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Mikhailov N, Hämäläinen RH. Modulating Mitochondrial DNA Heteroplasmy with Mitochondrially Targeted Endonucleases. Ann Biomed Eng 2024; 52:2627-2640. [PMID: 36001180 PMCID: PMC11329604 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-022-03051-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria, mainly known as energy factories of eukaryotic cells, also exert several additional signaling and metabolic functions and are today recognized as major cellular biosynthetic and signaling hubs. Mitochondria possess their own genome (mitochondrial DNA-mtDNA), that encodes proteins essential for oxidative phosphorylation, and mutations in it are an important contributor to human disease. The mtDNA mutations often exist in heteroplasmic conditions, with both healthy and mutant versions of the mtDNA residing in patients' cells and the level of mutant mtDNA may vary between different tissues and organs and affect the clinical outcome of the disease. Thus, shifting the ratio between healthy and mutant mtDNA in patients' cells provides an intriguing therapeutic option for mtDNA diseases. In this review we describe current strategies for modulating mitochondrial heteroplasmy levels with engineered endonucleases including mitochondrially targeted TALENs and Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and discuss their therapeutic potential. These gene therapy tools could in the future provide therapeutic help both for patients with mitochondrial disease as well as in preventing the transfer of pathogenic mtDNA mutations from a mother to her offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Mikhailov
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Riikka H Hämäläinen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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2
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Hinton AO, N'jai AU, Vue Z, Wanjalla C. Connection Between HIV and Mitochondria in Cardiovascular Disease and Implications for Treatments. Circ Res 2024; 134:1581-1606. [PMID: 38781302 PMCID: PMC11122810 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.124.324296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy alter mitochondrial function, which can progressively lead to mitochondrial damage and accelerated aging. The interaction between persistent HIV reservoirs and mitochondria may provide insight into the relatively high rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality in persons living with HIV. In this review, we explore the intricate relationship between HIV and mitochondrial function, highlighting the potential for novel therapeutic strategies in the context of cardiovascular diseases. We reflect on mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial DNA, and mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein in the context of HIV. Furthermore, we summarize how toxicities related to early antiretroviral therapy and current highly active antiretroviral therapy can contribute to mitochondrial dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and poor clinical outcomes. There is a need to understand the mechanisms and develop new targeted therapies. We further consider current and potential future therapies for HIV and their interplay with mitochondria. We reflect on the next-generation antiretroviral therapies and HIV cure due to the direct and indirect effects of HIV persistence, associated comorbidities, coinfections, and the advancement of interdisciplinary research fields. This includes exploring novel and creative approaches to target mitochondria for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antentor O Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (A.O.H., Z.V.)
| | - Alhaji U N'jai
- Biological Sciences, Fourah Bay College and College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone and Koinadugu College, Kabala (A.U.N.)
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (A.O.H., Z.V.)
| | - Celestine Wanjalla
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (C.W.)
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3
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Yu C, Asadian S, Tigano M. Molecular and cellular consequences of mitochondrial DNA double-stranded breaks. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:R12-R18. [PMID: 38779775 PMCID: PMC11112379 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are subcellular organelles essential for life. Beyond their role in producing energy, mitochondria govern various physiological mechanisms, encompassing energy generation, metabolic processes, apoptotic events, and immune responses. Mitochondria also contain genetic material that is susceptible to various forms of damage. Mitochondrial double-stranded breaks (DSB) are toxic lesions that the nucleus repairs promptly. Nevertheless, the significance of DSB repair in mammalian mitochondria is controversial. This review presents an updated view of the available research on the consequences of mitochondrial DNA DSB from the molecular to the cellular level. We discuss the crucial function of mitochondrial DNA damage in regulating processes such as senescence, integrated stress response, and innate immunity. Lastly, we discuss the potential role of mitochondrial DNA DSB in mediating the cellular consequences of ionizing radiations, the standard of care in treating solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxiao Yu
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia 19107, United States
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Samieh Asadian
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina St, Tehran 1416634793, Iran
| | - Marco Tigano
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia 19107, United States
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4
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Moraes CT. Tools for editing the mammalian mitochondrial genome. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:R92-R99. [PMID: 38779768 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The manipulation of animal mitochondrial genomes has long been a challenge due to the lack of an effective transformation method. With the discovery of specific gene editing enzymes, designed to target pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations (often heteroplasmic), the selective removal or modification of mutant variants has become a reality. Because mitochondria cannot efficiently import RNAs, CRISPR has not been the first choice for editing mitochondrial genes. However, the last few years witnessed an explosion in novel and optimized non-CRISPR approaches to promote double-strand breaks or base-edit of mtDNA in vivo. Engineered forms of specific nucleases and cytidine/adenine deaminases form the basis for these techniques. I will review the newest developments that constitute the current toolbox for animal mtDNA gene editing in vivo, bringing these approaches not only to the exploration of mitochondrial function, but also closer to clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos T Moraes
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1600 NW 10th Ave, room 7044, Miami, FL 33136, United States
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5
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Kurzawa-Akanbi M, Tzoumas N, Corral-Serrano JC, Guarascio R, Steel DH, Cheetham ME, Armstrong L, Lako M. Pluripotent stem cell-derived models of retinal disease: Elucidating pathogenesis, evaluating novel treatments, and estimating toxicity. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101248. [PMID: 38369182 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Blindness poses a growing global challenge, with approximately 26% of cases attributed to degenerative retinal diseases. While gene therapy, optogenetic tools, photosensitive switches, and retinal prostheses offer hope for vision restoration, these high-cost therapies will benefit few patients. Understanding retinal diseases is therefore key to advance effective treatments, requiring in vitro models replicating pathology and allowing quantitative assessments for drug discovery. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) provide a unique solution given their limitless supply and ability to differentiate into light-responsive retinal tissues encompassing all cell types. This review focuses on the history and current state of photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell generation from PSCs. We explore the applications of this technology in disease modelling, experimental therapy testing, biomarker identification, and toxicity studies. We consider challenges in scalability, standardisation, and reproducibility, and stress the importance of incorporating vasculature and immune cells into retinal organoids. We advocate for high-throughput automation in data acquisition and analyses and underscore the value of advanced micro-physiological systems that fully capture the interactions between the neural retina, RPE, and choriocapillaris.
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6
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Tian H, Huang D, Wang J, Li H, Gao J, Zhong Y, Xia L, Zhang A, Lin Z, Ke X. The role of the "gut microbiota-mitochondria" crosstalk in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1404995. [PMID: 38741740 PMCID: PMC11089144 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1404995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurologic autoimmune disease whose exact pathophysiologic mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Recent studies have shown that the onset and progression of MS are associated with dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Similarly, a large body of evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction may also have a significant impact on the development of MS. Endosymbiotic theory has found that human mitochondria are microbial in origin and share similar biological characteristics with the gut microbiota. Therefore, gut microbiota and mitochondrial function crosstalk are relevant in the development of MS. However, the relationship between gut microbiota and mitochondrial function in the development of MS is not fully understood. Therefore, by synthesizing previous relevant literature, this paper focuses on the changes in gut microbiota and metabolite composition in the development of MS and the possible mechanisms of the crosstalk between gut microbiota and mitochondrial function in the progression of MS, to provide new therapeutic approaches for the prevention or reduction of MS based on this crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Tian
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dunbing Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaqiang Li
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiaxin Gao
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Zhong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Libin Xia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Anren Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhonghua Lin
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Center for Geriatrics, Fujian Provincia Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaohua Ke
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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7
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Ichegiri A, Kodolikar K, Bagade V, Selukar M, Dey T. Mitochondria: A source of potential biomarkers for non-communicable diseases. Adv Clin Chem 2024; 121:334-365. [PMID: 38797544 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2024.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria, as an endosymbiont of eukaryotic cells, controls multiple cellular activities, including respiration, reactive oxygen species production, fatty acid synthesis, and death. Though the majority of functional mitochondrial proteins are translated through a nucleus-controlled process, very few of them (∼10%) are translated within mitochondria through their own machinery. Germline and somatic mutations in mitochondrial and nuclear DNA significantly impact mitochondrial homeostasis and function. Such modifications disturbing mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolism, or mitophagy eventually resulted in cellular pathophysiology. In this chapter, we discussed the impact of mitochondria and its dysfunction on several non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular problems. Mitochondrial dysfunction and its outcome could be screened by currently available omics-based techniques, flow cytometry, and high-resolution imaging. Such characterization could be evaluated as potential biomarkers to assess the disease burden and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amulya Ichegiri
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Kshitij Kodolikar
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Vaibhavi Bagade
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Mrunal Selukar
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Tuli Dey
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India.
