mitochondrial fission downstream of the pro-fission factor Drp1. Previously described only as male sterile, we identified several new phenotypes in fwd mutants, including locomotor deficits and shortened lifespan, which are accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, we found that fwd overexpression can suppress locomotor deficits and mitochondrial disruption in Pink1/parkin mutants, consistent with its function in promoting mitochondrial fission. Together these results shed light on the complex mechanisms of mitochondrial fission and further underscore the potential of modulating mitochondrial fission/fusion dynamics in the context of neurodegeneration.Author SummaryMitochondria are dynamic oganelles that can fuse and divide, in part to facilitate turnover of damaged components. These processes are essential to maintain a healthy mitochondrial network, and, in turn, maintain cell viability. This is critically important in high-energy, post-mitotic tissues such as neurons. We previously identified Drosophila phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase fwd as a pro-fission factor in a cell-based screen. Here we show that loss of fwd regulates mitochondrial fission in vivo, and acts genetically downstream of Drp1. We identified new phenotypes in fwd mutants, similar to loss of Pink1/parkin, two genes linked to Parkinson’s disease and key regulators of mitochondrial homeostasis. Importantly, fwd overexpression is able to substantially suppress locomotor and mitochondrial phenotypes in Pink1/parkin mutants, suggesting manipulating phophoinositides may represent a novel route to tackling Parkinson’s disease.

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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice with hepatocyte-specific deletion of mitochondrial fission factor

Diabetologia ◽

10.1007/s00125-021-05488-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yukina Takeichi ◽

Takashi Miyazawa ◽

Shohei Sakamoto ◽

Yuki Hanada ◽

Lixiang Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Er Stress ◽

Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽

Mitochondrial Fission ◽

Primary Hepatocytes ◽

Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽

Expression Of Genes ◽

Specific Deletion

Abstract Aims/hypothesis Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles continuously undergoing fission and fusion, referred to as mitochondrial dynamics, to adapt to nutritional demands. Evidence suggests that impaired mitochondrial dynamics leads to metabolic abnormalities such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) phenotypes. However, how mitochondrial dynamics are involved in the development of NASH is poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the role of mitochondrial fission factor (MFF) in the development of NASH. Methods We created mice with hepatocyte-specific deletion of MFF (MffLiKO). MffLiKO mice fed normal chow diet (NCD) or high-fat diet (HFD) were evaluated for metabolic variables and their livers were examined by histological analysis. To elucidate the mechanism of development of NASH, we examined the expression of genes related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and lipid metabolism, and the secretion of triacylglycerol (TG) using the liver and primary hepatocytes isolated from MffLiKO and control mice. Results MffLiKO mice showed aberrant mitochondrial morphologies with no obvious NASH phenotypes during NCD, while they developed full-blown NASH phenotypes in response to HFD. Expression of genes related to ER stress was markedly upregulated in the liver from MffLiKO mice. In addition, expression of genes related to hepatic TG secretion was downregulated, with reduced hepatic TG secretion in MffLiKO mice in vivo and in primary cultures of MFF-deficient hepatocytes in vitro. Furthermore, thapsigargin-induced ER stress suppressed TG secretion in primary hepatocytes isolated from control mice. Conclusions/interpretation We demonstrated that ablation of MFF in liver provoked ER stress and reduced hepatic TG secretion in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, MffLiKO mice were more susceptible to HFD-induced NASH phenotype than control mice, partly because of ER stress-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes and suppression of TG secretion from hepatocytes. This study provides evidence for the role of mitochondrial fission in the development of NASH. Graphical abstract

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High glucose induces Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission via the Orai1 calcium channel to participate in diabetic cardiomyocyte hypertrophy

Cell Death and Disease ◽

10.1038/s41419-021-03502-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Qing-Rui Wu ◽

