Mitochondrial Mutations Can Alter Neuromuscular Transmission in Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome and Mitochondrial Disease

Identification of TEFM as a potential therapeutic target for LUAD treatment

BACKGROUND

Molecularly targeted therapies have recently become a hotspot in the treatment of LUAD, with ongoing efforts to identify new effective targets due to individual variability. Among these potential targets, the mitochondrial transcription elongation factor (TEFM) stands out as a crucial molecule involved in mitochondrial synthetic transcriptional processing. Dysregulation of TEFM has been implicated in the development of various diseases; however, its specific role in LUAD remains unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive analysis of TEFM expression in LUAD, leveraging data from the TCGA database. Subsequently, we validated these findings using clinical specimens obtained from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, employing western blotting and qRT-PCR techniques. Further experimental validation was performed through the transfection of cells with TEFM overexpression, knockdown, and knockout lentiviruses. The effects of TEFM on LUAD were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo using a range of assays, including CCK-8, colony formation, EdU incorporation, Transwell migration, Tunel assay, flow cytometry, JC-1 staining, and xenograft tumour models.

RESULTS

Our investigation uncovered that TEFM exhibited elevated expression levels in LUAD and exhibited co-localization with mitochondria. Overexpression of TEFM facilitated malignant processes in LUAD cells, whereas its silencing notably curbed these behaviors and induced mitochondrial depolarization, along with ROS production, culminating in apoptosis. Moreover, the absence of TEFM substantially influenced the expression of mitochondrial transcripts and respiratory chain complexes. Results from nude mouse xenograft tumors further validated that inhibiting TEFM expression markedly hindered tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

TEFM promotes LUAD malignant progression through the EMT pathway and determines apoptosis by affecting the expression of mitochondrial transcripts and respiratory chain complexes, providing a new therapeutic direction for LUAD-targeted therapy.

Resveratrol and Vitamin D: Eclectic Molecules Promoting Mitochondrial Health in Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia refers to the progressive loss and atrophy of skeletal muscle function, often associated with aging or secondary to conditions involving systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Recent evidence indicates that skeletal muscle function is not only influenced by physical, environmental, and genetic factors but is also significantly impacted by nutritional deficiencies. Natural compounds with antioxidant properties, such as resveratrol and vitamin D, have shown promise in preventing mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle cells. These antioxidants can slow down muscle atrophy by regulating mitochondrial functions and neuromuscular junctions. This review provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms leading to skeletal muscle atrophy and summarizes recent advances in using resveratrol and vitamin D supplementation for its prevention and treatment. Understanding these molecular mechanisms and implementing combined interventions can optimize treatment outcomes, ensure muscle function recovery, and improve the quality of life for patients.

Unraveling the causes of sarcopenia: Roles of neuromuscular junction impairment and mitochondrial dysfunction

Sarcopenia is a systemic skeletal muscle disease characterized by a decline in skeletal muscle mass and function. Originally defined as an age-associated condition, sarcopenia presently also encompasses muscular atrophy due to various pathological factors, such as intensive care unit-acquired weakness, inactivity, and malnutrition. The exact pathogenesis of sarcopenia is still unknown; herein, we review the pathological roles of the neuromuscular junction and mitochondria in this condition. Sarcopenia is caused by complex and interdependent pathophysiological mechanisms, including aging, neuromuscular junction impairment, mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance, lipotoxicity, endocrine factors, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Among these, neuromuscular junction instability and mitochondrial dysfunction are particularly significant. Dysfunction in neuromuscular junction can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis. Mitochondria, which are plentiful in neurons and muscle fibers, play an important role in neuromuscular junction transmission. Therefore, impairments in both mitochondria and neuromuscular junction may be one of the key pathophysiological mechanisms leading to sarcopenia. Moreover, this article explores the structural and functional alterations in the neuromuscular junction and mitochondria in sarcopenia, suggesting that a deeper understanding of these changes could provide valuable insights for the prevention or treatment of sarcopenia.