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8
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Neikirk K, Stephens DC, Beasley HK, Marshall AG, Gaddy JA, Damo SM, Hinton AO. Considerations for developing mitochondrial transplantation techniques for individualized medicine. Biotechniques 2024; 76:125-134. [PMID: 38420889 DOI: 10.2144/btn-2023-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Tweetable abstract Mitochondrial transplantation has been used to treat various diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Here, we highlight the considerations in quality control mechanisms that should be considered in the context of mitochondrial transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Dominique C Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Life & Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jennifer A Gaddy
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Steven M Damo
- Department of Life & Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Antentor O Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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9
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Bacman SR, Barrera-Paez JD, Pinto M, Van Booven D, Stewart JB, Griswold AJ, Moraes CT. mitoTALEN reduces the mutant mtDNA load in neurons. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102132. [PMID: 38404505 PMCID: PMC10883830 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Mutations within mtDNA frequently give rise to severe encephalopathies. Given that a majority of these mtDNA defects exist in a heteroplasmic state, we harnessed the precision of mitochondrial-targeted TALEN (mitoTALEN) to selectively eliminate mutant mtDNA within the CNS of a murine model harboring a heteroplasmic mutation in the mitochondrial tRNA alanine gene (m.5024C>T). This targeted approach was accomplished by the use of AAV-PHP.eB and a neuron-specific synapsin promoter for effective neuronal delivery and expression of mitoTALEN. We found that most CNS regions were effectively transduced and showed a significant reduction in mutant mtDNA. This reduction was accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial tRNA alanine levels, which are drastically reduced by the m.5024C>T mutation. These results showed that mitochondrial-targeted gene editing can be effective in reducing CNS-mutant mtDNA in vivo, paving the way for clinical trials in patients with mitochondrial encephalopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra R. Bacman
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jose Domingo Barrera-Paez
- Graduate Program in Human Genetics and Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Milena Pinto
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Derek Van Booven
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - James B. Stewart
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Anthony J. Griswold
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Carlos T. Moraes
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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10
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Yi Z, Zhang X, Tang W, Yu Y, Wei X, Zhang X, Wei W. Strand-selective base editing of human mitochondrial DNA using mitoBEs. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:498-509. [PMID: 37217751 PMCID: PMC10940147 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01791-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A number of mitochondrial diseases in humans are caused by point mutations that could be corrected by base editors, but delivery of CRISPR guide RNAs into the mitochondria is difficult. In this study, we present mitochondrial DNA base editors (mitoBEs), which combine a transcription activator-like effector (TALE)-fused nickase and a deaminase for precise base editing in mitochondrial DNA. Combining mitochondria-localized, programmable TALE binding proteins with the nickase MutH or Nt.BspD6I(C) and either the single-stranded DNA-specific adenine deaminase TadA8e or the cytosine deaminase ABOBEC1 and UGI, we achieve A-to-G or C-to-T base editing with up to 77% efficiency and high specificity. We find that mitoBEs are DNA strand-selective mitochondrial base editors, with editing results more likely to be retained on the nonnicked DNA strand. Furthermore, we correct pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations in patient-derived cells by delivering mitoBEs encoded in circular RNAs. mitoBEs offer a precise, efficient DNA editing tool with broad applicability for therapy in mitochondrial genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyi Yi
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxue Zhang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wei Tang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ying Yu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxu Wei
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wensheng Wei
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China.
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, P.R. China.
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11
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Nikitchina N, Ulashchik E, Shmanai V, Heckel AM, Tarassov I, Mazunin I, Entelis N. Targeting of CRISPR-Cas12a crRNAs into human mitochondria. Biochimie 2024; 217:74-85. [PMID: 37690471 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial gene editing holds great promise as a therapeutic approach for mitochondrial diseases caused by mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Current strategies focus on reducing mutant mtDNA heteroplasmy levels through targeted cleavage or base editing. However, the delivery of editing components into mitochondria remains a challenge. Here we investigate the import of CRISPR-Cas12a system guide RNAs (crRNAs) into human mitochondria and study the structural requirements for this process by northern blot analysis of RNA isolated from nucleases-treated mitoplasts. To investigate whether the fusion of crRNA with known RNA import determinants (MLS) improve its mitochondrial targeting, we added MLS hairpin structures at 3'-end of crRNA and demonstrated that this did not impact crRNA ability to program specific cleavage of DNA in lysate of human cells expressing AsCas12a nuclease. Surprisingly, mitochondrial localization of the fused crRNA molecules was not improved compared to non-modified version, indicating that structured scaffold domain of crRNA can probably function as MLS, assuring crRNA mitochondrial import. Then, we designed a series of crRNAs targeting different regions of mtDNA and demonstrated their ability to program specific cleavage of mtDNA fragments in cell lysate and their partial localization in mitochondrial matrix in human cells transfected with these RNA molecules. We hypothesize that mitochondrial import of crRNAs may depend on their secondary structure/sequence. We presume that imported crRNA allow reconstituting the active crRNA/Cas12a system in human mitochondria, which can contribute to the development of effective strategies for mitochondrial gene editing and potential future treatment of mitochondrial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Nikitchina
- UMR7156 - Molecular Genetics, Genomics, Microbiology, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Egor Ulashchik
- Institute of Physical Organic Chemistry, National Academy of Science of Belarus, Minsk, 220072, Belarus
| | - Vadim Shmanai
- Institute of Physical Organic Chemistry, National Academy of Science of Belarus, Minsk, 220072, Belarus
| | - Anne-Marie Heckel
- UMR7156 - Molecular Genetics, Genomics, Microbiology, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Ivan Tarassov
- UMR7156 - Molecular Genetics, Genomics, Microbiology, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Ilya Mazunin
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, 143026, Russia
| | - Nina Entelis
- UMR7156 - Molecular Genetics, Genomics, Microbiology, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France.
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12
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Lim K. Mitochondrial genome editing: strategies, challenges, and applications. BMB Rep 2024; 57:19-29. [PMID: 38178652 PMCID: PMC10828433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), a multicopy genome found in mitochondria, is crucial for oxidative phosphorylation. Mutations in mtDNA can lead to severe mitochondrial dysfunction in tissues and organs with high energy demand. MtDNA mutations are closely associated with mitochondrial and age-related disease. To better understand the functional role of mtDNA and work toward developing therapeutics, it is essential to advance technology that is capable of manipulating the mitochondrial genome. This review discusses ongoing efforts in mitochondrial genome editing with mtDNA nucleases and base editors, including the tools, delivery strategies, and applications. Future advances in mitochondrial genome editing to address challenges regarding their efficiency and specificity can achieve the promise of therapeutic genome editing. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(1): 19-29].
