Combination of common mtDNA variants results in mitochondrial dysfunction and a connective tissue dysregulation

Abstract

Mitochondrial dysfunction can be associated with a range of clinical manifestations. Here, we report a family with a complex phenotype including combinations of connective tissue, neurological, and metabolic symptoms that were passed on to all surviving children. Analysis of the maternally inherited mtDNA revealed a novel genotype encompassing the haplogroup J - defining mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) ND5 m.13708G>A (A458T) variant arising on the mtDNA haplogroup H7A background, an extremely rare combination. Analysis of transmitochondrial cybrids with the 13708A-H7 mtDNA revealed a lower mitochondrial respiration, increased reactive oxygen species production (mROS), and dysregulation of connective tissue gene expression. The mitochondrial dysfunction was exacerbated by histamine, explaining why all eight surviving children inherited the dysfunctional histidine decarboxylase allele (W327X) from the father. Thus, certain combinations of common mtDNA variants can cause mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction can affect extracellular matrix gene expression, and histamine-activated mROS production can augment the severity of mitochondrial dysfunction. Most important, we have identified a previously unreported genetic cause of mitochondrial disorder arising from the incompatibility of common, nonpathogenic mtDNA variants.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Nov 02, 2022
Source ID
10.1073/pnas.2212417119

Entities

People

  • Angela Song
  • Arrienne Butic
  • Benjamin A Garcia
  • Clair A. Francomano
  • Deborah G Murdock
  • Douglas C Wallace
  • Jessica Huang
  • Kevin Janssen
  • Kierstin Keller
  • Komal Rathi
  • Leonardo Scherer Alves
  • Maria Lvova
  • Marie Lott
  • Patrick M. Schaefer
  • Ryan Morrow
  • Tal Yardeni

Organizations

  • Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
  • German Research Foundation
  • Indiana University
  • National Institutes of Health
  • Sheba Medical Center
  • United States Department of Defense
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Washington University School of Medicine

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Cellular and Molecular Pathways of Apoptosis.
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Neuroscience

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology