Mitochondrial Nuclear Retrograde Regulator 1 (MNRR1) rescues the cellular phenotype of MELAS by inducing homeostatic mechanisms

Abstract

Pathogenic mtDNA tRNA mutations, such as the 3243A>G MELAS mutation, generally result in multisystem failure. In cybrids harboring ∼70% 3243G mutant mtDNA, the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR mt ) is impaired. Mitochondrial Nuclear Retrograde Regulator 1 (MNRR1, or CHCHD2) is a bi-organellar (mitochondrial and nuclear) protein that is reduced in ∼70% 3243G cybrid cells. Under stress conditions, MNRR1 import into mitochondria is impaired, resulting in its preferential concentration in the nucleus. Increased nuclear MNRR1 induces the UPR mt through regulation of the ATF5 transcription factor. Overexpression of MNRR1 in ∼70% 3243G cybrid cells induces the UPR mt , autophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis and restores mitochondrial respiratory function; furthermore, the proportion of wild-type mtDNA increases. Thus, MNRR1 overexpression might be beneficial for mtDNA diseases.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Nov 30, 2020
Source ID
10.1073/pnas.2005877117

Entities

People

  • Douglas C Wallace
  • Kezhong Zhang
  • Lawrence I. Grossman
  • Mallika Somayajulu-nitu
  • Neeraja Purandare
  • Siddhesh Aras
  • Stephanie Gladyck

Organizations

  • Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs
  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
  • National Institute of General Medical Sciences
  • National Institute of Mental Health
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
  • National Institutes of Health
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Wayne State University

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Cellular and Molecular Pathways of Apoptosis.
  • Military/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technology
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics