Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2A in vivo models: Current updates.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2A (CMT2A) is an inherited sensorimotor neuropathy associated with mutations within the Mitofusin 2 (MFN2) gene. These mutations impair normal mitochondrial functioning via different mechanisms, disturbing the equilibrium between mitochondrial fusion and fission, of mitophagy and mitochondrial axonal transport. Although CMT2A disease causes a significant disability, no resolutive treatment for CMT2A patients to date. In this context, reliable experimental models are essential to precisely dissect the molecular mechanisms of disease and to devise effective therapeutic strategies. The most commonly used models are either in vitro or in vivo, and among the latter murine models are by far the most versatile and popular. Here, we critically revised the most relevant literature focused on the experimental models, providing an update on the mammalian models of CMT2A developed to date. We highlighted the different phenotypic, histopathological and molecular characteristics, and their use in translational studies for bringing potential therapies from the bench to the bedside. In addition, we discussed limitations of these models and perspectives for future improvement.

Cdk8/CDK19 promotes mitochondrial fission through Drp1 phosphorylation and can phenotypically suppress pink1 deficiency in Drosophila.

Cdk8 in Drosophila is the orthologue of vertebrate CDK8 and CDK19. These proteins have been shown to modulate transcriptional control by RNA polymerase II. We found that neuronal loss of Cdk8 severely reduces fly lifespan and causes bang sensitivity. Remarkably, these defects can be rescued by expression of human CDK19, found in the cytoplasm of neurons, suggesting a non-nuclear function of CDK19/Cdk8. Here we show that Cdk8 plays a critical role in the cytoplasm, with its loss causing elongated mitochondria in both muscles and neurons. We find that endogenous GFP-tagged Cdk8 can be found in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. We show that Cdk8 promotes the phosphorylation of Drp1 at S616, a protein required for mitochondrial fission. Interestingly, Pink1, a mitochondrial kinase implicated in Parkinson's disease, also phosphorylates Drp1 at the same residue. Indeed, overexpression of Cdk8 significantly suppresses the phenotypes observed in flies with low levels of Pink1, including elevated levels of ROS, mitochondrial dysmorphology, and behavioral defects. In summary, we propose that Pink1 and Cdk8 perform similar functions to promote Drp1-mediated fission.

GTPBP8 modulates mitochondrial fission through a Drp1-dependent process.

Mitochondrial fission is a tightly regulated process involving multiple proteins and cell signaling. Despite extensive studies on mitochondrial fission factors, our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms remains limited. This study shows the critical role of a mitochondrial GTPase, GTPBP8, in orchestrating mitochondrial fission in mammalian cells. Depletion of GTPBP8 resulted in drastic elongation and interconnectedness of mitochondria. Conversely, overexpression of GTPBP8 shifted mitochondrial morphology from tubular to fragmented. Notably, the induced mitochondrial fragmentation from GTPBP8 overexpression was inhibited in cells either depleted of the mitochondrial fission protein Drp1 (also known as DNM1L) or carrying mutated forms of Drp1. Importantly, downregulation of GTPBP8 caused an increase in oxidative stress, modulating cell signaling involved in the increased phosphorylation of Drp1 at Ser637. This phosphorylation hindered the recruitment of Drp1 to mitochondria, leading to mitochondrial fission defects. By contrast, GTPBP8 overexpression triggered enhanced recruitment and assembly of Drp1 at mitochondria. In summary, our study illuminates the cellular function of GTPBP8 as a pivotal modulator of the mitochondrial division apparatus, inherently reliant on its influence on Drp1.

MiR-181a protects the heart against myocardial infarction by regulating mitochondrial fission via targeting programmed cell death protein 4.

Worldwide, myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of death and disability-adjusted life years lost. Recent researches explored new methods of detecting biomarkers that can predict the risk of developing myocardial infarction, which includes identifying genetic markers associated with increased risk. We induced myocardial infarction in mice by occluding the left anterior descending coronary artery and performed TTC staining to assess cell death. Next, we performed ChIP assays to measure the enrichment of histone modifications at the promoter regions of key genes involved in mitochondrial fission. We used qPCR and western blot to measure expression levels of relative apoptotic indicators. We report that miR-181a inhibits myocardial ischemia-induced apoptosis and preserves left ventricular function after MI. We show that programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4) is the target gene involved in miR-181a-mediated anti-ischemic injury, which enhanced BID recruitment to the mitochondria. In addition, we discovered that p53 inhibits the expression of miR-181a via transcriptional regulation. Here, we discovered for the first time a mitochondrial fission and apoptosis pathway which is controlled by miR-181a and involves PDCD4 and BID. This pathway may be controlled by p53 transcriptionally, and we presume that miR-181a may lead to the discovery of new therapeutic and preventive targets for ischemic heart diseases.

Circ_0098823 binding with IGF2BP3 regulates DNM1L stability to promote metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via mitochondrial fission.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is highly metastatic and invasive. CircRNA participates in gene regulation of multiple tumor metastases, but little is known whether it is a bystander or an actual player in HCC metastasis. We aim to explore the molecular mechanisms of novel circRNAs in HCC metastasis. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of 13 circRNAs derived by the ERBB3 gene. The function of circ_0098823 and DNM1L in HCC cells were estimated by CCK-8, transwell assays, flow cytometry, electron microscope, and in vivo experiments. RNA binding protein of circ_0098823 was confirmed by RNA pull-down, mass spectrometry, and RNA immunoprecipitation. The expression of DNM1L after IGF2BP3 knockdown was detected by RT-qPCR and western blot. Circ_0098823 was significantly up-regulated both in HCC tissues and HGF induced cell lines. Circ_0098823 overexpression significantly enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasion but decreased apoptosis of HCC cells, particularly promoted mitochondrial fission. Compared with the control group, the tumors in the circ_0098823 knockdown mice were significantly smaller and lighter. Circ_0098823 silencing suppressed DNM1L expression, a key molecule for fission, which enhanced proliferation, migration and invasion, and inhibited apoptosis of HCC cell. IGF2BP3 was a binding protein of circ_0098823. The expression and mRNA stability of DNM1L were down-regulated by IGF2BP3 knockdown. IGF2BP3 knockdown significantly alleviated the excessive migration, invasion and apoptosis of HCC cells caused by circ_0098823 overexpression. This study uncovered a novel circ_0098823 with tumor-promoting effect, and the mechanism by which circ_0098823 participates in HCC progression through IGF2BP3-guided DNM1L. Our study broadens molecular understanding of HCC progression.

Impaired Mitochondrial Function and Marrow Failure in Patients Carrying a Variant of the SRSF4 Gene.

Serine/arginine-rich splicing factors (SRSFs) are a family of proteins involved in RNA metabolism, including pre-mRNA constitutive and alternative splicing. The role of SRSF proteins in regulating mitochondrial activity has already been shown for SRSF6, but SRSF4 altered expression has never been reported as a cause of bone marrow failure. An 8-year-old patient admitted to the hematology unit because of leukopenia, lymphopenia, and neutropenia showed a missense variant of unknown significance of the SRSF4 gene (p.R235W) found via whole genome sequencing analysis and inherited from the mother who suffered from mild leuko-neutropenia. Both patients showed lower SRSF4 protein expression and altered mitochondrial function and energetic metabolism in primary lymphocytes and Epstein-Barr-virus (EBV)-immortalized lymphoblasts compared to healthy donor (HD) cells, which appeared associated with low mTOR phosphorylation and an imbalance in the proteins regulating mitochondrial biogenesis (i.e., CLUH) and dynamics (i.e., DRP1 and OPA1). Transfection with the wtSRSF4 gene restored mitochondrial function. In conclusion, this study shows that the described variant of the SRSF4 gene is pathogenetic and causes reduced SRSF4 protein expression, which leads to mitochondrial dysfunction. Since mitochondrial function is crucial for hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and some genetic bone marrow failure syndromes display mitochondrial defects, the SRSF4 mutation could have substantially contributed to the clinical phenotype of our patient.

miR-128-3p alleviates airway inflammation in asthma by targeting SIX1 to regulate mitochondrial fission and fusion.