Dan-Lin Zheng ◽

Pei-Ming Liu ◽

Hui Yang ◽

Lu-An Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Calcium Channel ◽

Mitochondrial Dysfunction ◽

High Glucose ◽

Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽

Mitochondrial Fission ◽

Calcium Handling ◽

Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽

Mitochondrial Morphology ◽

Calmodulin Binding ◽

Downstream Target

AbstractMitochondrial dysfunction and impaired Ca2+ handling are involved in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Dynamic relative protein 1 (Drp1) regulates mitochondrial fission by changing its level of phosphorylation, and the Orai1 (Ca2+ release-activated calcium channel protein 1) calcium channel is important for the increase in Ca2+ entry into cardiomyocytes. We aimed to explore the mechanism of Drp1 and Orai1 in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy caused by high glucose (HG). We found that Zucker diabetic fat rats induced by administration of a high-fat diet develop cardiac hypertrophy and impaired cardiac function, accompanied by the activation of mitochondrial dynamics and calcium handling pathway-related proteins. Moreover, HG induces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial morphology and function, and increased Orai1-mediated Ca2+ influx. Mechanistically, the Drp1 inhibitor mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (Mdivi-1) prevents cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by HG by reducing phosphorylation of Drp1 at serine 616 (S616) and increasing phosphorylation at S637. Inhibition of Orai1 with single guide RNA (sgOrai1) or an inhibitor (BTP2) not only suppressed Drp1 activity and calmodulin-binding catalytic subunit A (CnA) and phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK1/2) expression but also alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy caused by HG. In addition, the CnA inhibitor cyclosporin A and p-ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 improved HG-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by promoting and inhibiting phosphorylation of Drp1 at S637 and S616, respectively. In summary, we identified Drp1 as a downstream target of Orai1-mediated Ca2+ entry, via activation by p-ERK1/2-mediated phosphorylation at S616 or CnA-mediated dephosphorylation at S637 in DCM. Thus, the Orai1–Drp1 axis is a novel target for treating DCM.

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Inhibition of Mitochondrial Dynamics Preferentially Targets Pancreatic Cancer Cells with Enhanced Tumorigenic and Invasive Potential

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13040698 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 698

Author(s):

Sarah Courtois ◽

Beatriz de Luxán-Delgado ◽

Laure Penin-Peyta ◽

Alba Royo-García ◽

Beatriz Parejo-Alonso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽

Mitochondrial Fission ◽

Metastatic Potential ◽

Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽

Expression Ratio ◽

Cytotoxic Effects ◽

Mitochondrial Homeostasis ◽

Pancreatic Cancer Cells ◽

Tumorigenic Potential ◽

Dose Dependent

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest tumors, partly due to its intrinsic aggressiveness, metastatic potential, and chemoresistance of the contained cancer stem cells (CSCs). Pancreatic CSCs strongly rely on mitochondrial metabolism to maintain their stemness, therefore representing a putative target for their elimination. Since mitochondrial homeostasis depends on the tightly controlled balance between fusion and fission processes, namely mitochondrial dynamics, we aim to study this mechanism in the context of stemness. In human PDAC tissues, the mitochondrial fission gene DNM1L (DRP1) was overexpressed and positively correlated with the stemness signature. Moreover, we observe that primary human CSCs display smaller mitochondria and a higher DRP1/MFN2 expression ratio, indicating the activation of the mitochondrial fission. Interestingly, treatment with the DRP1 inhibitor mDivi-1 induced dose-dependent apoptosis, especially in CD133+ CSCs, due to the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria and the subsequent energy crisis in this subpopulation. Mechanistically, mDivi-1 inhibited stemness-related features, such as self-renewal, tumorigenicity, and invasiveness and chemosensitized the cells to the cytotoxic effects of Gemcitabine. In summary, mitochondrial fission is an essential process for pancreatic CSCs and represents an attractive target for designing novel multimodal treatments that will more efficiently eliminate cells with high tumorigenic potential.

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Mitochondrial fission is required for proper nucleoid distribution within mitochondrial networks

10.1101/2021.03.17.435804 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hema Saranya Ilamathi ◽

Mathieu Ouellet ◽

Rasha Sabouny ◽

Justine Desrochers-Goyette ◽

Matthew A Lines ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mitochondrial Dna ◽

Network Structure ◽

Mitochondrial Fission ◽

Healthy Population ◽

Primary Cells ◽

Mitochondrial Homeostasis ◽

Mtdna Replication ◽

Mitochondrial Networks ◽

Regular Spacing

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) maintenance is essential to sustain a functionally healthy population of mitochondria within cells. Proper mtDNA replication and distribution within mitochondrial networks are essential to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis. However, the fundamental basis of mtDNA segregation and distribution within mitochondrial networks is still unclear. To address these questions, we developed an algorithm, Mitomate tracker to unravel the global distribution of nucleoids within mitochondria. Using this tool, we decipher the semi-regular spacing of nucleoids across mitochondrial networks. Furthermore, we show that mitochondrial fission actively regulates mtDNA distribution by controlling the distribution of nucleoids within mitochondrial networks. Specifically, we found that primary cells bearing disease-associated mutations in the fission proteins DRP1 and MYH14 show altered nucleoid distribution, and acute enrichment of enlarged nucleoids near the nucleus. Further analysis suggests that the altered nucleoid distribution observed in the fission mutants is the result of both changes in network structure and nucleoid density. Thus, our study provides novel insights into the role of mitochondria fission in nucleoid distribution and the understanding of diseases caused by fission defects.