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayeong Lim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
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13
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Baker ZN, Forny P, Pagliarini DJ. Mitochondrial proteome research: the road ahead. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:65-82. [PMID: 37773518 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00650-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are multifaceted organelles with key roles in anabolic and catabolic metabolism, bioenergetics, cellular signalling and nutrient sensing, and programmed cell death processes. Their diverse functions are enabled by a sophisticated set of protein components encoded by the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. The extent and complexity of the mitochondrial proteome remained unclear for decades. This began to change 20 years ago when, driven by the emergence of mass spectrometry-based proteomics, the first draft mitochondrial proteomes were established. In the ensuing decades, further technological and computational advances helped to refine these 'maps', with current estimates of the core mammalian mitochondrial proteome ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 proteins. The creation of these compendia provided a systemic view of an organelle previously studied primarily in a reductionist fashion and has accelerated both basic scientific discovery and the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Yet numerous challenges remain in understanding mitochondrial biology and translating this knowledge into the medical context. In this Roadmap, we propose a path forward for refining the mitochondrial protein map to enhance its discovery and therapeutic potential. We discuss how emerging technologies can assist the detection of new mitochondrial proteins, reveal their patterns of expression across diverse tissues and cell types, and provide key information on proteoforms. We highlight the power of an enhanced map for systematically defining the functions of its members. Finally, we examine the utility of an expanded, functionally annotated mitochondrial proteome in a translational setting for aiding both diagnosis of mitochondrial disease and targeting of mitochondria for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakery N Baker
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Patrick Forny
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David J Pagliarini
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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14
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Gao Y, Guo L, Wang F, Wang Y, Li P, Zhang D. Development of mitochondrial gene-editing strategies and their potential applications in mitochondrial hereditary diseases: a review. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:11-24. [PMID: 37930294 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a critical genome contained within the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells, with many copies present in each mitochondrion. Mutations in mtDNA often are inherited and can lead to severe health problems, including various inherited diseases and premature aging. The lack of efficient repair mechanisms and the susceptibility of mtDNA to damage exacerbate the threat to human health. Heteroplasmy, the presence of different mtDNA genotypes within a single cell, increases the complexity of these diseases and requires an effective editing method for correction. Recently, gene-editing techniques, including programmable nucleases such as restriction endonuclease, zinc finger nuclease, transcription activator-like effector nuclease, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated 9 and base editors, have provided new tools for editing mtDNA in mammalian cells. Base editors are particularly promising because of their high efficiency and precision in correcting mtDNA mutations. In this review, we discuss the application of these techniques in mitochondrial gene editing and their limitations. We also explore the potential of base editors for mtDNA modification and discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with their application in mitochondrial gene editing. In conclusion, this review highlights the advancements, limitations and opportunities in current mitochondrial gene-editing technologies and approaches. Our insights aim to stimulate the development of new editing strategies that can ultimately alleviate the adverse effects of mitochondrial hereditary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Gao
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Linlin Guo
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peifeng Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dejiu Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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15
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Wei Y, Jin M, Huang S, Yao F, Ren N, Xu K, Li S, Gao P, Zhou Y, Chen Y, Yang H, Li W, Xu C, Zhang M, Wang X. Enhanced C-To-T and A-To-G Base Editing in Mitochondrial DNA with Engineered DdCBE and TALED. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304113. [PMID: 37984866 PMCID: PMC10797475 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial base editing with DddA-derived cytosine base editor (DdCBE) is limited in the accessible target sequences and modest activity. Here, the optimized DdCBE tools is presented with improved editing activity and expanded C-to-T targeting scope by fusing DddA11 variant with different cytosine deaminases with single-strand DNA activity. Compared to previous DdCBE based on DddA11 variant alone, fusion of the activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) from Xenopus laevis not only permits cytosine editing of 5'-GC-3' sequence, but also elevates editing efficiency at 5'-TC-3', 5'-CC-3', and 5'-GC-3' targets by up to 25-, 10-, and 6-fold, respectively. Furthermore, the A-to-G editing efficiency is significantly improved by fusing the evolved DddA6 variant with TALE-linked deoxyadenosine deaminase (TALED). Notably, the authors introduce the reported high-fidelity mutations in DddA and add nuclear export signal (NES) sequences in DdCBE and TALED to reduce off-target editing in the nuclear and mitochondrial genome while improving on-target editing efficiency in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Finally, these engineered mitochondrial base editors are shown to be efficient in installing mtDNA mutations in human cells or mouse embryos for disease modeling. Collectively, the study shows broad implications for the basic study and therapeutic applications of optimized DdCBE and TALED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghui Wei
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio‐Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxi712100China
- School of Future Technology on Bio‐BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxi712100China
| | - Ming Jin
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated HospitalInstitute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular NeurologyFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouFujian350004China
| | - Shuhong Huang
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio‐Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxi712100China
| | - Fangyao Yao
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio‐Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxi712100China
| | - Ningxin Ren
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd.Shanghai200131China
| | - Kun Xu
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio‐Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxi712100China
| | - Shangpu Li
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio‐Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxi712100China
| | - Pengfei Gao
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio‐Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxi712100China
| | - Yingsi Zhou
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd.Shanghai200131China
| | - Yulin Chen
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio‐Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxi712100China
- School of Future Technology on Bio‐BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxi712100China
| | - Hui Yang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd.Shanghai200131China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain‐Inspired IntelligenceShanghai201602China
| | - Wen Li
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
| | - Chunlong Xu
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain‐Inspired IntelligenceShanghai201602China
| | - Meiling Zhang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio‐Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxi712100China
- School of Future Technology on Bio‐BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxi712100China
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16
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Shoop WK, Lape J, Trum M, Powell A, Sevigny E, Mischler A, Bacman SR, Fontanesi F, Smith J, Jantz D, Gorsuch CL, Moraes CT. Efficient elimination of MELAS-associated m.3243G mutant mitochondrial DNA by an engineered mitoARCUS nuclease. Nat Metab 2023; 5:2169-2183. [PMID: 38036771 PMCID: PMC10730414 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00932-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Nuclease-mediated editing of heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) seeks to preferentially cleave and eliminate mutant mtDNA, leaving wild-type genomes to repopulate the cell and shift mtDNA heteroplasmy. Various technologies are available, but many suffer from limitations based on size and/or specificity. The use of ARCUS nucleases, derived from naturally occurring I-CreI, avoids these pitfalls due to their small size, single-component protein structure and high specificity resulting from a robust protein-engineering process. Here we describe the development of a mitochondrial-targeted ARCUS (mitoARCUS) nuclease designed to target one of the most common pathogenic mtDNA mutations, m.3243A>G. mitoARCUS robustly eliminated mutant mtDNA without cutting wild-type mtDNA, allowing for shifts in heteroplasmy and concomitant improvements in mitochondrial protein steady-state levels and respiration. In vivo efficacy was demonstrated using a m.3243A>G xenograft mouse model with mitoARCUS delivered systemically by adeno-associated virus. Together, these data support the development of mitoARCUS as an in vivo gene-editing therapeutic for m.3243A>G-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy K Shoop
- Precision BioSciences, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sandra R Bacman
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Flavia Fontanesi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Carlos T Moraes
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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17
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Chen X, Chen M, Zhu Y, Sun H, Wang Y, Xie Y, Ji L, Wang C, Hu Z, Guo X, Xu Z, Zhang J, Yang S, Liang D, Shen B. Correction of a homoplasmic mitochondrial tRNA mutation in patient-derived iPSCs via a mitochondrial base editor. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1116. [PMID: 37923818 PMCID: PMC10624837 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05500-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic mutations in mitochondrial DNA cause severe and often lethal multi-system symptoms in primary mitochondrial defects. However, effective therapies for these defects are still lacking. Strategies such as employing mitochondrially targeted restriction enzymes or programmable nucleases to shift the ratio of heteroplasmic mutations and allotopic expression of mitochondrial protein-coding genes have limitations in treating mitochondrial homoplasmic mutations, especially in non-coding genes. Here, we conduct a proof of concept study applying a screened DdCBE pair to correct the homoplasmic m.A4300G mutation in induced pluripotent stem cells derived from a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We achieve efficient G4300A correction with limited off-target editing, and successfully restore mitochondrial function in corrected induced pluripotent stem cell clones. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of using DdCBE to treat primary mitochondrial defects caused by homoplasmic pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Mingyue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yuqing Zhu
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Haifeng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yuan Xie
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Lianfu Ji
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Zhibin Hu
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Zhengfeng Xu
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Shiwei Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Dong Liang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Bin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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18
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Nieto-Panqueva F, Rubalcava-Gracia D, Hamel PP, González-Halphen D. The constraints of allotopic expression. Mitochondrion 2023; 73:30-50. [PMID: 37739243 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Allotopic expression is the functional transfer of an organellar gene to the nucleus, followed by synthesis of the gene product in the cytosol and import into the appropriate organellar sub compartment. Here, we focus on mitochondrial genes encoding OXPHOS subunits that were naturally transferred to the nucleus, and critically review experimental evidence that claim their allotopic expression. We emphasize aspects that may have been overlooked before, i.e., when modifying a mitochondrial gene for allotopic expression━besides adapting the codon usage and including sequences encoding mitochondrial targeting signals━three additional constraints should be considered: (i) the average apparent free energy of membrane insertion (μΔGapp) of the transmembrane stretches (TMS) in proteins earmarked for the inner mitochondrial membrane, (ii) the final, functional topology attained by each membrane-bound OXPHOS subunit; and (iii) the defined mechanism by which the protein translocator TIM23 sorts cytosol-synthesized precursors. The mechanistic constraints imposed by TIM23 dictate the operation of two pathways through which alpha-helices in TMS are sorted, that eventually determine the final topology of membrane proteins. We used the biological hydrophobicity scale to assign an average apparent free energy of membrane insertion (μΔGapp) and a "traffic light" color code to all TMS of OXPHOS membrane proteins, thereby predicting which are more likely to be internalized into mitochondria if allotopically produced. We propose that the design of proteins for allotopic expression must make allowance for μΔGapp maximization of highly hydrophobic TMS in polypeptides whose corresponding genes have not been transferred to the nucleus in some organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Nieto-Panqueva
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diana Rubalcava-Gracia
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Division of Molecular Metabolism, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patrice P Hamel
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), School of BioScience and Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Diego González-Halphen
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
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19
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Shamsnajafabadi H, MacLaren RE, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J. Current and Future Landscape in Genetic Therapies for Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. Cells 2023; 12:2013. [PMID: 37566092 PMCID: PMC10416882 DOI: 10.3390/cells12152013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is the most common primary mitochondrial genetic disease that causes blindness in young adults. Over 50 inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations are associated with LHON; however, more than 95% of cases are caused by one of three missense variations (m.11778 G > A, m.3460 G > A, and m.14484 T > C) encoding for subunits ND4, ND1, and ND6 of the respiration complex I, respectively. These variants remain silent until further and currently poorly understood genetic and environmental factors precipitate the visual loss. The clinical course that ensues is variable, and a convincing treatment for LHON has yet to emerge. In 2015, an antioxidant idebenone (Raxone) received European marketing authorisation to treat visual impairment in patients with LHON, and since then it was introduced into clinical practice in several European countries. Alternative therapeutic strategies, including gene therapy and gene editing, antioxidant and neurotrophic agents, mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial replacement, and stem cell therapies are being investigated in how effective they might be in altering the course of the disease. Allotopic gene therapies are in the most advanced stage of development (phase III clinical trials) whilst most other agents are in phase I or II trials or at pre-clinical stages. This manuscript discusses the phenotype and genotype of the LHON disease with complexities and peculiarities such as incomplete penetrance and gender bias, which have challenged the therapies in development emphasising the most recent use of gene therapy. Furthermore, we review the latest results of the three clinical trials based on adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated delivery of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) with mitochondrial targeting sequence, highlighting the differences in the vector design and the rationale behind their use in the allotopic transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Shamsnajafabadi
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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20
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Plascencia-Villa G, Perry G. Exploring Molecular Targets for Mitochondrial Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12486. [PMID: 37569861 PMCID: PMC10419704 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The progressive deterioration of function and structure of brain cells in neurodegenerative diseases is accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction, affecting cellular metabolism, intracellular signaling, cell differentiation, morphogenesis, and the activation of programmed cell death. However, most of the efforts to develop therapies for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease have focused on restoring or maintaining the neurotransmitters in affected neurons, removing abnormal protein aggregates through immunotherapies, or simply treating symptomatology. However, none of these approaches to treating neurodegeneration can stop or reverse the disease other than by helping to maintain mental function and manage behavioral symptoms. Here, we discuss alternative molecular targets for neurodegeneration treatments that focus on mitochondrial functions, including regulation of calcium ion (Ca2+) transport, protein modification, regulation of glucose metabolism, antioxidants, metal chelators, vitamin supplementation, and mitochondrial transference to compromised neurons. After pre-clinical evaluation and studies in animal models, some of these therapeutic compounds have advanced to clinical trials and are expected to have positive outcomes in subjects with neurodegeneration. These mitochondria-targeted therapeutic agents are an alternative to established or conventional molecular targets that have shown limited effectiveness in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germán Plascencia-Villa
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), San Antonio, TX 78249, USA;
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21
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Chang Y, Liu B, Jiang Y, Cao D, Liu Y, Li Y. Induce male sterility by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mitochondrial genome editing in tobacco. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:205. [PMID: 37335501 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01136-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing has become more and more popular in animal and plant systems following the emergence of CRISPR/Cas9 technology. However, target sequence modification by CRISPR/Cas9 has not been reported in the plant mitochondrial genome, mtDNA. In plants, a type of male sterility known as cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) has been associated with certain mitochondrial genes, but few genes have been confirmed by direct mitochondrial gene-targeted modifications. Here, the CMS-associated gene (mtatp9) in tobacco was cleaved using mitoCRISPR/Cas9 with a mitochondrial localization signal. The male-sterile mutant, with aborted stamens, exhibited only 70% of the mtDNA copy number of the wild type and exhibited an altered percentage of heteroplasmic mtatp9 alleles; otherwise, the seed setting rate of the mutant flowers was zero. Transcriptomic analyses showed that glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism and the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, which are all related to aerobic respiration, were inhibited in stamens of the male-sterile gene-edited mutant. In addition, overexpression of the synonymous mutations dsmtatp9 could restore fertility to the male-sterile mutant. Our results strongly suggest that mutation of mtatp9 causes CMS and that mitoCRISPR/Cas9 can be used to modify the mitochondrial genome of plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzi Chang
- Qinghai Province Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Baolong Liu
- Qinghai Province Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yanyan Jiang
- Qinghai Province Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Qinghai University, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
| | - Dong Cao
- Qinghai Province Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yongju Liu
- Qinghai Province Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
| | - Yun Li
- Qinghai Province Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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22
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O'Connor K, Spendiff S, Lochmüller H, Horvath R. Mitochondrial Mutations Can Alter Neuromuscular Transmission in Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome and Mitochondrial Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108505. [PMID: 37239850 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a group of rare, neuromuscular disorders that usually present in childhood or infancy. While the phenotypic presentation of these disorders is diverse, the unifying feature is a pathomechanism that disrupts neuromuscular transmission. Recently, two mitochondrial genes-SLC25A1 and TEFM-have been reported in patients with suspected CMS, prompting a discussion about the role of mitochondria at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Mitochondrial disease and CMS can present with similar symptoms, and potentially one in four patients with mitochondrial myopathy exhibit NMJ defects. This review highlights research indicating the prominent roles of mitochondria at both the pre- and postsynapse, demonstrating the potential for mitochondrial involvement in neuromuscular transmission defects. We propose the establishment of a novel subcategorization for CMS-mitochondrial CMS, due to unifying clinical features and the potential for mitochondrial defects to impede transmission at the pre- and postsynapse. Finally, we highlight the potential of targeting the neuromuscular transmission in mitochondrial disease to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaela O'Connor
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Sally Spendiff
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Rita Horvath
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FD, UK
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23
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Phan HTL, Lee H, Kim K. Trends and prospects in mitochondrial genome editing. Exp Mol Med 2023:10.1038/s12276-023-00973-7. [PMID: 37121968 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00973-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are of fundamental importance in programmed cell death, cellular metabolism, and intracellular calcium concentration modulation, and inheritable mitochondrial disorders via mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation cause several diseases in various organs and systems. Nevertheless, mtDNA editing, which plays an essential role in the treatment of mitochondrial disorders, still faces several challenges. Recently, programmable editing tools for mtDNA base editing, such as cytosine base editors derived from DddA (DdCBEs), transcription activator-like effector (TALE)-linked deaminase (TALED), and zinc finger deaminase (ZFD), have emerged with considerable potential for correcting pathogenic mtDNA variants. In this review, we depict recent advances in the field, including structural biology and repair mechanisms, and discuss the prospects of using base editing tools on mtDNA to broaden insight into their medical applicability for treating mitochondrial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Thi Lam Phan
- Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunji Lee
- Laboratory Animal Resource and Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 28116, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.
- School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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24
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Teper D, White FF, Wang N. The Dynamic Transcription Activator-Like Effector Family of Xanthomonas. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2023; 113:651-666. [PMID: 36449529 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-10-22-0365-kd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) are bacterial proteins that are injected into the eukaryotic nucleus to act as transcriptional factors and function as key virulence factors of the phytopathogen Xanthomonas. TALEs are translocated into plant host cells via the type III secretion system and induce the expression of host susceptibility (S) genes to facilitate disease. The unique modular DNA binding domains of TALEs comprise an array of nearly identical direct repeats that enable binding to DNA targets based on the recognition of a single nucleotide target per repeat. The very nature of TALE structure and function permits the proliferation of TALE genes and evolutionary adaptations in the host to counter TALE function, making the TALE-host interaction the most dynamic story in effector biology. The TALE genes appear to be a relatively young effector gene family, with a presence in all virulent members of some species and absent in others. Genome sequencing has revealed many TALE genes throughout the xanthomonads, and relatively few have been associated with a cognate S gene. Several species, including Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and X. citri pv. citri, have near absolute requirement for TALE gene function, while the genes appear to be just now entering the disease interactions with new fitness contributions to the pathogens of tomato and pepper among others. Deciphering the simple and effective DNA binding mechanism also has led to the development of DNA manipulation tools in fields of gene editing and transgenic research. In the three decades since their discovery, TALE research remains at the forefront of the study of bacterial evolution, plant-pathogen interactions, and synthetic biology. We also discuss critical questions that remain to be addressed regarding TALEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doron Teper
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Frank F White
- Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Nian Wang
- Citrus Research and Education Center, Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, IFAS, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL, U.S.A
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25
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Otsuka T, Matsui H. Fish Models for Exploring Mitochondrial Dysfunction Affecting Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087079. [PMID: 37108237 PMCID: PMC10138900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the progressive loss of neuronal structure or function, resulting in memory loss and movement disorders. Although the detailed pathogenic mechanism has not been elucidated, it is thought to be related to the loss of mitochondrial function in the process of aging. Animal models that mimic the pathology of a disease are essential for understanding human diseases. In recent years, small fish have become ideal vertebrate models for human disease due to their high genetic and histological homology to humans, ease of in vivo imaging, and ease of genetic manipulation. In this review, we first outline the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Then, we highlight the advantages of small fish as model organisms, and present examples of previous studies regarding mitochondria-related neuronal disorders. Lastly, we discuss the applicability of the turquoise killifish, a unique model for aging research, as a model for neurodegenerative diseases. Small fish models are expected to advance our understanding of the mitochondrial function in vivo, the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, and be important tools for developing therapies to treat diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayoshi Otsuka
- Department of Neuroscience of Disease, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Hideaki Matsui
- Department of Neuroscience of Disease, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
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26
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Lear SK, Nunez JA, Shipman SL. High-throughput colocalization pipeline quantifies efficacy of mitochondrial targeting signals across different protein types. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.03.535288. [PMID: 37066162 PMCID: PMC10103990 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.03.535288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Efficient metabolic engineering and the development of mitochondrial therapeutics often rely upon the specific and strong import of foreign proteins into mitochondria. Fusing a protein to a mitochondria-bound signal peptide is a common method to localize proteins to mitochondria, but this strategy is not universally effective with particular proteins empirically failing to localize. To help overcome this barrier, this work develops a generalizable and open-source framework to design proteins for mitochondrial import and quantify their specific localization. By using a Python-based pipeline to quantitatively assess the colocalization of different proteins previously used for precise genome editing in a high-throughput manner, we reveal signal peptide-protein combinations that localize well in mitochondria and, more broadly, general trends about the overall reliability of commonly used mitochondrial targeting signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra K Lear
- Gladstone Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, San Francisco and Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jose A Nunez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Seth L Shipman
- Gladstone Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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27
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Tolle I, Tiranti V, Prigione A. Modeling mitochondrial DNA diseases: from base editing to pluripotent stem-cell-derived organoids. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e55678. [PMID: 36876467 PMCID: PMC10074100 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diseases are multi-systemic disorders caused by mutations affecting a fraction or the entirety of mtDNA copies. Currently, there are no approved therapies for the majority of mtDNA diseases. Challenges associated with engineering mtDNA have in fact hindered the study of mtDNA defects. Despite these difficulties, it has been possible to develop valuable cellular and animal models of mtDNA diseases. Here, we describe recent advances in base editing of mtDNA and the generation of three-dimensional organoids from patient-derived human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Together with already available modeling tools, the combination of these novel technologies could allow determining the impact of specific mtDNA mutations in distinct human cell types and might help uncover how mtDNA mutation load segregates during tissue organization. iPSC-derived organoids could also represent a platform for the identification of treatment strategies and for probing the in vitro effectiveness of mtDNA gene therapies. These studies have the potential to increase our mechanistic understanding of mtDNA diseases and may open the way to highly needed and personalized therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Tolle
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Valeria Tiranti
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Prigione
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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28
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Kalani K, Chaturvedi P, Chaturvedi P, Kumar Verma V, Lal N, Awasthi SK, Kalani A. Mitochondrial mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease: Quest for therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103547. [PMID: 36871845 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial function is essential for maintaining neuronal integrity, because neurons have a high energy demand. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), are exacerbated by mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) attenuates neurodegenerative diseases by eradicating dysfunctional mitochondria. In neurodegenerative disorders, there is disruption of the mitophagy process. High levels of iron also interfere with the mitophagy process and the mtDNA released after mitophagy is proinflammatory and triggers the cGAS-STING pathway that aids AD pathology. In this review, we critically discuss the factors that affect mitochondrial impairment and different mitophagy processes in AD. Furthermore, we discuss the molecules used in mouse studies as well as clinical trials that could result in potential therapeutics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Kalani
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio 78249, TX, USA; Regulatory Scientist, Vestaron Cooperation, Durham 27703, NC, USA
| | - Poonam Chaturvedi
- Department of Physiotherapy, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144402, Punjab, India
| | - Pankaj Chaturvedi
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville 40202, KY, USA
| | - Vinod Kumar Verma
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur 208024, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nand Lal
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur 208024, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sudhir K Awasthi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur 208024, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anuradha Kalani
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur 208024, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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29
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Karaa A, Klopstock T. Clinical trials in mitochondrial diseases. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 194:229-250. [PMID: 36813315 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-821751-1.00002-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Primary mitochondrial diseases are some of the most common and complex inherited inborn errors of metabolism. Their molecular and phenotypic diversity has led to difficulties in finding disease-modifying therapies and clinical trial efforts have been slow due to multiple significant challenges. Lack of robust natural history data, difficulties in finding specific biomarkers, absence of well-validated outcome measures, and small patient numbers have made clinical trial design and conduct difficult. Encouragingly, new interest in treating mitochondrial dysfunction in common diseases and regulatory incentives to develop therapies for rare conditions have led to significant interest and efforts to develop drugs for primary mitochondrial diseases. Here, we review past and present clinical trials and future strategies of drug development in primary mitochondrial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amel Karaa
- Mitochondrial Disease Program, Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Thomas Klopstock
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany; German Network for mitochondrial disorders (mitoNET), Munich, Germany
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30
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Ren B, Guan MX, Zhou T, Cai X, Shan G. Emerging functions of mitochondria-encoded noncoding RNAs. Trends Genet 2023; 39:125-139. [PMID: 36137834 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria, organelles that harbor their own circular genomes, are critical for energy production and homeostasis maintenance in eukaryotic cells. Recent studies discovered hundreds of mitochondria-encoded noncoding RNAs (mt-ncRNAs), including novel subtypes of mitochondria-encoded circular RNAs (mecciRNAs) and mitochondria-encoded double-stranded RNAs (mt-dsRNAs). Here, we discuss the emerging field of mt-ncRNAs by reviewing their expression patterns, biogenesis, metabolism, regulatory roles, and functional mechanisms. Many mt-ncRNAs have regulatory roles in cellular physiology, and some are associated with, or even act as, causal factors in human diseases. We also highlight developments in technologies and methodologies and further insights into future perspectives and challenges in studying these noncoding RNAs, as well as their potential biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Ren
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Disease, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Min-Xin Guan
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Genetic and Developmental Disorder, Institute of Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Tianhua Zhou
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Cell Biology and Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Ge Shan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Disease, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
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31
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Shang D, Huang M, Wang B, Yan X, Wu Z, Zhang X. mtDNA Maintenance and Alterations in the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:578-598. [PMID: 35950246 PMCID: PMC10207910 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220810114644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable evidence indicates that the semiautonomous organelles mitochondria play key roles in the progression of many neurodegenerative disorders. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes components of the OXPHOS complex but mutated mtDNA accumulates in cells with aging, which mirrors the increased prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases. This accumulation stems not only from the misreplication of mtDNA and the highly oxidative environment but also from defective mitophagy after fission. In this review, we focus on several pivotal mitochondrial proteins related to mtDNA maintenance (such as ATAD3A and TFAM), mtDNA alterations including mtDNA mutations, mtDNA elimination, and mtDNA release-activated inflammation to understand the crucial role played by mtDNA in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. Our work outlines novel therapeutic strategies for targeting mtDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehao Shang
- Center of Implant Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Minghao Huang
- Center of Implant Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Biyao Wang
- The VIP Department, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Xu Yan
- The VIP Department, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhou Wu
- Department of Aging Science and Pharmacology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- OBT Research Center, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Xinwen Zhang
- Center of Implant Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
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32
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Advances in Human Mitochondria-Based Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010608. [PMID: 36614050 PMCID: PMC9820658 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are the key biological generators of eukaryotic cells, controlling the energy supply while providing many important biosynthetic intermediates. Mitochondria act as a dynamic, functionally and structurally interconnected network hub closely integrated with other cellular compartments via biomembrane systems, transmitting biological information by shuttling between cells and tissues. Defects and dysregulation of mitochondrial functions are critically involved in pathological mechanisms contributing to aging, cancer, inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, and other severe human diseases. Mediating and rejuvenating the mitochondria may therefore be of significant benefit to prevent, reverse, and even treat such pathological conditions in patients. The goal of this review is to present the most advanced strategies using mitochondria to manage such disorders and to further explore innovative approaches in the field of human mitochondria-based therapies.
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33
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Soldatov VO, Kubekina MV, Skorkina MY, Belykh AE, Egorova TV, Korokin MV, Pokrovskiy MV, Deykin AV, Angelova PR. Current advances in gene therapy of mitochondrial diseases. J Transl Med 2022; 20:562. [PMID: 36471396 PMCID: PMC9724384 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03685-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases (MD) are a heterogeneous group of multisystem disorders involving metabolic errors. MD are characterized by extremely heterogeneous symptoms, ranging from organ-specific to multisystem dysfunction with different clinical courses. Most primary MD are autosomal recessive but maternal inheritance (from mtDNA), autosomal dominant, and X-linked inheritance is also known. Mitochondria are unique energy-generating cellular organelles designed to survive and contain their own unique genetic coding material, a circular mtDNA fragment of approximately 16,000 base pairs. The mitochondrial genetic system incorporates closely interacting bi-genomic factors encoded by the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Understanding the dynamics of mitochondrial genetics supporting mitochondrial biogenesis is especially important for the development of strategies for the treatment of rare and difficult-to-diagnose diseases. Gene therapy is one of the methods for correcting mitochondrial disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav O. Soldatov
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Core Facility Centre, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia ,grid.445984.00000 0001 2224 0652Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia ,grid.445984.00000 0001 2224 0652Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedicine and Animal Health, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia ,grid.465470.4Laboratory of Biophysics of Cell Membranes under Critical State, V.A. Negovsky Scientific Research Institute of General Reanimatology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina V. Kubekina
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Core Facility Centre, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Yu. Skorkina
- grid.445984.00000 0001 2224 0652Department of Biochemistry, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia ,grid.445984.00000 0001 2224 0652Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedicine and Animal Health, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Andrei E. Belykh
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Dioscuri Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tatiana V. Egorova
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail V. Korokin
- grid.445984.00000 0001 2224 0652Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Mikhail V. Pokrovskiy
- grid.445984.00000 0001 2224 0652Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Alexey V. Deykin
- grid.445984.00000 0001 2224 0652Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia ,grid.445984.00000 0001 2224 0652Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedicine and Animal Health, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Plamena R. Angelova
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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34
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Schmiderer L, Yudovich D, Oburoglu L, Hjort M, Larsson J. Site-specific CRISPR-based mitochondrial DNA manipulation is limited by gRNA import. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18687. [PMID: 36333335 PMCID: PMC9636205 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21794-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Achieving CRISPR Cas9-based manipulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been a long-standing goal and would be of great relevance for disease modeling and for clinical applications. In this project, we aimed to deliver Cas9 into the mitochondria of human cells and analyzed Cas9-induced mtDNA cleavage and measured the resulting mtDNA depletion with multiplexed qPCR. In initial experiments, we found that measuring subtle effects on mtDNA copy numbers is challenging because of high biological variability, and detected no significant Cas9-caused mtDNA degradation. To overcome the challenge of being able to detect Cas9 activity on mtDNA, we delivered cytosine base editor Cas9-BE3 to mitochondria and measured its effect (C → T mutations) on mtDNA. Unlike regular Cas9-cutting, this leaves a permanent mark on mtDNA that can be detected with amplicon sequencing, even if the efficiency is low. We detected low levels of C → T mutations in cells that were exposed to mitochondrially targeted Cas9-BE3, but, surprisingly, these occurred regardless of whether a guide RNA (gRNA) specific to the targeted site, or non-targeting gRNA was used. This unspecific off-target activity shows that Cas9-BE3 can technically edit mtDNA, but also strongly indicates that gRNA import to mitochondria was not successful. Going forward mitochondria-targeted Cas9 base editors will be a useful tool for validating successful gRNA delivery to mitochondria without the ambiguity of approaches that rely on quantifying mtDNA copy numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludwig Schmiderer
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 221 00, Lund, Sweden.
- BMC A12, Lund University, 221 84, Lund, Sweden.
| | - David Yudovich
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 221 00, Lund, Sweden
| | - Leal Oburoglu
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 221 00, Lund, Sweden
| | - Martin Hjort
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 00, Lund, Sweden
- MBC Biolabs, Navan Technologies, San Carlos, CA, 94070, USA
| | - Jonas Larsson
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 221 00, Lund, Sweden.
- BMC A12, Lund University, 221 84, Lund, Sweden.
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35
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Falabella M, Minczuk M, Hanna MG, Viscomi C, Pitceathly RDS. Gene therapy for primary mitochondrial diseases: experimental advances and clinical challenges. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:689-698. [PMID: 36257993 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00715-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The variable clinical and biochemical manifestations of primary mitochondrial diseases (PMDs), and the complexity of mitochondrial genetics, have proven to be a substantial barrier to the development of effective disease-modifying therapies. Encouraging data from gene therapy trials in patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and advances in DNA editing techniques have raised expectations that successful clinical transition of genetic therapies for PMDs is feasible. However, obstacles to the clinical application of genetic therapies in PMDs remain; the development of innovative, safe and effective genome editing technologies and vectors will be crucial to their future success and clinical approval. In this Perspective, we review progress towards the genetic treatment of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA-related PMDs. We discuss advances in mitochondrial DNA editing technologies alongside the unique challenges to targeting mitochondrial genomes. Last, we consider ongoing trials and regulatory requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micol Falabella
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Michal Minczuk
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael G Hanna
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- NHS Highly Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders, Queen Square Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Carlo Viscomi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- CESNE - Center for the Study of Neurodegeneration, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Robert D S Pitceathly
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
- NHS Highly Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders, Queen Square Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK.
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36
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Tani H, Ishikawa K, Tamashiro H, Ogasawara E, Yasukawa T, Matsuda S, Shimizu A, Kang D, Hayashi JI, Wei FY, Nakada K. Aberrant RNA processing contributes to the pathogenesis of mitochondrial diseases in trans-mitochondrial mouse model carrying mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) with a pathogenic A2748G mutation. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:9382-9396. [PMID: 35998911 PMCID: PMC9458463 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial tRNAs are indispensable for the intra-mitochondrial translation of genes related to respiratory subunits, and mutations in mitochondrial tRNA genes have been identified in various disease patients. However, the molecular mechanism underlying pathogenesis remains unclear due to the lack of animal models. Here, we established a mouse model, designated 'mito-mice tRNALeu(UUR)2748', that carries a pathogenic A2748G mutation in the tRNALeu(UUR) gene of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The A2748G mutation is orthologous to the human A3302G mutation found in patients with mitochondrial diseases and diabetes. A2748G mtDNA was maternally inherited, equally distributed among tissues in individual mice, and its abundance did not change with age. At the molecular level, A2748G mutation is associated with aberrant processing of precursor mRNA containing tRNALeu(UUR) and mt-ND1, leading to a marked decrease in the steady-levels of ND1 protein and Complex I activity in tissues. Mito-mice tRNALeu(UUR)2748 with ≥50% A2748G mtDNA exhibited age-dependent metabolic defects including hyperglycemia, insulin insensitivity, and hepatic steatosis, resembling symptoms of patients carrying the A3302G mutation. This work demonstrates a valuable mouse model with an inheritable pathological A2748G mutation in mt-tRNALeu(UUR) that shows metabolic syndrome-like phenotypes at high heteroplasmy level. Furthermore, our findings provide molecular basis for understanding A3302G mutation-mediated mitochondrial disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruna Tani
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan,Department of Modomics Biology and Medicine, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kaori Ishikawa
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan,Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tamashiro
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Emi Ogasawara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
| | - Takehiro Yasukawa
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan,Department of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Shigeru Matsuda
- Department of Modomics Biology and Medicine, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan,Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Akinori Shimizu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
| | - Dongchon Kang
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan,Kashiigaoka Rehabilitation Hospital, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 813-0002, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Hayashi
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Fan-Yan Wei
- Department of Modomics Biology and Medicine, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kazuto Nakada
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +81 29 853 6694; Fax: +81 29 853 6614;
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Capristo M, Del Dotto V, Tropeano CV, Fiorini C, Caporali L, La Morgia C, Valentino ML, Montopoli M, Carelli V, Maresca A. Rapamycin rescues mitochondrial dysfunction in cells carrying the m.8344A > G mutation in the mitochondrial tRNA Lys. Mol Med 2022; 28:90. [PMID: 35922766 PMCID: PMC9347137 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-022-00519-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Myoclonus, Epilepsy and Ragged-Red-Fibers (MERRF) is a mitochondrial encephalomyopathy due to heteroplasmic mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) most frequently affecting the tRNALys gene at position m.8344A > G. Defective tRNALys severely impairs mitochondrial protein synthesis and respiratory chain when a high percentage of mutant heteroplasmy crosses the threshold for full-blown clinical phenotype. Therapy is currently limited to symptomatic management of myoclonic epilepsy, and supportive measures to counteract muscle weakness with co-factors/supplements. Methods We tested two therapeutic strategies to rescue mitochondrial function in cybrids and fibroblasts carrying different loads of the m.8344A > G mutation. The first strategy was aimed at inducing mitochondrial biogenesis directly, over-expressing the master regulator PGC-1α, or indirectly, through the treatment with nicotinic acid, a NAD+ precursor. The second was aimed at stimulating the removal of damaged mitochondria through prolonged rapamycin treatment. Results The first approach slightly increased mitochondrial protein expression and respiration in the wild type and intermediate-mutation load cells, but was ineffective in high-mutation load cell lines. This suggests that induction of mitochondrial biogenesis may not be sufficient to rescue mitochondrial dysfunction in MERRF cells with high-mutation load. The second approach, when administered chronically (4 weeks), induced a slight increase of mitochondrial respiration in fibroblasts with high-mutation load, and a significant improvement in fibroblasts with intermediate-mutation load, rescuing completely the bioenergetics defect. This effect was mediated by increased mitochondrial biogenesis, possibly related to the rapamycin-induced inhibition of the Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) and the consequent activation of the Transcription Factor EB (TFEB). Conclusions Overall, our results point to rapamycin-based therapy as a promising therapeutic option for MERRF. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10020-022-00519-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariantonietta Capristo
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Del Dotto
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Concetta Valentina Tropeano
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Fiorini
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leonardo Caporali
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara La Morgia
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Valentino
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Montopoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Largo Meneghetti 2, 3513, Padova, Italy
| | - Valerio Carelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy. .,Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Maresca
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy.
