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Cox SN, Lo Giudice C, Lavecchia A, Poeta ML, Chiara M, Picardi E, Pesole G. Mitochondrial and Nuclear DNA Variants in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Enrichment in the Mitochondrial Control Region and Sirtuin Pathway Genes in Spinal Cord Tissue. Biomolecules 2024; 14:411. [PMID: 38672428 PMCID: PMC11048214 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040411] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease with prevalent mitochondrial dysfunctions affecting both upper and lower motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. Despite mitochondria having their own genome (mtDNA), in humans, most mitochondrial genes are encoded by the nuclear genome (nDNA). Our study aimed to simultaneously screen for nDNA and mtDNA genomes to assess for specific variant enrichment in ALS compared to control tissues. Here, we analysed whole exome (WES) and whole genome (WGS) sequencing data from spinal cord tissues, respectively, of 6 and 12 human donors. A total of 31,257 and 301,241 variants in nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes were identified from WES and WGS, respectively, while mtDNA reads accounted for 73 and 332 variants. Despite technical differences, both datasets consistently revealed a specific enrichment of variants in the mitochondrial Control Region (CR) and in several of these genes directly associated with mitochondrial dynamics or with Sirtuin pathway genes within ALS tissues. Overall, our data support the hypothesis of a variant burden in specific genes, highlighting potential actionable targets for therapeutic interventions in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Natasha Cox
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.L.); (M.L.P.); (E.P.)
| | - Claudio Lo Giudice
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - Anna Lavecchia
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.L.); (M.L.P.); (E.P.)
| | - Maria Luana Poeta
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.L.); (M.L.P.); (E.P.)
| | - Matteo Chiara
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology, National Research Council, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Ernesto Picardi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.L.); (M.L.P.); (E.P.)
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology, National Research Council, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Graziano Pesole
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.L.); (M.L.P.); (E.P.)
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology, National Research Council, 70126 Bari, Italy
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Stoccoro A, Smith AR, Mosca L, Marocchi A, Gerardi F, Lunetta C, Lunnon K, Migliore L, Coppedè F. Mitochondrial D-loop methylation levels inversely correlate with disease duration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Epigenomics 2024; 16:203-214. [PMID: 38312023 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0265] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: To correlate mitochondrial D-loop region methylation levels and mtDNA copy number with disease duration in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Patients & methods: The study population included 12 ALS patients with a mutation in SOD1 and 13 ALS patients with the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion. Methylation levels of the D-loop region and mtDNA copy number were quantified using pyrosequencing and quantitative PCR, respectively. Results: We observed that D-loop methylation levels inversely correlated while mtDNA copy number positively correlated with disease duration. Conclusion: Considering the central role played by mitochondria in ALS, this preliminary study provides new knowledge for future studies aimed at identifying biomarkers of disease progression and new targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, Laboratory of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa, Medical School, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Adam R Smith
- Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Lorena Mosca
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Medical Services, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, 20162, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marocchi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Medical Services, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, 20162, Italy
| | | | - Christian Lunetta
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Neurorehabilitation Unit of Milan Institute, Milan, 20138, Italy
| | - Katie Lunnon
- Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, Laboratory of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa, Medical School, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, Laboratory of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa, Medical School, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center of Biology & Pathology of Aging, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56126, Italy