Bronchial asthma is known for airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and remodeling.MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) have been involved in the development of asthma, whereas, the mechanism of various MiRNAs in asthma remains to be elucidated. In this study, we aim to explore the mechanism of miR-128-3p in asthma-related airway inflammation by targeting sine oculis homeobox homolog 1 (SIX1) to regulate the mitochondrial function. In an ovalbumin (OVA) asthma mouse model, miR-128-3p levels were found to be significantly diminished. Administration of miR-128-3p agomir decreased peribronchial inflammatory cell infiltration and improved airway inflammation. Afterwards, we used the luciferase reporter assay to predict and confirmed that SIX1 is a target gene of miR-128-3p. Overexpression of miR-128-3p attenuated IL-13-induced cellular inflammation and ROS production in bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). In vitro, overexpression of miR-128-3p and SIX1 knockdown mitigated mitochondrial fragmentation, reduced Drp1-mediated mitochondrial division, and upregulated mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, led to decreased production of ROS/mitochondrial ROS, P-Drp1(616) and Fis1 expression, while enhancing P-Drp1(637), MFN1, caspase-3/9, and Bax-mediated apoptosis. Our findings demonstrated that miR-128-3p could alleviate airway inflammation by downregulating SIX1 and improving mitochondrial function, positioning the miR-128-3p/SIX1/Drp1 signaling as a potential therapeutic target for asthma.

Mitochondrial morphology dynamics and ROS regulate apical polarity and differentiation in Drosophila follicle cells.

Mitochondrial morphology dynamics regulate signaling pathways during epithelial cell formation and differentiation. The mitochondrial fission protein Drp1 affects the appropriate activation of EGFR and Notch signaling-driven differentiation of posterior follicle cells in Drosophila oogenesis. The mechanisms by which Drp1 regulates epithelial polarity during differentiation are not known. In this study, we show that Drp1-depleted follicle cells are constricted in early stages and present in multiple layers at later stages with decreased levels of apical polarity protein aPKC. These defects are suppressed by additional depletion of mitochondrial fusion protein Opa1. Opa1 depletion leads to mitochondrial fragmentation and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in follicle cells. We find that increasing ROS by depleting the ROS scavengers, mitochondrial SOD2 and catalase also leads to mitochondrial fragmentation. Further, the loss of Opa1, SOD2 and catalase partially restores the defects in epithelial polarity and aPKC, along with EGFR and Notch signaling in Drp1-depleted follicle cells. Our results show a crucial interaction between mitochondrial morphology, ROS generation and epithelial cell polarity formation during the differentiation of follicle epithelial cells in Drosophila oogenesis.

ATIP/ATIP1 regulates prostate cancer metastasis through mitochondrial dynamic-dependent signaling.

Mitochondria play a fundamental role in cell survival and motility. Abnormalities in mitochondria are associated with carcinogenesis, especially with tumor metastasis. In this study, we explore the biological function of ATIP1, which is a mitochondrial-located isoform of angiotensin II AT2 receptor interacting proteins (ATIPs) in prostate cancer cells. The results showed that ATIP is downregulated in prostate cancer tissues and is negatively correlated with the disease-free survival rate of prostate cancer patients. Silencing of ATIP promotes mitochondrial fission and enhances tumor cell migration and invasion. Reconstitution of ATIP1 in ATIP-deficient cells significantly attenuates mitochondrial trafficking and tumor cell movement. Therefore, ATIP1 is a negative regulator of mitochondrial dynamics and tumor cell motility and is also a potential biomarker for predicting prostate cancer malignancy.

Cancer-associated SNRPD3 mutation confers resistance to hypoxia, which is attenuated by DRP1 inhibition.

RNA splicing is a fundamental cellular mechanism performed by spliceosomes that synthesise multiple mature RNA isoforms from a single gene. The association between spliceosome abnormality and solid cancers remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated that Sm proteins, which are common components of the spliceosomes and constitute the Sm ring, were overexpressed in multiple cancers and their expression levels were correlated with clinical prognosis. In a pan-cancer mutational hotspot in the Sm ring at SNRPD3 G96V, we found that the G96V substitution confers resistance to hypoxia. RNA-seq detected numerous differentially spliced events between the wild-type and mutation-carrying cells cultured under hypoxia, wherein skipping exons and mutually exclusive exons were frequently observed. This was observed in DNM1L mRNA, which encodes the DRP1 protein that regulates mitochondrial fission. The mitochondria of cells carrying this mutation were excessively fragmented compared with those of wild-type cells. Furthermore, treatment with a DRP1 inhibitor (Mdivi-1) recovered the over-fragmented mitochondria, leading to the attenuation of hypoxia resistance in the mutant cells. These results propose a novel correlation between the cancer-related spliceosome abnormality and mitochondrial fission. Thus, targeting SNRPD3 G96V with a DRP1 inhibitor is a potential treatment strategy for cancers with spliceosome abnormalities.

Excessive processing and acetylation of OPA1 aggravate age-related hearing loss via the dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics.

The pathogenesis of age-related hearing loss (ARHL) remains unclear. OPA1 is the sole fusion protein currently known to be situated in the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is pivotal for maintaining normal mitochondrial function. While it has already been demonstrated that mutations in OPA1 may lead to hereditary deafness, its involvement in the occurrence and development of ARHL has not been previously explored. In our study, we constructed D-gal-induced senescent HEI-OC1 cells and the cochlea of C57BL/6J mice with a mutated SUMOylation site of SIRT3 using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We found enhanced L-OPA1 processing mediated by activated OMA1, and increased OPA1 acetylation resulting from reductions in SIRT3 levels in senescent HEI-OC1 cells. Consequently, the fusion function of OPA1 was inhibited, leading to mitochondrial fission and pyroptosis in hair cells, ultimately exacerbating the aging process of hair cells. Our results suggest that the dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics in cochlear hair cells in aged mice can be ameliorated by activating the SIRT3/OPA1 signaling. This has the potential to alleviate the senescence of cochlear hair cells and reduce hearing loss in mice. Our study highlights the significant roles played by the quantities of long and short chains and the acetylation activity of OPA1 in the occurrence and development of ARHL. This finding offers new perspectives and potential targets for the prevention and treatment of ARHL.

MTFR2-dependent mitochondrial fission promotes HCC progression.

BACKGROUND: The role of mitochondrial dynamics, encompassing fission, fusion, and mitophagy, in cancer progression has been extensively studied. However, the specific impact of mitochondrial dynamics on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still under investigation. METHODS: In this study, mitochondrial dynamic genes were obtained from the MitoCarta 3.0 database, and gene expression data were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Based on the expression of these dynamic genes and differentially expressed genes (DEGs), patients were stratified into two clusters. Subsequently, a prognostic model was constructed using univariate COX regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and the prognostic signature was evaluated. We analyzed the interaction between these model genes and dynamic genes to identify hub genes and reveal mitochondrial status. Furthermore, we assessed immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), tumor stemness indices (TSI), and the response to immune checkpoint block (ICB) therapy using the TIDE algorithm and risk scores. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting (WB), and immunofluorescence (IF) were conducted to afford detailed visualization of the morphology of the mitochondria and the expression patterns of fission-associated proteins. RESULTS: Patients in Cluster 2 exhibited heightened mitochondrial fission and had a worse prognosis. The up-regulated dynamic genes in Cluster 2 were identified as fission genes. GO/KEGG analyses reconfirmed the connection of Cluster 2 to augmented mitochondrial fission activities. Subsequently, a ten-gene prognostic signature based on the differentially expressed genes between the two clusters was generated, with all ten genes being up-regulated in the high-risk group. Moreover, the potential links between these ten signature genes and mitochondrial dynamics were explored, suggesting their involvement in mediating mitochondrial fission through interaction with MTFR2. Further investigation revealed that the high-risk group had an unfavorable prognosis, with a higher mutation frequency of TP53, increased immune checkpoint expression, a higher TIS score, and a lower TIDE score. The mitochondrial imbalance characterized by increased fission and upregulated MTFR2 and DNM1L expression was substantiated in both HCC specimens and cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we developed a novel MTFR2-related prognostic signature comprising ten mitochondrial dynamics genes. These genes play crucial roles in mitochondrial fission and have the potential to serve as important predictors and therapeutic targets for HCC.