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Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Malfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease: New Therapeutic Hope. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:4759963. [PMID: 35607703 PMCID: PMC9124149 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4759963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria play a critical role in neuron viability or death as it regulates energy metabolism and cell death pathways. They are essential for cellular energy metabolism, reactive oxygen species production, apoptosis, Ca++ homeostasis, aging, and regeneration. Mitophagy and mitochondrial dynamics are thus essential processes in the quality control of mitochondria. Improvements in several fundamental features of mitochondrial biology in susceptible neurons of AD brains and the putative underlying mechanisms of such changes have made significant progress. AD's etiology has been reported by mitochondrial malfunction and oxidative damage. According to several recent articles, a continual fusion and fission balance of mitochondria is vital in their normal function maintenance. As a result, the shape and function of mitochondria are inextricably linked. This study examines evidence suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a significant early impact on AD pathology. Furthermore, the dynamics and roles of mitochondria are discussed with the link between mitochondrial malfunction and autophagy in AD has also been explored. In addition, recent research on mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy in AD is also discussed in this review. It also goes into how these flaws affect mitochondrial quality control. Furthermore, advanced therapy techniques and lifestyle adjustments that lead to improved management of the dynamics have been demonstrated, hence improving the conditions that contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction in AD.
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Barrera-Paez JD, Moraes CT. Mitochondrial genome engineering coming-of-age. Trends Genet 2022; 38:869-880. [PMID: 35599021 PMCID: PMC9283244 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The mitochondrial genome has been difficult to manipulate because it is shielded by the organelle double membranes, preventing efficient nucleic acid entry. Moreover, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) recombination is not a robust system in most species. This limitation has forced investigators to rely on naturally occurring alterations to study both mitochondrial function and pathobiology. Because most pathogenic mtDNA mutations are heteroplasmic, the development of specific nucleases has allowed us to selectively eliminate mutant species. Several 'protein only' gene-editing platforms have been successfully used for this purpose. More recently, a DNA double-strand cytidine deaminase has been identified and adapted to edit mtDNA. This enzyme was also used as a component to adapt a DNA single-strand deoxyadenosine deaminase to mtDNA editing. These are major advances in our ability to precisely alter the mtDNA in animal cells.
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40
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Silva-Pinheiro P, Minczuk M. The potential of mitochondrial genome engineering. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:199-214. [PMID: 34857922 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-021-00432-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are subject to unique genetic control by both nuclear DNA and their own genome, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), of which each mitochondrion contains multiple copies. In humans, mutations in mtDNA can lead to devastating, heritable, multi-system diseases that display different tissue-specific presentation at any stage of life. Despite rapid advances in nuclear genome engineering, for years, mammalian mtDNA has remained resistant to genetic manipulation, hampering our ability to understand the mechanisms that underpin mitochondrial disease. Recent developments in the genetic modification of mammalian mtDNA raise the possibility of using genome editing technologies, such as programmable nucleases and base editors, for the treatment of hereditary mitochondrial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michal Minczuk
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Yoshinaga N, Numata K. Rational Designs at the Forefront of Mitochondria-Targeted Gene Delivery: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:348-359. [PMID: 34979085 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria play an essential role in cellular metabolism and generate energy in cells. To support these functions, several proteins are encoded in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The mutation of mtDNA causes mitochondrial dysfunction and ultimately results in a variety of inherited diseases. To date, gene delivery systems targeting mitochondria have been developed to ameliorate mtDNA mutations. However, applications of these strategies in mitochondrial gene therapy are still being explored and optimized. Thus, from this perspective, we herein highlight recent mitochondria-targeting strategies for gene therapy and discuss future directions for effective mitochondria-targeted gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Yoshinaga
- Biomacromolecule Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Keiji Numata
- Biomacromolecule Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.,Department of Material Chemistry, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Relationship between oxidative stress and lifespan in Daphnia pulex. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2354. [PMID: 35149730 PMCID: PMC8837783 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06279-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Macromolecular damage leading to cell, tissue and ultimately organ dysfunction is a major contributor to aging. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from normal metabolism cause most damage to macromolecules and the mitochondria play a central role in this process as they are the principle source of ROS. The relationship between naturally occurring variations in the mitochondrial (MT) genomes leading to correspondingly less or more ROS and macromolecular damage that changes the rate of aging associated organismal decline remains relatively unexplored. MT complex I, a component of the electron transport chain (ETC), is a key source of ROS and the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (ND5) is a highly conserved core protein of the subunits that constitute the backbone of complex I. Using Daphnia as a model organism, we explored if the naturally occurring sequence variations in ND5 correlate with a short or long lifespan. Our results indicate that the short-lived clones have ND5 variants that correlate with reduced complex I activity, increased oxidative damage, and heightened expression of ROS scavenger enzymes. Daphnia offers a unique opportunity to investigate the association between inherited variations in components of complex I and ROS generation which affects the rate of aging and lifespan.
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In vivo mitochondrial base editing via adeno-associated viral delivery to mouse post-mitotic tissue. Nat Commun 2022; 13:750. [PMID: 35136065 PMCID: PMC8825850 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28358-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria host key metabolic processes vital for cellular energy provision and are central to cell fate decisions. They are subjected to unique genetic control by both nuclear DNA and their own multi-copy genome - mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Mutations in mtDNA often lead to clinically heterogeneous, maternally inherited diseases that display different organ-specific presentation at any stage of life. For a long time, genetic manipulation of mammalian mtDNA has posed a major challenge, impeding our ability to understand the basic mitochondrial biology and mechanisms underpinning mitochondrial disease. However, an important new tool for mtDNA mutagenesis has emerged recently, namely double-stranded DNA deaminase (DddA)-derived cytosine base editor (DdCBE). Here, we test this emerging tool for in vivo use, by delivering DdCBEs into mouse heart using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and show that it can install desired mtDNA edits in adult and neonatal mice. This work provides proof-of-concept for use of DdCBEs to mutagenize mtDNA in vivo in post-mitotic tissues and provides crucial insights into potential translation to human somatic gene correction therapies to treat primary mitochondrial disease phenotypes. Mutations in mitochondrial DNA can lead to clinically heterogeneous disease. Here the authors demonstrate in vivo base editing of mouse mitochondrial DNA in a post-mitotic tissue by AAV delivery of DddA-derived cytosine base editor (DdCBE).
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Mitochondrial Genome Editing to Treat Human Osteoarthritis-A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031467. [PMID: 35163384 PMCID: PMC8835930 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a severe, common chronic orthopaedic disorder characterised by a degradation of the articular cartilage with an incidence that increases over years. Despite the availability of various clinical options, none can stop the irreversible progression of the disease to definitely cure OA. Various mutations have been evidenced in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of cartilage cells (chondrocytes) in OA, leading to a dysfunction of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation processes that significantly contributes to OA cartilage degeneration. The mitochondrial genome, therefore, represents a central, attractive target for therapy in OA, especially using genome editing procedures. In this narrative review article, we present and discuss the current advances and breakthroughs in mitochondrial genome editing as a potential, novel treatment to overcome mtDNA-related disorders such as OA. While still in its infancy and despite a number of challenges that need to be addressed (barriers to effective and site-specific mtDNA editing and repair), such a strategy has strong value to treat human OA in the future, especially using the groundbreaking clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRIPSR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) technology and mitochondrial transplantation approaches.