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Wu Q, Hu Z, Wang Z, Che Y, Zhang M, Zheng S, Xing K, Zhong X, Chen Y, Shi F, Yuan S. Glut10 restrains neointima formation by promoting SMCs mtDNA demethylation and improving mitochondrial function. Transl Res 2023; 260:1-16. [PMID: 37220836 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Neointimal hyperplasia is a major clinical complication of coronary artery bypass graft and percutaneous coronary intervention. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play a vital roles in neointimal hyperplasia development and undergo complex phenotype switching. Previous studies have linked glucose transporter member 10(Glut10) to the phenotypic transformation of SMCs. In this research, we reported that Glut10 helps maintain the contractile phenotype of SMCs. The Glut10-TET2/3 signaling axis can arrest neointimal hyperplasia progression by improving mitochondrial function via promotion of mtDNA demethylation in SMCs. Glut10 is significantly downregulated in both human and mouse restenotic arteries. Global Glut10 deletion or SMC-specific Glut10 ablation in the carotid artery of mice accelerated neointimal hyperplasia, while Glut10 overexpression in the carotid artery triggered the opposite effects. All of these changes were accompanied by a significant increase in vascular SMCs migration and proliferation. Mechanistically, Glut10 is expressed primarily in the mitochondria after platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) treatment. Glut10 ablation induced a reduction in ascorbic acid (VitC) concentrations in mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) hypermethylation by decreasing the activity and expression of the Ten-eleven translocation (TET) protein family. We also observed that Glut10 deficiency aggravated mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased the adenosinetriphosphate (ATP) content and the oxygen consumption rate, which also caused SMCs to switch their phenotype from contractile to synthetic phenotype. Furthermore, mitochondria-specific TET family inhibition partially reversed these effects. These results suggested that Glut10 helps maintain the contractile phenotype of SMCs. The Glut10-TET2/3 signaling axis can arrest neointimal hyperplasia progression by improving mitochondrial function via the promotion of mtDNA demethylation in SMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhipeng Hu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yanjia Che
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sihao Zheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Xing
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyang Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Shi
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shun Yuan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Todosenko N, Khaziakhmatova O, Malashchenko V, Yurova K, Bograya M, Beletskaya M, Vulf M, Gazatova N, Litvinova L. Mitochondrial Dysfunction Associated with mtDNA in Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12012. [PMID: 37569389 PMCID: PMC10418437 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512012] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a precursor to the major health diseases associated with high mortality in industrialized countries: cardiovascular disease and diabetes. An important component of the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome is mitochondrial dysfunction, which is associated with tissue hypoxia, disruption of mitochondrial integrity, increased production of reactive oxygen species, and a decrease in ATP, leading to a chronic inflammatory state that affects tissues and organ systems. The mitochondrial AAA + protease Lon (Lonp1) has a broad spectrum of activities. In addition to its classical function (degradation of misfolded or damaged proteins), enzymatic activity (proteolysis, chaperone activity, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)binding) has been demonstrated. At the same time, the spectrum of Lonp1 activity extends to the regulation of cellular processes inside mitochondria, as well as outside mitochondria (nuclear localization). This mitochondrial protease with enzymatic activity may be a promising molecular target for the development of targeted therapy for MetS and its components. The aim of this review is to elucidate the role of mtDNA in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and its components as a key component of mitochondrial dysfunction and to describe the promising and little-studied AAA + LonP1 protease as a potential target in metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Todosenko
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236001 Kaliningrad, Russia; (N.T.); (O.K.); (V.M.); (K.Y.); (M.B.); (M.B.); (M.V.); (N.G.)
| | - Olga Khaziakhmatova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236001 Kaliningrad, Russia; (N.T.); (O.K.); (V.M.); (K.Y.); (M.B.); (M.B.); (M.V.); (N.G.)
| | - Vladimir Malashchenko
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236001 Kaliningrad, Russia; (N.T.); (O.K.); (V.M.); (K.Y.); (M.B.); (M.B.); (M.V.); (N.G.)
| | - Kristina Yurova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236001 Kaliningrad, Russia; (N.T.); (O.K.); (V.M.); (K.Y.); (M.B.); (M.B.); (M.V.); (N.G.)
| | - Maria Bograya
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236001 Kaliningrad, Russia; (N.T.); (O.K.); (V.M.); (K.Y.); (M.B.); (M.B.); (M.V.); (N.G.)
| | - Maria Beletskaya
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236001 Kaliningrad, Russia; (N.T.); (O.K.); (V.M.); (K.Y.); (M.B.); (M.B.); (M.V.); (N.G.)
| | - Maria Vulf
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236001 Kaliningrad, Russia; (N.T.); (O.K.); (V.M.); (K.Y.); (M.B.); (M.B.); (M.V.); (N.G.)
| | - Natalia Gazatova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236001 Kaliningrad, Russia; (N.T.); (O.K.); (V.M.); (K.Y.); (M.B.); (M.B.); (M.V.); (N.G.)
| | - Larisa Litvinova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236001 Kaliningrad, Russia; (N.T.); (O.K.); (V.M.); (K.Y.); (M.B.); (M.B.); (M.V.); (N.G.)