The cold-inducible RNA-binding protein-Thioredoxin 1 pathway ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial dynamin-related protein 1 level in the hippocampus of aged mice with perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: As a multi-disease model, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress might be involved in the pathogenic process of perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction (PND). Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) could mediate mitochondrial fission and play important roles in mitochondrial dynamic homeostasis and mitochondria function. The Drp1 may be involved in PND development. The cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (Cirbp) could bind to the 3'-UTR of the thioredoxin 1 (Trx1) mRNA, control oxidative stress, and improve mitochondrial function. In this study, we hypothesized that the Cirbp-Trx1 pathway could ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction and Drp1 levels in PND mice. METHODS: Differentially expressed genes were screened using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database GSE95426 and validated using PCR. Eighteen-month-old C57BL/6 mice were subjected to tibial fracture surgery to generate a PND model. Cirbp was upregulated by hippocampal stereotaxic injections of over-Cirbp plasmid according to the manufacturer's instructions for the in vivo DNA transfection reagent. Cirbp expression was measured using western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF). The Morris water maze (MWM) was used to assess cognitive function. After behavioral testing, the hippocampal tissue was extracted to examine changes in mitochondrial Drp1, mitochondrial function, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. RESULTS: Differential gene screening showed that Cirbp expression was significantly downregulated (fold change >1.5, p = 0.003272) in the PND model. In this study, we also found that Cirbp protein levels were downregulated, accompanied by an impairment of cognition, a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content, mitochondrial Drp1 levels, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis. Cirbp overexpression increased Trx1 protein levels and reversed the damage. However, this protective effect was abolished by PX-12 treatment with a Trx1 inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: The Cirbp-Trx1 pathway may regulate mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial Drp1 expression in the hippocampus of PND mice to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction.

Effects of phosphorylation on Drp1 activation by its receptors, actin, and cardiolipin.

Drp1 is a dynamin family GTPase required for mitochondrial and peroxisomal division. Oligomerization increases Drp1 GTPase activity through interactions between neighboring GTPase domains. In cells, Drp1 is regulated by several factors including Drp1 receptors, actin filaments, cardiolipin, and phosphorylation at two sites: S579 and S600. Commonly, phosphorylation of S579 is considered activating, while S600 phosphorylation is considered inhibiting. However, direct effects of phosphorylation on Drp1 GTPase activity have not been investigated in detail. Here, we compare effects of S579 and S600 phosphorylation on purified Drp1, using phosphomimetic mutants and in vitro phosphorylation. Both phosphomimetic mutants are shifted toward smaller oligomers. Both phosphomimetic mutations maintain basal GTPase activity, but eliminate GTPase stimulation by actin and decrease GTPase stimulation by cardiolipin, Mff, and MiD49. Phosphorylation of S579 by Erk2 produces similar effects. When mixed with wildtype Drp1, both S579D and S600D phosphomimetic mutants reduce the actin-stimulated GTPase activity of Drp1-WT. Conversely, a Drp1 mutant (K38A) lacking GTPase activity stimulates Drp1-WT GTPase activity under both basal and actin-stimulated conditions. These results suggest that the effect of S579 phosphorylation is not to activate Drp1 directly. In addition, our results suggest that nearest neighbor interactions within the Drp1 oligomer affect catalytic activity.

