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Fleischmann Z, Cote-L'Heureux A, Franco M, Oreshkov S, Annis S, Khrapko M, Aidlen D, Popadin K, Woods DC, Tilly JL, Khrapko K. Reanalysis of mtDNA mutations of human primordial germ cells (PGCs) reveals NUMT contamination and suggests that selection in PGCs may be positive. Mitochondrion 2024; 74:101817. [PMID: 37914096 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2023.10.005] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The resilience of the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) to a high mutational pressure depends, in part, on negative purifying selection in the germline. A paradigm in the field has been that such selection, at least in part, takes place in primordial germ cells (PGCs). Specifically, Floros et al. (Nature Cell Biology 20: 144-51) reported an increase in the synonymity of mtDNA mutations (a sign of purifying selection) between early-stage and late-stage PGCs. We re-analyzed Floros' et al. data and determined that their mutational dataset was significantly contaminated with single nucleotide variants (SNVs) derived from a nuclear sequence of mtDNA origin (NUMT) located on chromosome 5. Contamination was caused by co-amplification of the NUMT sequence by cross-specific PCR primers. Importantly, when we removed NUMT-derived SNVs, the evidence of purifying selection was abolished. In addition to bulk PGCs, Floros et al. reported the analysis of single-cell late-stage PGCs, which were amplified with different sets of PCR primers that cannot amplify the NUMT sequence. Accordingly, there were no NUMT-derived SNVs among single PGC mutations. Interestingly, single PGC mutations show adecreaseof synonymity with increased intracellular mutant fraction. More specifically, nonsynonymous mutations show faster intracellular genetic drift towards higher mutant fraction than synonymous ones. This pattern is incompatible with predominantly negative selection. This suggests that germline selection of mtDNA mutations is a complex phenomenon and that the part of this process that takes place in PGCs may be predominantly positive. However counterintuitive, positive germline selection of detrimental mtDNA mutations has been reported previously andpotentially may be evolutionarily advantageous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë Fleischmann
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Melissa Franco
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sergey Oreshkov
- Center for Mitochondrial Functional Genomics, Institute of Living Systems, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236040 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Sofia Annis
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark Khrapko
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dylan Aidlen
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Konstantin Popadin
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Center for Mitochondrial Functional Genomics, Institute of Living Systems, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236040 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Dori C Woods
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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Picca A, Guerra F, Calvani R, Coelho-Júnior HJ, Leeuwenburgh C, Bucci C, Marzetti E. The contribution of mitochondrial DNA alterations to aging, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Exp Gerontol 2023; 178:112203. [PMID: 37172915 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is as a double-stranded molecule existing in hundreds to thousands copies in cells depending on cell metabolism and exposure to endogenous and/or environmental stressors. The coordination of mtDNA replication and transcription regulates the pace of mitochondrial biogenesis to guarantee the minimum number of organelles per cell. mtDNA inheritance follows a maternal lineage, although bi-parental inheritance has been reported in some species and in the case of mitochondrial diseases in humans. mtDNA mutations (e.g., point mutations, deletions, copy number variations) have been identified in the setting of several human diseases. For instance, sporadic and inherited rare disorders involving the nervous system as well higher risk of developing cancer and neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, have been associated with polymorphic mtDNA variants. An accrual of mtDNA mutations has also been identified in several tissues and organs, including heart and muscle, of old experimental animals and humans, which may contribute to the development of aging phenotypes. The role played by mtDNA homeostasis and mtDNA quality control pathways in human health is actively investigated for the possibility of developing targeted therapeutics for a wide range of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Picca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University, 70100 Casamassima, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Flora Guerra
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calvani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Hélio José Coelho-Júnior
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cecilia Bucci
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Emanuele Marzetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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3
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Amor H, Hammadeh ME. A Systematic Review of the Impact of Mitochondrial Variations on Male Infertility. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071182. [PMID: 35885965 PMCID: PMC9325252 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
According to current estimates, infertility affects one in four couples trying to conceive. Primary or secondary infertility can be due either to both partners or only to the man or the woman. Up to 15% of infertility cases in men can be attributed to genetic factors that can lead to irreversible partial or complete spermatogenic arrest. The increased use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has provided not only insights into the causes of male infertility but also afforded a diagnostic tool to detect and manage this condition among couples. Genes control a variety of physiological attributes, such as the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, development, and germ cell differentiation. In the era of ART, it is important to understand the genetic basis of infertility so as to provide the most tailored therapy and counseling to couples. Genetic factors involved in male infertility can be chromosome abnormalities or single-gene disorders, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations, Y-chromosome deletions, multifactorial disorders, imprinting disorders, or endocrine disorders of genetic origin. In this review, we discuss the role of mitochondria and the mitochondrial genome as an indicator of sperm quality and fertility.
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Abstract
In the course of its short history, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has made a long journey from obscurity to the forefront of research on major biological processes. mtDNA alterations have been found in all major disease groups, and their significance remains the subject of intense research. Despite remarkable progress, our understanding of the major aspects of mtDNA biology, such as its replication, damage, repair, transcription, maintenance, etc., is frustratingly limited. The path to better understanding mtDNA and its role in cells, however, remains torturous and not without errors, which sometimes leave a long trail of controversy behind them. This review aims to provide a brief summary of our current knowledge of mtDNA and highlight some of the controversies that require attention from the mitochondrial research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna Shokolenko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Mikhail Alexeyev
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
- Correspondence:
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Alberico HC, Woods DC. Role of Granulosa Cells in the Aging Ovarian Landscape: A Focus on Mitochondrial and Metabolic Function. Front Physiol 2022; 12:800739. [PMID: 35153812 PMCID: PMC8829508 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.800739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are at the intersection of aging and fertility, with research efforts centered largely on the role that these specialized organelles play in the relatively rapid decline in oocyte quality that occurs as females approach reproductive senescence. In addition to various roles in oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryogenesis, mitochondria are critical to granulosa cell function. Herein, we provide a review of the literature pertaining to the role of mitochondria in granulosa cell function, with emphasis on how mitochondrial aging in granulosa cells may impact reproduction in female mammals.
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Pazoki S, Rahimian H, Struck TH. Genetic diversity and population structure of three Hydroides species (Sedentaria, Serpulidae) in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, with the possible indication of heteroplasmy. SYST BIODIVERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2021.1965668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Pazoki
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Rahimian
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Torsten H. Struck
- Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1172, Blindern, Oslo, NO-0318, Norway
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Mitochondrial DNA in forensic use. Emerg Top Life Sci 2021; 5:415-426. [PMID: 34374411 PMCID: PMC8457767 DOI: 10.1042/etls20210204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has always been a useful tool for forensic geneticists, mainly because of its ubiquitous presence in biological material, even in the absence of nuclear DNA. Sequencing, however, is not a skill that is part of the routine forensic analysis because of the relative rarity of requests, and the need for retention of necessary skill sets and associated accreditation issues. While standard Sanger sequencing may be relatively simple, many requests are made in the face of compromised biological samples. Newer technologies, provided through massively parallel sequencing (MPS), will increase the opportunity for scientists to include this tool in their routine, particularly for missing person investigations. MPS has also enabled a different approach to sequencing that can increase sensitivity in a more targeted approach. In these circumstances it is likely that only a laboratory that specialises in undertaking forensic mtDNA analysis will be able to take these difficult cases forward, more so because reviews of the literature have revealed significantly high levels of typing errors in publications reporting mtDNA sequences. The forensic community has set out important guidelines, not only in the practical aspects of analysis, but also in the interpretation of that sequence to ensure that accurate comparisons can be made. Analysis of low-level, compromised and ancient DNA is not easy, however, as contamination is extremely difficult to eliminate and circumstances leading to sequencing errors are all too easily introduced. These problems, and solutions, are discussed in the article in relation to several historic cases.
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Marshall C, Parson W. Interpreting NUMTs in forensic genetics: Seeing the forest for the trees. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2021; 53:102497. [PMID: 33740708 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2021.102497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) segments (NUMTs) were discovered shortly after sequencing the first human mitochondrial genome. They have earlier been considered to represent archaic elements of ancient insertion events, but modern sequencing technologies and growing databases of mtDNA and NUMT sequences confirm that they are abundant and some of them phylogenetically young. Here, we build upon mtDNA/NUMT review articles published in the mid 2010 s and focus on the distinction of NUMTs and other artefacts that can be observed in aligned sequence reads, such as mixtures (contamination), point heteroplasmy, sequencing error and cytosine deamination. We show practical examples of the effect of the mtDNA enrichment method on the representation of NUMTs in the mapped sequence data and discuss methods to bioinformatically filter NUMTs from mtDNA reads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charla Marshall
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System's Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFMES-AFDIL), Dover Air Force Base, DE 19902, USA; SNA International, Contractor Supporting the AFMES-AFDIL, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA; Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Walther Parson
- Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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Lutz-Bonengel S, Niederstätter H, Naue J, Koziel R, Yang F, Sänger T, Huber G, Berger C, Pflugradt R, Strobl C, Xavier C, Volleth M, Weiß SC, Irwin JA, Romsos EL, Vallone PM, Ratzinger G, Schmuth M, Jansen-Dürr P, Liehr T, Lichter P, Parsons TJ, Pollak S, Parson W. Evidence for multi-copy Mega-NUMTs in the human genome. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:1517-1531. [PMID: 33450006 PMCID: PMC7897518 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The maternal mode of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) inheritance is central to human genetics. Recently, evidence for bi-parental inheritance of mtDNA was claimed for individuals of three pedigrees that suffered mitochondrial disorders. We sequenced mtDNA using both direct Sanger and Massively Parallel Sequencing in several tissues of eleven maternally related and other affiliated healthy individuals of a family pedigree and observed mixed mitotypes in eight individuals. Cells without nuclear DNA, i.e. thrombocytes and hair shafts, only showed the mitotype of haplogroup (hg) V. Skin biopsies were prepared to generate ρ° cells void of mtDNA, sequencing of which resulted in a hg U4c1 mitotype. The position of the Mega-NUMT sequence was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization and two different quantitative PCR assays were used to determine the number of contributing mtDNA copies. Thus, evidence for the presence of repetitive, full mitogenome Mega-NUMTs matching haplogroup U4c1 in various tissues of eight maternally related individuals was provided. Multi-copy Mega-NUMTs mimic mixtures of mtDNA that cannot be experimentally avoided and thus may appear in diverse fields of mtDNA research and diagnostics. We demonstrate that hair shaft mtDNA sequencing provides a simple but reliable approach to exclude NUMTs as source of misleading results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Lutz-Bonengel
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Harald Niederstätter
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Jana Naue
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Rafal Koziel
- Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Fengtang Yang
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Timo Sänger
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Gabriela Huber
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Cordula Berger
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - René Pflugradt
- State Investigation Department of Lower Saxony, Hannover 30169, Germany
| | - Christina Strobl
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Catarina Xavier
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Marianne Volleth
- Magdeburg University Hospital, Institute of Human Genetics, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg 39120, Germany
| | - Sandra Carina Weiß
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Jodi A Irwin
- DNA Support Unit, FBI Laboratory, Quantico, VA 22135, USA
| | - Erica L Romsos
- U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Biomolecular Measurement Division, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Peter M Vallone
- U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Biomolecular Measurement Division, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Gudrun Ratzinger
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Matthias Schmuth
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Pidder Jansen-Dürr
- Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Thomas Liehr
- Jena University Hospital, Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Peter Lichter
- German Cancer Research Center, Molecular Genetics, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Thomas J Parsons
- International Commission on Missing Persons, The Hague 2514 AA, Netherlands
- Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Stefan Pollak
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
- Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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Al Smadi MA, Hammadeh ME, Solomayer E, Batiha O, Altalib MM, Jahmani MY, Shboul MA, Nusair B, Amor H. Impact of Mitochondrial Genetic Variants in ND1, ND2, ND5, and ND6 Genes on Sperm Motility and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Outcomes. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:1540-1555. [PMID: 33475980 PMCID: PMC8076152 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00449-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sperm mitochondrial dysfunction causes the generation of an insufficient amount of energy needed for sperm motility. This will affect sperm fertilization capacity, and thus, most asthenozoospermic men usually require assisted reproductive techniques. The etiology of asthenozoospermia remains largely unknown. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of mitochondrial genetic variants on sperm motility and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes. A total of 150 couples from the ICSI cycle were enrolled in this study. One hundred five of the male partners were asthenozoospermic patients, and they were subdivided into three groups according to their percentage of sperm motility, while forty-five of the male partners were normozoospermic. Genetic variants were screened using direct Sanger’s sequencing in four mitochondrial genes (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) dehydrogenase 1 (ND1), NADH dehydrogenase 2 (ND2), NADH dehydrogenase 5 (ND5), and NADH dehydrogenase 6 (ND6)). We identified three significant variants: 13708G>A (rs28359178) in ND5, 4216T>C (rs1599988) in ND1, and a novel 12506T>A in ND5 with P values 0.006, 0.036, and 0.013, respectively. The medians of sperm motility, fertilization rate, embryo cleavage score, and embryo quality score were significantly different between men showing 4216T>C, 12506T>A, 13708G>A and wild type, Mann-Whitney P values for the differences in the medians were < 0.05 in all of them. The results from this study suggest that 13708G>A, 12506T>A, and 4216 T>C variants in sperm mitochondrial DNA negatively affect sperm motility and ICSI outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A Al Smadi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
| | - Mohamad Eid Hammadeh
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Erich Solomayer
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Osamah Batiha
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | - Mohammad Y Jahmani
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Mohammad A Shboul
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Bassam Nusair
- Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Unit, King Hussein Medical Centre, Amman, Jordan
| | - Houda Amor
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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de Melo KP, Camargo M. Mechanisms for sperm mitochondrial removal in embryos. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1868:118916. [PMID: 33276010 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different animal species have different characteristics regarding the transmission of mitochondrial DNA. While some species have biparental mitochondrial inheritance, others have developed pathways to remove paternal mtDNA. These pathways guarantee the uniparental mitochondrial inheritance, so far well known in mammals, avoiding heteroplasmy, which may have the potential to cause certain mitochondrial diseases in the offspring. SCOPE OF REVIEW This review aims to address the main mechanisms that involve mitochondrial degradation in different animal species, as well as to describe what is present in the literature on the mechanisms involved in mitochondrial inheritance. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Two theories are proposed to explain the uniparental inheritance of mtDNA: (i) active degradation, where mechanisms for paternal mitochondrial DNA elimination involve mitochondrial degradation pathway by autophagy and, in some species, may also involve the endocytic degradation pathway; and (ii) passive dilution, where the paternal mitochondria are diluted in the cells of the embryo according to cell division, until becoming undetectable. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE This work brings a wide review of the already published evidence on mitochondrial inheritance in the animal kingdom and the possible mechanisms to mtDNA transmission already described in literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Pacheco de Melo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Camargo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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12
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Bordoni L, Gabbianelli R. Mitochondrial DNA and Neurodegeneration: Any Role for Dietary Antioxidants? Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E764. [PMID: 32824558 PMCID: PMC7466149 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9080764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of the mitochondrial function is essential in preventing and counteracting neurodegeneration. In particular, mitochondria of neuronal cells play a pivotal role in sustaining the high energetic metabolism of these cells and are especially prone to oxidative damage. Since overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration, dietary antioxidants have been suggested to counteract the detrimental effects of ROS and to preserve the mitochondrial function, thus slowing the progression and limiting the extent of neuronal cell loss in neurodegenerative disorders. In addition to their role in the redox-system homeostasis, mitochondria are unique organelles in that they contain their own genome (mtDNA), which acts at the interface between environmental exposures and the molecular triggers of neurodegeneration. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that mtDNA (including both genetics and, from recent evidence, epigenetics) might play relevant roles in modulating the risk for neurodegenerative disorders. This mini-review describes the link between the mitochondrial genome and cellular oxidative status, with a particular focus on neurodegeneration; moreover, it provides an overview on potential beneficial effects of antioxidants in preserving mitochondrial functions through the protection of mtDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bordoni
- Unit of Molecular Biology, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
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13
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Wei W, Chinnery PF. Inheritance of mitochondrial DNA in humans: implications for rare and common diseases. J Intern Med 2020; 287:634-644. [PMID: 32187761 PMCID: PMC8641369 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The first draft human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence was published in 1981, paving the way for two decades of discovery linking mtDNA variation with human disease. Severe pathogenic mutations cause sporadic and inherited rare disorders that often involve the nervous system. However, some mutations cause mild organ-specific phenotypes that have a reduced clinical penetrance, and polymorphic variation of mtDNA is associated with an altered risk of developing several late-onset common human diseases including Parkinson's disease. mtDNA mutations also accumulate during human life and are enriched in affected organs in a number of age-related diseases. Thus, mtDNA contributes to a wide range of human pathologies. For many decades, it has generally been accepted that mtDNA is inherited exclusively down the maternal line in humans. Although recent evidence has challenged this dogma, whole-genome sequencing has identified nuclear-encoded mitochondrial sequences (NUMTs) that can give the false impression of paternally inherited mtDNA. This provides a more likely explanation for recent reports of 'bi-parental inheritance', where the paternal alleles are actually transmitted through the nuclear genome. The presence of both mutated and wild-type variant alleles within the same individual (heteroplasmy) and rapid shifts in allele frequency can lead to offspring with variable severity of disease. In addition, there is emerging evidence that selection can act for and against specific mtDNA variants within the developing germ line, and possibly within developing tissues. Thus, understanding how mtDNA is inherited has far-reaching implications across medicine. There is emerging evidence that this highly dynamic system is amenable to therapeutic manipulation, raising the possibility that we can harness new understanding to prevent and treat rare and common human diseases where mtDNA mutations play a key role.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Wei
- From the, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - P F Chinnery
- From the, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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14
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Slone J, Luo S, Atwal PS, Huang T. Reply to Annis et al.: Is quasi-Mendelian mtDNA competition enough to drive transmission of paternal mtDNA? Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:14799-14800. [PMID: 31311873 PMCID: PMC6660767 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1909445116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Slone
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
| | - Shiyu Luo
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530003 Guangxi, China
| | - Paldeep S Atwal
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic Hospital, Jacksonville, FL 32224
| | - Taosheng Huang
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229;
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15
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Annis S, Fleischmann Z, Khrapko M, Franco M, Wasko K, Woods D, Kunz WS, Ellis P, Khrapko K. Quasi-Mendelian paternal inheritance of mitochondrial DNA: A notorious artifact, or anticipated behavior? Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:14797-14798. [PMID: 31311874 PMCID: PMC6660754 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1821436116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Annis
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Zoe Fleischmann
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Mark Khrapko
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Melissa Franco
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Kevin Wasko
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Dori Woods
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Wolfram S Kunz
- Department of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Ellis
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Kent CT2 7NJ, United Kingdom
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