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MITOL deletion in the brain impairs mitochondrial structure and ER tethering leading to oxidative stress

Life Science Alliance ◽

10.26508/lsa.201900308 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (4) ◽

pp. e201900308 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Shun Nagashima ◽

Keisuke Takeda ◽

Nobuhiko Ohno ◽

Satoshi Ishido ◽

Motohide Aoki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Microglial Activation ◽

Developmental Disorders ◽

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽

Mitochondrial Fission ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Abnormal Behavior ◽

Mitochondrial Abnormalities

Mitochondrial abnormalities are associated with developmental disorders, although a causal relationship remains largely unknown. Here, we report that increased oxidative stress in neurons by deletion of mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase MITOL causes a potential neuroinflammation including aberrant astrogliosis and microglial activation, indicating that mitochondrial abnormalities might confer a risk for inflammatory diseases in brain such as psychiatric disorders. A role of MITOL in both mitochondrial dynamics and ER-mitochondria tethering prompted us to characterize three-dimensional structures of mitochondria in vivo. In MITOL-deficient neurons, we observed a significant reduction in the ER-mitochondria contact sites, which might lead to perturbation of phospholipids transfer, consequently reduce cardiolipin biogenesis. We also found that branched large mitochondria disappeared by deletion of MITOL. These morphological abnormalities of mitochondria resulted in enhanced oxidative stress in brain, which led to astrogliosis and microglial activation partly causing abnormal behavior. In conclusion, the reduced ER-mitochondria tethering and excessive mitochondrial fission may trigger neuroinflammation through oxidative stress.

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DRP1 regulates endoplasmic reticulum sheets to control mitochondrial DNA replication and segregation

10.1101/2021.12.09.472002 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hema Saranya Ilamathi ◽

Sara Benhammouda ◽

Justine Desrochers-Goyette ◽

Matthew A Lines ◽

Marc Germain

Keyword(s):

Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽

Mitochondrial Dna ◽

Protein Complexes ◽

Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽

Mitochondrial Fission ◽

Mitochondrial Diseases ◽

Contact Sites ◽

Transport Chain ◽

Essential Components ◽

Mtdna Replication

Mitochondria are multi-faceted organelles crucial for cellular homeostasis that contain their own genome. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) codes for several essential components of the electron transport chain, and mtDNA maintenance defects lead to mitochondrial diseases. mtDNA replication occurs at endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria contact sites and is regulated by mitochondrial dynamics. Specifically, mitochondrial fusion is essential for mtDNA maintenance. In contrast, while loss of mitochondrial fission causes the aggregation of nucleoids (mtDNA-protein complexes), its role in nucleoid distribution remains unclear. Here, we show that the mitochondrial fission protein DRP1 regulates nucleoid segregation by altering ER sheets, the ER structure associated with protein synthesis. Specifically, DRP1 loss or mutation leads to altered ER sheets that physically interact with mitobulbs, mitochondrial structures containing aggregated nucleoids. Importantly, nucleoid distribution and mtDNA replication were rescued by expressing the ER sheet protein CLIMP63. Thus, our work identifies a novel mechanism by which DRP1 regulates mtDNA replication and distribution.

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PIM Kinases Alter Mitochondrial Dynamics and Chemosensitivity in Lung Cancer

10.1101/863811 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Shailender S. Chauhan ◽