Mitochondrial hyperfusion induces metabolic remodeling in lung endothelial cells by modifying the activities of electron transport chain complexes I and III.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease with vascular remodeling as a critical structural alteration. We have previously shown that metabolic reprogramming is an early initiating mechanism in animal models of PH. This metabolic dysregulation has been linked to remodeling the mitochondrial network to favor fission. However, whether the mitochondrial fission/fusion balance underlies the metabolic reprogramming found early in PH development is unknown. METHODS: Utilizing a rat early model of PH, in conjunction with cultured pulmonary endothelial cells (PECs), we utilized metabolic flux assays, Seahorse Bioassays, measurements of electron transport chain (ETC) complex activity, fluorescent microscopy, and molecular approaches to investigate the link between the disruption of mitochondrial dynamics and the early metabolic changes that occur in PH. RESULTS: We observed increased fusion mediators, including Mfn1, Mfn2, and Opa1, and unchanged fission mediators, including Drp1 and Fis1, in a two-week monocrotaline-induced PH animal model (early-stage PH). We were able to establish a connection between increases in fusion mediator Mfn1 and metabolic reprogramming. Using an adenoviral expression system to enhance Mfn1 levels in pulmonary endothelial cells and utilizing 13C-glucose labeled substrate, we found increased production of 13C lactate and decreased TCA cycle metabolites, revealing a Warburg phenotype. The use of a 13C5-glutamine substrate showed evidence that hyperfusion also induces oxidative carboxylation. The increase in glycolysis was linked to increased hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) protein levels secondary to the disruption of cellular bioenergetics and higher levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mt-ROS). The elevation in mt-ROS correlated with attenuated ETC complexes I and III activities. Utilizing a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant to suppress mt-ROS, limited HIF-1α protein levels, which reduced cellular glycolysis and reestablished mitochondrial membrane potential. CONCLUSIONS: Our data connects mitochondrial fusion-mediated mt-ROS to the Warburg phenotype in early-stage PH development.

Effects of CuSO4 on hepatic mitochondrial function, biogenesis and dynamics in mice.

Copper is an essential trace element for animal. Excessive intake of copper will cause a large accumulation of copper in the body, especially in the liver, and induce hepatotoxicity, however, there are few studies on the effects of copper on hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial dynamics. In this study, mice were treated with different doses of CuSO4 (0, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) for 21 and 42 days by gavage. The results verified that CuSO4 decreased the content of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I-IV in mouse liver. CuSO4 treatment resulted the decrease in the protein and mRNA expression levels of PGC-1α, TFAM, and NRF1, which were the mitochondrial biogenesis regulator proteins. Meanwhile, the proteins involved in mitochondrial fusion were reduced by CuSO4 , such as Mfn1 and Mfn2, however, mitochondrial fission proteins Drip1 and Fis1 were significantly increased. Abovementioned results show that CuSO4 could induce mitochondria damage in the liver of mice, and mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial dynamics are involved in the molecular mechanism of CuSO4 -induced hepatotoxicity.

Neuron-targeted overexpression of caveolin-1 alleviates diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction via regulating mitochondrial fission-mitophagy axis.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) induced diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction (DACD) that seriously affects the self-management of T2DM patients, is currently one of the most severe T2DM-associated complications, but the mechanistic basis remains unclear. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles, whose function refers to a broad spectrum of features such as mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy and so on. Mitochondrial abnormalities have emerged as key determinants for cognitive function, the relationship between DACD and mitochondria is not well understood. METHODS: Here, we explored the underlying mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction of T2DM mice and HT22 cells treated with high glucose/palmitic acid (HG/Pal) focusing on the mitochondrial fission-mitophagy axis with drug injection, western blotting, Immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. We further explored the potential role of caveolin-1 (cav-1) in T2DM induced mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptic alteration through viral transduction. RESULTS: As previously reported, T2DM condition significantly prompted hippocampal mitochondrial fission, whereas mitophagy was blocked rather than increasing, which was accompanied by dysfunctional mitochondria and impaired neuronal function. By contrast, Mdivi-1 (mitochondrial division inhibitor) and urolithin A (mitophagy activator) ameliorated mitochondrial and neuronal function and thereafter lead to cognitive improvement by inhibiting excessive mitochondrial fission and giving rise to mitophagy, respectively. We have previously shown that cav-1 can significantly improve DACD by inhibiting ferroptosis. Here, we further demonstrated that cav-1 could not only inhibit mitochondrial fission via the interaction with GSK3ß to modulate Drp1 pathway, but also rescue mitophagy through interacting with AMPK to activate PINK1/Parkin and ULK1-dependent signlings. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our data for the first time point to a mitochondrial fission-mitophagy axis as a driver of neuronal dysfunction in a phenotype that was exaggerated by T2DM, and the protective role of cav-1 in DACD. Graphic Summary Illustration. In T2DM, excessive mitochondrial fission and impaired mitophagy conspire to an altered mitochondrial morphology and mitochondrial dysfunction, with a consequent neuronal damage, overall suggesting an unbalanced mitochondrial fission-mitophagy axis. Upon cav-1 overexpression, GSK3ß and AMPK are phosphorylated respectively to activate Drp1 and mitophagy-related pathways (PINK1 and ULKI), ultimately inhibits mitochondrial fission and enhances mitophagy. In the meantime, the mitochondrial morphology and neuronal function are rescued, indicating the protective role of cav-1 on mitochondrial fission-mitophagy axis. Video Abstract.

