A Select Subset of Electron Transport Chain Genes Associated with Optic Atrophy Link Mitochondria to Axon Regeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans

Context-specific interaction of the lipid regulator DIP-2 with phospholipid synthesis in axon regeneration and maintenance

Neurons maintain their morphology over prolonged periods of adult life with limited regeneration after injury. C. elegans DIP-2 is a conserved regulator of lipid metabolism that affects axon maintenance and regeneration after injury. Here, we investigated genetic interactions of dip-2 with mutants in genes involved in lipid biosynthesis and identified roles of phospholipids in axon regrowth and maintenance. CEPT-2 and EPT-1 are enzymes catalyzing the final steps in the de novo phospholipid synthesis (Kennedy) pathway. Loss of function mutants of cept-2 or ept-1 show reduced axon regrowth and failure to maintain axon morphology. We demonstrate that CEPT-2 is cell-autonomously required to prevent age-related axonal defects. Interestingly, loss of function in dip-2 led to suppression of the axon regrowth phenotype observed in either cept-2 or ept-2 mutants, suggesting that DIP-2 acts to counterbalance phospholipid synthesis. Our findings reveal the genetic regulation of lipid metabolism to be critical for axon maintenance under injury and during aging.

Article Summary

Little is known about how adult neurons live long with limited regenerative capacity. This study investigates the role of lipid metabolism in sustaining neuronal health in C. elegans. Mutating phospholipid synthetic genes impairs axon regrowth after injury. Lack of DIP-2, a lipid regulator, restores regrowth, suggesting DIP-2 counterbalances phospholipid synthesis. Moreover, neuronal phospholipid synthesis is essential for preventing age-dependent axonal defects. These findings reveal phospholipid biosynthesis is key to axon integrity during aging and injury. As lipid metabolism is implicated in neurological disorders, this study serves as an entry point into investigating neuronal lipid biology under various conditions.

CMTR-1 RNA methyltransferase mutations activate widespread expression of a dopaminergic neuron-specific mitochondrial complex I gene

The mitochondrial proteome is comprised of approximately 1,100 proteins,1 all but 12 of which are encoded by the nuclear genome in C. elegans. The expression of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins varies widely across cell lineages and metabolic states,2,3,4 but the factors that specify these programs are not known. Here, we identify mutations in two nuclear-localized mRNA processing proteins, CMTR1/CMTR-1 and SRRT/ARS2/SRRT-1, which we show act via the same mechanism to rescue the mitochondrial complex I mutant NDUFS2/gas-1(fc21). CMTR-1 is an FtsJ-family RNA methyltransferase that, in mammals, 2'-O-methylates the first nucleotide 3' to the mRNA CAP to promote RNA stability and translation5,6,7,8. The mutations isolated in cmtr-1 are dominant and lie exclusively in the regulatory G-patch domain. SRRT-1 is an RNA binding partner of the nuclear cap-binding complex and determines mRNA transcript fate.9 We show that cmtr-1 and srrt-1 mutations activate embryonic expression of NDUFS2/nduf-2.2, a paralog of NDUFS2/gas-1 normally expressed only in dopaminergic neurons, and that nduf-2.2 is necessary for the complex I rescue by the cmtr-1 G-patch mutant. Additionally, we find that loss of the cmtr-1 G-patch domain cause ectopic localization of CMTR-1 protein to processing bodies (P bodies), phase-separated organelles involved in mRNA storage and decay.10 P-body localization of the G-patch mutant CMTR-1 contributes to the rescue of the hyperoxia sensitivity of the NDUFS2/gas-1 mutant. This study suggests that mRNA methylation at P bodies may control nduf-2.2 gene expression, with broader implications for how the mitochondrial proteome is translationally remodeled in the face of tissue-specific metabolic requirements and stress.

Mitophagy in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis

Mitochondria are critical cellular energy resources and are central to the life of the neuron. Mitophagy selectively clears damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria through autophagic machinery to maintain mitochondrial quality control and homeostasis. Mature neurons are postmitotic and consume substantial energy, thus require highly efficient mitophagy pathways to turn over damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria. Recent evidence indicates that mitophagy is pivotal to the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. However, more work is needed to study mitophagy pathway components as potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we briefly discuss the characteristics of nonselective autophagy and selective autophagy, including ERphagy, aggrephagy, and mitophagy. We then introduce the mechanisms of Parkin-dependent and Parkin-independent mitophagy pathways under physiological conditions. Next, we summarize the diverse repertoire of mitochondrial membrane receptors and phospholipids that mediate mitophagy. Importantly, we review the critical role of mitophagy in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Last, we discuss recent studies considering mitophagy as a potential therapeutic target for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Together, our review may provide novel views to better understand the roles of mitophagy in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis.

Bilirubin-Induced Transcriptomic Imprinting in Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

Recent findings indicated aberrant epigenetic control of the central nervous system (CNS) development in hyperbilirubinemic Gunn rats as an additional cause of cerebellar hypoplasia, the landmark of bilirubin neurotoxicity in rodents. Because the symptoms in severely hyperbilirubinemic human neonates suggest other regions as privileged targets of bilirubin neurotoxicity, we expanded the study of the potential impact of bilirubin on the control of postnatal brain development to regions correlating with human symptoms. Histology, transcriptomic, gene correlation, and behavioral studies were performed. The histology revealed widespread perturbation 9 days after birth, restoring in adulthood. At the genetic level, regional differences were noticed. Bilirubin affected synaptogenesis, repair, differentiation, energy, extracellular matrix development, etc., with transient alterations in the hippocampus (memory, learning, and cognition) and inferior colliculi (auditory functions) but permanent changes in the parietal cortex. Behavioral tests confirmed the presence of a permanent motor disability. The data correlate well both with the clinic description of neonatal bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity, as well as with the neurologic syndromes reported in adults that suffered neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The results pave the way for better deciphering the neurotoxic features of bilirubin and evaluating deeply the efficacy of new therapeutic approaches against the acute and long-lasting sequels of bilirubin neurotoxicity.

Mitochondrial behavior when things go wrong in the axon

Axonal homeostasis is maintained by processes that include cytoskeletal regulation, cargo transport, synaptic activity, ionic balance, and energy supply. Several of these processes involve mitochondria to varying degrees. As a transportable powerplant, the mitochondria deliver ATP and Ca2+-buffering capabilities and require fusion/fission to maintain proper functioning. Taking into consideration the long distances that need to be covered by mitochondria in the axons, their transport, distribution, fusion/fission, and health are of cardinal importance. However, axonal homeostasis is disrupted in several disorders of the nervous system, or by traumatic brain injury (TBI), where the external insult is translated into physical forces that damage nervous tissue including axons. The degree of damage varies and can disconnect the axon into two segments and/or generate axonal swellings in addition to cytoskeletal changes, membrane leakage, and changes in ionic composition. Cytoskeletal changes and increased intra-axonal Ca2+ levels are the main factors that challenge mitochondrial homeostasis. On the other hand, a proper function and distribution of mitochondria can determine the recovery or regeneration of the axonal physiological state. Here, we discuss the current knowledge regarding mitochondrial transport, fusion/fission, and Ca2+ regulation under axonal physiological or pathological conditions.

Programming axonal mitochondrial maintenance and bioenergetics in neurodegeneration and regeneration

Mitochondria generate ATP essential for neuronal growth, function, and regeneration. Due to their polarized structures, neurons face exceptional challenges to deliver mitochondria to and maintain energy homeostasis throughout long axons and terminal branches where energy is in high demand. Chronic mitochondrial dysfunction accompanied by bioenergetic failure is a pathological hallmark of major neurodegenerative diseases. Brain injury triggers acute mitochondrial damage and a local energy crisis that accelerates neuron death. Thus, mitochondrial maintenance defects and axonal energy deficits emerge as central problems in neurodegenerative disorders and brain injury. Recent studies have started to uncover the intrinsic mechanisms that neurons adopt to maintain (or reprogram) axonal mitochondrial density and integrity, and their bioenergetic capacity, upon sensing energy stress. In this review, we discuss recent advances in how neurons maintain a healthy pool of axonal mitochondria, as well as potential therapeutic strategies that target bioenergetic restoration to power neuronal survival, function, and regeneration.

The Role of Mitochondria in Optic Atrophy With Autosomal Inheritance

Optic atrophy (OA) with autosomal inheritance is a form of optic neuropathy characterized by the progressive and irreversible loss of vision. In some cases, this is accompanied by additional, typically neurological, extra-ocular symptoms. Underlying the loss of vision is the specific degeneration of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) which form the optic nerve. Whilst autosomal OA is genetically heterogenous, all currently identified causative genes appear to be associated with mitochondrial organization and function. However, it is unclear why RGCs are particularly vulnerable to mitochondrial aberration. Despite the relatively high prevalence of this disorder, there are currently no approved treatments. Combined with the lack of knowledge concerning the mechanisms through which aberrant mitochondrial function leads to RGC death, there remains a clear need for further research to identify the underlying mechanisms and develop treatments for this condition. This review summarizes the genes known to be causative of autosomal OA and the mitochondrial dysfunction caused by pathogenic mutations. Furthermore, we discuss the suitability of available in vivo models for autosomal OA with regards to both treatment development and furthering the understanding of autosomal OA pathology.

Regulation of UNC-40/DCC and UNC-6/Netrin by DAF-16 promotes functional rewiring of the injured axon

The adult nervous system has a limited capacity to regenerate after accidental damage. Post-injury functional restoration requires proper targeting of the injured axon to its postsynaptic cell. Although the initial response to axonal injury has been studied in great detail, it is rather unclear what controls the re-establishment of a functional connection. Using the posterior lateral microtubule neuron in Caenorhabditis elegans, we found that after axotomy, the regrowth from the proximal stump towards the ventral side and accumulation of presynaptic machinery along the ventral nerve cord correlated to the functional recovery. We found that the loss of insulin receptor DAF-2 promoted 'ventral targeting' in a DAF-16-dependent manner. We further showed that coordinated activities of DAF-16 in neuron and muscle promoted 'ventral targeting'. In response to axotomy, expression of the Netrin receptor UNC-40 was upregulated in the injured neuron in a DAF-16-dependent manner. In contrast, the DAF-2-DAF-16 axis contributed to the age-related decline in Netrin expression in muscle. Therefore, our study revealed an important role for insulin signaling in regulating the axon guidance molecules during the functional rewiring process.

Mitochondrial Behavior in Axon Degeneration and Regeneration

Mitochondria are organelles responsible for bioenergetic metabolism, calcium homeostasis, and signal transmission essential for neurons due to their high energy consumption. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondria play a key role in axon degeneration and regeneration under physiological and pathological conditions. Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs at an early stage of axon degeneration and involves oxidative stress, energy deficiency, imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics, defects in mitochondrial transport, and mitophagy dysregulation. The restoration of these defective mitochondria by enhancing mitochondrial transport, clearance of reactive oxidative species (ROS), and improving bioenergetic can greatly contribute to axon regeneration. In this paper, we focus on the biological behavior of axonal mitochondria in aging, injury (e.g., traumatic brain and spinal cord injury), and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, AD; Parkinson's disease, PD; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS) and consider the role of mitochondria in axon regeneration. We also compare the behavior of mitochondria in different diseases and outline novel therapeutic strategies for addressing abnormal mitochondrial biological behavior to promote axonal regeneration in neurological diseases and injuries.

Axonal Organelles as Molecular Platforms for Axon Growth and Regeneration after Injury

Investigating the molecular mechanisms governing developmental axon growth has been a useful approach for identifying new strategies for boosting axon regeneration after injury, with the goal of treating debilitating conditions such as spinal cord injury and vision loss. The picture emerging is that various axonal organelles are important centers for organizing the molecular mechanisms and machinery required for growth cone development and axon extension, and these have recently been targeted to stimulate robust regeneration in the injured adult central nervous system (CNS). This review summarizes recent literature highlighting a central role for organelles such as recycling endosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, lysosomes, autophagosomes and the proteasome in developmental axon growth, and describes how these organelles can be targeted to promote axon regeneration after injury to the adult CNS. This review also examines the connections between these organelles in developing and regenerating axons, and finally discusses the molecular mechanisms within the axon that are required for successful axon growth.

Inhibition of Axon Regeneration by Liquid-like TIAR-2 Granules

Phase separation into liquid-like compartments is an emerging property of proteins containing prion-like domains (PrLDs), yet the in vivo roles of phase separation remain poorly understood. TIA proteins contain a C-terminal PrLD, and mutations in the PrLD are associated with several diseases. Here, we show that the C. elegans TIAR-2/TIA protein functions cell autonomously to inhibit axon regeneration. TIAR-2 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation in vitro and forms granules with liquid-like properties in vivo. Axon injury induces a transient increase in TIAR-2 granule number. The PrLD is necessary and sufficient for granule formation and inhibiting regeneration. Tyrosine residues within the PrLD are important for granule formation and inhibition of regeneration. TIAR-2 is also serine phosphorylated in vivo. Non-phosphorylatable TIAR-2 variants do not form granules and are unable to inhibit axon regeneration. Our data demonstrate an in vivo function for phase-separated TIAR-2 and identify features critical for its function in axon regeneration.

MTP18 is a Novel Regulator of Mitochondrial Fission in CNS Neuron Development, Axonal Growth, and Injury Responses

The process of mitochondrial fission-fusion has been implicated in diverse neuronal roles including neuronal survival, axon degeneration, and axon regeneration. However, whether increased fission or fusion is beneficial for neuronal health and/or axonal growth is not entirely clear, and is likely situational and cell type-dependent. In searching for mitochondrial fission-fusion regulating proteins for improving axonal growth within the visual system, we uncover that mitochondrial fission process 1,18 kDa (MTP18/MTFP1), a pro-fission protein within the CNS, is critical to maintaining mitochondrial size and volume under normal and injury conditions, in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). We demonstrate that MTP18’s expression is regulated by transcription factors involved in axonal growth, Kruppel-like factor (KLF) transcription factors-7 and -9, and that knockdown of MTP18 promotes axon growth. This investigation exposes MTP18’s previously unexplored role in regulating mitochondrial fission, implicates MTP18 as a downstream component of axon regenerative signaling, and ultimately lays the groundwork for investigations on the therapeutic efficacy of MTP18 expression suppression during CNS axon degenerative events.

The Molecular Interplay between Axon Degeneration and Regeneration

Neurons face a series of morphological and molecular changes following trauma and in the progression of neurodegenerative disease. In neurons capable of mounting a spontaneous regenerative response, including invertebrate neurons and mammalian neurons of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), axons regenerate from the proximal side of the injury and degenerate on the distal side. Studies of Wallerian degeneration slow (Wld^S /Ola) mice have revealed that a level of coordination between the processes of axon regeneration and degeneration occurs during successful repair. Here, we explore how shared cellular and molecular pathways that regulate both axon regeneration and degeneration coordinate the two distinct outcomes in the proximal and distal axon segments. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 00: 000-000, 2018.

Wound healing, cellular regeneration and plasticity: the elegans way

Regeneration and wound healing are complex processes that allow organs and tissues to regain their integrity and functionality after injury. Wound healing, a key property of epithelia, involves tissue closure that in some cases leads to scar formation. Regeneration, a process rather limited in mammals, is the capacity to regrow (parts of) an organ or a tissue, after damage or amputation. What are the properties of organs and the features of tissue permitting functional regrowth and repair? What are the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these processes? These questions are crucial both in fundamental and applied contexts, with important medical implications. The mechanisms and cells underlying tissue repair have thus been the focus of intense investigation. The last decades have seen rapid progress in the domain and new models emerging. Here, we review the fundamental advances and the perspectives that the use of C. elegans as a model have brought to the mechanisms of wound healing and cellular plasticity, axon regeneration and transdifferentiation in vivo.

Mitostasis in Neurons: Maintaining Mitochondria in an Extended Cellular Architecture

Neurons have more extended and complex shapes than other cells and consequently face a greater challenge in distributing and maintaining mitochondria throughout their arbors. Neurons can last a lifetime, but proteins turn over rapidly. Mitochondria, therefore, need constant rejuvenation no matter how far they are from the soma. Axonal transport of mitochondria and mitochondrial fission and fusion contribute to this rejuvenation, but local protein synthesis is also likely. Maintenance of a healthy mitochondrial population also requires the clearance of damaged proteins and organelles. This involves degradation of individual proteins, sequestration in mitochondria-derived vesicles, organelle degradation by mitophagy and macroautophagy, and in some cases transfer to glial cells. Both long-range transport and local processing are thus at work in achieving neuronal mitostasis-the maintenance of an appropriately distributed pool of healthy mitochondria for the duration of a neuron's life. Accordingly, defects in the processes that support mitostasis are significant contributors to neurodegenerative disorders.

Cell Biology of the Mitochondrion

Mitochondria are best known for harboring pathways involved in ATP synthesis through the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Major advances in understanding these roles were made with Caenorhabditiselegans mutants affecting key components of the metabolic pathways. These mutants have not only helped elucidate some of the intricacies of metabolism pathways, but they have also served as jumping off points for pharmacology, toxicology, and aging studies. The field of mitochondria research has also undergone a renaissance, with the increased appreciation of the role of mitochondria in cell processes other than energy production. Here, we focus on discoveries that were made using C. elegans, with a few excursions into areas that were studied more thoroughly in other organisms, like mitochondrial protein import in yeast. Advances in mitochondrial biogenesis and membrane dynamics were made through the discoveries of novel functions in mitochondrial fission and fusion proteins. Some of these functions were only apparent through the use of diverse model systems, such as C. elegans Studies of stress responses, exemplified by mitophagy and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, have also benefitted greatly from the use of model organisms. Recent developments include the discoveries in C. elegans of cell autonomous and nonautonomous pathways controlling the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, as well as mechanisms for degradation of paternal mitochondria after fertilization. The evolutionary conservation of many, if not all, of these pathways ensures that results obtained with C. elegans are equally applicable to studies of human mitochondria in health and disease.