Rachel K. Toth ◽

Corbin C. Jensen ◽

Andrea L. Casillas ◽

David F. Kashatus ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽

Nsclc Patient ◽

Mitochondrial Fission ◽

Inverse Correlation ◽

Mitochondrial Superoxide ◽

Pim Kinases ◽

Response To Chemotherapy

AbstractResistance to chemotherapy represents a major obstacle to the successful treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The goal of this study was to determine how PIM kinases impact mitochondrial dynamics, ROS production, and response to chemotherapy in lung cancer. Live cell imaging and microscopy were used to determine the effect of PIM loss or inhibition on mitochondrial phenotype and ROS. Inhibition of PIM kinases caused excessive mitochondrial fission and significant upregulation of mitochondrial superoxide, increasing intercellular ROS. Mechanistically, we define a signaling axis linking PIM1 to Drp1 and mitochondrial fission in lung cancer. PIM inhibition significantly increased the protein levels and mitochondrial localization of Drp1, causing marked fragmentation of mitochondria. An inverse correlation between PIM1 and Drp1 was confirmed in NSCLC patient samples. Inhibition of PIM sensitized NSCLC to chemotherapy and produced a synergistic anti-tumor response in vitro and in vivo. Immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy verified that PIM inhibitors promote mitochondrial fission and apoptosis in vivo. These data improve our knowledge about how PIM1 regulates mitochondria and provide justification for combining PIM inhibition with chemotherapy in NSCLC.

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Discovery of isoplumbagin as a novel NQO1 substrate and anti-cancer quinone

10.1101/2020.04.28.063222 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yen-Chi Tsao ◽

Yu-Jung Chang ◽

Chun-Hsien Wang ◽

Linyi Chen

Keyword(s):

Cancer Progression ◽

Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽

Small Cell Lung Carcinoma ◽

Mitochondrial Fission ◽

Inhibitory Effect ◽

Boyden Chamber ◽

Lawsonia Inermis ◽

Cell Lung Carcinoma ◽

Anti Cancer

AbstractIsoplumbagin (5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone), a naturally occurring quinone from Lawsonia inermis and Plumbago europaea, that has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activity. Inflammation has long been implicated in cancer progression. In this study, we examined the anti-cancer effect of chemically-synthesized isoplumbagin. Our results revealed that isoplumbagin treatment suppressed cell viability and invasion of highly invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) OC3-IV2 cells, glioblastoma U87 cells, non-small cell lung carcinoma H1299 cells, prostate cancer PC3 cells, and cervical cancer Hela cells by using MTT and Boyden chamber assays. In vivo studies demonstrate the inhibitory effect of 2 mg/kg isoplumbagin on the growth of orthotopic xenograft tumors derived from OSCC cells. Mechanistically, isoplumbagin exerts its cytotoxic effect through acting as a substrate of NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) to generate hydroquinone, which reverses mitochondrial fission phenotype, reduces mitochondrial complex IV activity and thus compromises mitochondrial function. Collectively, this work reveals an anti-cancer activity of isoplumbagin mainly through modulating mitochondrial dynamics and function.Chemical compounds: Isoplumbagin (PubChem CID: 375105)

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Repeated hypoglycemia blunts the responsiveness of glucose-inhibited GHRH neurons by remodeling neural inputs and disrupting mitochondrial structure and function

10.1101/788869 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

M Bayne ◽

A Alvarsson ◽

K Devarakonda ◽

R Li ◽

M Jimenez-Gonzalez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽

Mitochondrial Fission ◽

Glucose Deprivation ◽

Glucose Sensing ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Hypoglycemia Unawareness ◽

Atp Production ◽

Low Glucose

AbstractHypoglycemia is a frequent complication of diabetes, limiting therapy and increasing morbidity and mortality. With recurrent hypoglycemia, the counter-regulatory response (CRR) to decreased blood glucose is blunted, resulting in hypoglycemia unawareness. The mechanisms leading to these blunted effects remain incompletely understood. Here, we identify, with in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and the tissue clearing capability of iDisco, that GHRH neurons represent a unique population of arcuate nucleus neurons activated by glucose deprivation in vivo. Repeated glucose deprivation reduces GHRH neuron activation and remodels excitatory and inhibitory inputs to GHRH neurons. We show low glucose sensing is coupled to GHRH neuron depolarization, decreased ATP production and mitochondrial fusion. Repeated hypoglycemia attenuates these responses during low glucose. By maintaining mitochondrial length with the small molecule, mdivi-1, we preserved hypoglycemia sensitivity in vitro and in vivo. Our findings present possible mechanisms for the blunting of the CRR, broaden significantly our understanding of the structure of GHRH neurons and for the fist time, propose that mitochondrial dynamics play an important role in hypoglycemia unawareness. We conclude that interventions targeting mitochondrial fission in GHRH neurons may offer a new pathway to prevent hypoglycemia unawareness in diabetic patients.

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