FUNDC1 collaborates with PINK1 in regulating mitochondrial Fission and compensating for PINK1 deficiency.

Parkinson's disease is presently thought to have its molecular roots in the alteration of PINK1-mediated mitophagy and mitochondrial dynamics. Finding new suppressors of the pathway is essential for developing cutting-edge treatment approaches. Our study shows that FUNDC1 suppressed PINK1 mutant phenotypes in Drosophila. The restoration of PINK1-deficient phenotypes through FUNDC1 is not reliant on its LC3-binding motif Y (18)L (21) or autophagy-related pathway. Moreover, the absence of Drp1 affects the phenotypic restoration of PINK1 mediated by FUNDC1 in flies. In summary, our findings have unveiled a fresh mechanism through which FUNDC1 compensates for the loss of PINK1, operating independently of autophagy but exerting its influence via interaction with Drp1.

Biased placement of Mitochondria fission facilitates asymmetric inheritance of protein aggregates during yeast cell division.

Mitochondria are essential and dynamic eukaryotic organelles that must be inherited during cell division. In yeast, mitochondria are inherited asymmetrically based on quality, which is thought to be vital for maintaining a rejuvenated cell population; however, the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial remodeling and segregation during this process are not understood. We used high spatiotemporal imaging to quantify the key aspects of mitochondrial dynamics, including motility, fission, and fusion characteristics, upon aggregation of misfolded proteins in the mitochondrial matrix. Using these measured parameters, we developed an agent-based stochastic model of dynamics of mitochondrial inheritance. Our model predicts that biased mitochondrial fission near the protein aggregates facilitates the clustering of protein aggregates in the mitochondrial matrix, and this process underlies asymmetric mitochondria inheritance. These predictions are supported by live-cell imaging experiments where mitochondrial fission was perturbed. Our findings therefore uncover an unexpected role of mitochondrial dynamics in asymmetric mitochondrial inheritance.

Mitochondrial fission drives neuronal metabolic burden to promote stress susceptibility in male mice.

Neurons are particularly susceptible to energy fluctuations in response to stress. Mitochondrial fission is highly regulated to generate ATP via oxidative phosphorylation; however, the role of a regulator of mitochondrial fission in neuronal energy metabolism and synaptic efficacy under chronic stress remains elusive. Here, we show that chronic stress promotes mitochondrial fission in the medial prefrontal cortex via activating dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction in male mice. Both pharmacological inhibition and genetic reduction of Drp1 ameliorates the deficit of excitatory synaptic transmission and stress-related depressive-like behavior. In addition, enhancing Drp1 fission promotes stress susceptibility, which is alleviated by coenzyme Q10, which potentiates mitochondrial ATP production. Together, our findings unmask the role of Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission in the deficits of neuronal metabolic burden and depressive-like behavior and provides medication basis for metabolism-related emotional disorders.