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Prasuhn J, Brüggemann N. Gene Therapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111840. [PMID: 34828446 PMCID: PMC8623067 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified as a pathophysiological hallmark of disease onset and progression in patients with Parkinsonian disorders. Besides the overall emergence of gene therapies in treating these patients, this highly relevant molecular concept has not yet been defined as a target for gene therapeutic approaches. Methods: This narrative review will discuss the experimental evidence suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction as a viable treatment target in patients with monogenic and idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. In addition, we will focus on general treatment strategies and crucial challenges which need to be overcome. Results: Our current understanding of mitochondrial biology in parkinsonian disorders opens up the avenue for viable treatment strategies in Parkinsonian disorders. Insights can be obtained from primary mitochondrial diseases. However, substantial knowledge gaps and unique challenges of mitochondria-targeted gene therapies need to be addressed to provide innovative treatments in the future. Conclusions: Mitochondria-targeted gene therapies are a potential strategy to improve an important primary disease mechanism in Parkinsonian disorders. However, further studies are needed to address the unique design challenges for mitochondria-targeted gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannik Prasuhn
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany;
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Norbert Brüggemann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany;
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Luthra R, Kaur S, Bhandari K. Applications of CRISPR as a potential therapeutic. Life Sci 2021; 284:119908. [PMID: 34453943 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetic disorders and congenital abnormalities are present in 2-5% of births all over the world and can cause up to 50% of all early childhood deaths. The establishment of sophisticated and controlled techniques for customizing DNA manipulation is significant for the therapeutic role in such disorders and further research on them. One such technique is CRISPR that is significant towards optimizing genome editing and therapies, metabolic fluxes as well as artificial genetic systems. CRISPR-Cas9 is a molecular appliance that is applied in the areas of genetic and protein engineering. The CRISPR-CAS system is an integral element of prokaryotic adaptive immunity that allows prokaryotic cells to identify and kill any foreign DNA. The Gene editing property of CRISPR finds various applications like diagnostics and therapeutics in cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, genetic diseases, blindness, etc. This review discusses applications of CRISPR as a therapeutic in various disorders including several genetic diseases (including sickle cell anemia, blindness, thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, hereditary tyrosinemia type I, duchenne muscular dystrophy, mitochondrial disorders), Cancer, Huntington's disease and viral infections (like HIV, COVID, etc.) along with the prospects concerning them. CRISPR-based therapy is also being researched and defined for COVID-19. The related mechanism of CRISPR has been discussed alongside highlighting challenges involved in therapeutic applications of CRISPR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Luthra
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Simran Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Kriti Bhandari
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India.
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Tang JX, Pyle A, Taylor RW, Oláhová M. Interrogating Mitochondrial Biology and Disease Using CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101604. [PMID: 34680998 PMCID: PMC8536160 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial disease originates from genetic changes that impact human bodily functions by disrupting the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system. MitoCarta is a curated and published inventory that sheds light on the mitochondrial proteome, but the function of some mitochondrially-localised proteins remains poorly characterised. Consequently, various gene editing systems have been employed to uncover the involvement of these proteins in mitochondrial biology and disease. CRISPR/Cas9 is an efficient, versatile, and highly accurate genome editing tool that was first introduced over a decade ago and has since become an indispensable tool for targeted genetic manipulation in biological research. The broad spectrum of CRISPR/Cas9 applications serves as an attractive and tractable system to study genes and pathways that are essential for the regulation and maintenance of mitochondrial health. It has opened possibilities of generating reliable cell and animal models of human disease, and with further exploitation of the technology, large-scale genomic screenings have uncovered a wealth of fundamental mechanistic insights. In this review, we describe the applications of CRISPR/Cas9 system as a genome editing tool to uncover new insights into pathomechanisms of mitochondrial diseases and/or biological processes involved in mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xin Tang
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (J.-X.T.); (A.P.); (R.W.T.)
| | - Angela Pyle
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (J.-X.T.); (A.P.); (R.W.T.)
| | - Robert W. Taylor
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (J.-X.T.); (A.P.); (R.W.T.)
- NHS Highly Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Monika Oláhová
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (J.-X.T.); (A.P.); (R.W.T.)
- Correspondence:
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Bhardwaj A, Nain V. TALENs-an indispensable tool in the era of CRISPR: a mini review. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2021; 19:125. [PMID: 34420096 PMCID: PMC8380213 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-021-00225-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genome of an organism has always fascinated life scientists. With the discovery of restriction endonucleases, scientists were able to make targeted manipulations (knockouts) in any gene sequence of any organism, by the technique popularly known as genome engineering. Though there is a range of genome editing tools, but this era of genome editing is dominated by the CRISPR/Cas9 tool due to its ease of design and handling. But, when it comes to clinical applications, CRISPR is not usually preferred. In this review, we will elaborate on the structural and functional role of designer nucleases with emphasis on TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system. We will also present the unique features of TALENs and limitations of CRISPRs which makes TALENs a better genome editing tool than CRISPRs. MAIN BODY Genome editing is a robust technology used to make target specific DNA modifications in the genome of any organism. With the discovery of robust programmable endonucleases-based designer gene manipulating tools such as meganucleases (MN), zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated protein (CRISPR/Cas9), the research in this field has experienced a tremendous acceleration giving rise to a modern era of genome editing with better precision and specificity. Though, CRISPR-Cas9 platform has successfully gained more attention in the scientific world, TALENs and ZFNs are unique in their own ways. Apart from high-specificity, TALENs are proven to target the mitochondrial DNA (mito-TALEN), where gRNA of CRISPR is difficult to import. This review talks about genome editing goals fulfilled by TALENs and drawbacks of CRISPRs. CONCLUSIONS This review provides significant insights into the pros and cons of the two most popular genome editing tools TALENs and CRISPRs. This mini review suggests that, TALENs provides novel opportunities in the field of therapeutics being highly specific and sensitive toward DNA modifications. In this article, we will briefly explore the special features of TALENs that makes this tool indispensable in the field of synthetic biology. This mini review provides great perspective in providing true guidance to the researchers working in the field of trait improvement via genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Bhardwaj
- Department of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201312, India
| | - Vikrant Nain
- Department of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201312, India.
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McKnight CL, Low YC, Elliott DA, Thorburn DR, Frazier AE. Modelling Mitochondrial Disease in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: What Have We Learned? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7730. [PMID: 34299348 PMCID: PMC8306397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases disrupt cellular energy production and are among the most complex group of inherited genetic disorders. Affecting approximately 1 in 5000 live births, they are both clinically and genetically heterogeneous, and can be highly tissue specific, but most often affect cell types with high energy demands in the brain, heart, and kidneys. There are currently no clinically validated treatment options available, despite several agents showing therapeutic promise. However, modelling these disorders is challenging as many non-human models of mitochondrial disease do not completely recapitulate human phenotypes for known disease genes. Additionally, access to disease-relevant cell or tissue types from patients is often limited. To overcome these difficulties, many groups have turned to human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to model mitochondrial disease for both nuclear-DNA (nDNA) and mitochondrial-DNA (mtDNA) contexts. Leveraging the capacity of hPSCs to differentiate into clinically relevant cell types, these models permit both detailed investigation of cellular pathomechanisms and validation of promising treatment options. Here we catalogue hPSC models of mitochondrial disease that have been generated to date, summarise approaches and key outcomes of phenotypic profiling using these models, and discuss key criteria to guide future investigations using hPSC models of mitochondrial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron L. McKnight
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.L.M.); (Y.C.L.); (D.A.E.); (D.R.T.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Yau Chung Low
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.L.M.); (Y.C.L.); (D.A.E.); (D.R.T.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - David A. Elliott
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.L.M.); (Y.C.L.); (D.A.E.); (D.R.T.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - David R. Thorburn
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.L.M.); (Y.C.L.); (D.A.E.); (D.R.T.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Ann E. Frazier
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.L.M.); (Y.C.L.); (D.A.E.); (D.R.T.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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Fu L, Luo YX, Liu Y, Liu H, Li HZ, Yu Y. Potential of Mitochondrial Genome Editing for Human Fertility Health. Front Genet 2021; 12:673951. [PMID: 34354734 PMCID: PMC8329452 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.673951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes vital proteins and RNAs for the normal functioning of the mitochondria. Mutations in mtDNA leading to mitochondrial dysfunction are relevant to a large spectrum of diseases, including fertility disorders. Since mtDNA undergoes rather complex processes during gametogenesis and fertilization, clarification of the changes and functions of mtDNA and its essential impact on gamete quality and fertility during this process is of great significance. Thanks to the emergence and rapid development of gene editing technology, breakthroughs have been made in mitochondrial genome editing (MGE), offering great potential for the treatment of mtDNA-related diseases. In this review, we summarize the features of mitochondria and their unique genome, emphasizing their inheritance patterns; illustrate the role of mtDNA in gametogenesis and fertilization; and discuss potential therapies based on MGE as well as the outlook in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Fu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Xin Luo
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Food Inspection and Quarantine Technology Center of Shenzhen Customs District, FICS, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Zhen Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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