- Laboratory of Cellular and Microfluidic Technologies, Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
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Ding B, Zhang X, Wan Z, Tian F, Ling J, Tan J, Peng X. Characterization of Mitochondrial DNA Methylation of Alzheimer's Disease in Plasma Cell-Free DNA. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2351. [PMID: 37510095 PMCID: PMC10378411 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13142351] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Noninvasive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is important for patients. Significant differences in the methylation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were found in AD brain tissue. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a noninvasive and economical diagnostic tool. We aimed to characterize mtDNA methylation alterations in the plasma cfDNA of 31 AD patients and 26 age- and sex-matched cognitively normal control subjects. We found that the mtDNA methylation patterns differed between AD patients and control subjects. The mtDNA was predominantly hypomethylated in the plasma cfDNA of AD patients. The hypomethylation sites or regions were mainly located in mt-rRNA, mt-tRNA, and D-Loop regions. The hypomethylation of the D-Loop region in plasma cfDNA of AD patients was consistent with that in previous studies. This study presents evidence that hypomethylation in the non-protein coding region of mtDNA may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD and potential application for the diagnosis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binrong Ding
- Department of Geriatrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Xuewei Zhang
- Health Management Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Zhengqing Wan
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Feng Tian
- The 8 Ward, The Ninth Hospital of Changsha, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Jie Ling
- Medical Functional Experiment Center, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Jieqiong Tan
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Changsha 410000, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Xiaoqing Peng
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Changsha 410000, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha 410000, China
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The potential role of environmental factors in modulating mitochondrial DNA epigenetic marks. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 122:107-145. [PMID: 36863791 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Many studies implicate mitochondrial dysfunction in the development and progression of numerous chronic diseases. Mitochondria are responsible for most cellular energy production, and unlike other cytoplasmic organelles, mitochondria contain their own genome. Most research to date, through investigating mitochondrial DNA copy number, has focused on larger structural changes or alterations to the entire mitochondrial genome and their role in human disease. Using these methods, mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to cancers, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic health. However, like the nuclear genome, the mitochondrial genome may experience epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation that may partially explain some of the health effects of various exposures. Recently, there has been a movement to understand human health and disease within the context of the exposome, which aims to describe and quantify the entirety of all exposures people encounter throughout their lives. These include, among others, environmental pollutants, occupational exposures, heavy metals, and lifestyle and behavioral factors. In this chapter, we summarize the current research on mitochondria and human health, provide an overview of the current knowledge on mitochondrial epigenetics, and describe the experimental and epidemiologic studies that have investigated particular exposures and their relationships with mitochondrial epigenetic modifications. We conclude the chapter with suggestions for future directions in epidemiologic and experimental research that is needed to advance the growing field of mitochondrial epigenetics.
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Low HC, Chilian WM, Ratnam W, Karupaiah T, Md Noh MF, Mansor F, Ng ZX, Pung YF. Changes in Mitochondrial Epigenome in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Br J Biomed Sci 2023; 80:10884. [PMID: 36866104 PMCID: PMC9970885 DOI: 10.3389/bjbs.2023.10884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a major chronic metabolic disorder in public health. Due to mitochondria's indispensable role in the body, its dysfunction has been implicated in the development and progression of multiple diseases, including Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. Thus, factors that can regulate mitochondrial function, like mtDNA methylation, are of significant interest in managing T2DM. In this paper, the overview of epigenetics and the mechanism of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA methylation were briefly discussed, followed by other mitochondrial epigenetics. Subsequently, the association between mtDNA methylation with T2DM and the challenges of mtDNA methylation studies were also reviewed. This review will aid in understanding the impact of mtDNA methylation on T2DM and future advancements in T2DM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ching Low
- Division of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - William M. Chilian
- Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown Township, OH, United States
| | - Wickneswari Ratnam
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Tilakavati Karupaiah
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Fairulnizal Md Noh
- Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Health, Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Fazliana Mansor
- Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Health, Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Zhi Xiang Ng
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yuh Fen Pung
- Division of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia,*Correspondence: Yuh Fen Pung,
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High-fructose corn syrup intake increases hepatic mitochondrial DNA copy number and methylation in adolescent rats. Nutr Res 2023; 110:57-65. [PMID: 36682228 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is consumed worldwide. However, it has been demonstrated that an increased intake of sweetened beverages, including those sweetened using fructose, is associated with the development of childhood obesity. It is unknown why the negative effects of fructose are stronger in young persons than in elderly individuals. In recent years, mitochondria have been identified as 1 of the targets of the negative effects of fructose; they possess their own genome called mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which encodes genes involved in metabolic functions. We hypothesized that HFCS intake affects mtDNA in the livers of rats, and that the intensity of these effects is age-dependent. The experimental period was divided into 3 parts: childhood and adolescence (postnatal day [PD] 21-60), young adulthood (PD61-100), and adulthood (PD101-140). Rats in the different age groups were assigned to receive either water (control group [CONT]) or a 20% HFCS solution (HFCS). The hepatic mtDNA copy number of the HFCS group was higher than that of the CONT group in childhood and adolescence. In addition, the mtDNA methylation level was increased in the HFCS group in the same experimental period. No significant differences were observed between the CONT and HFCS groups during the other experimental periods. We demonstrated that HFCS has the strongest effect on mtDNA during childhood and adolescence, suggesting a need to analyze the HFCS intake of young people.
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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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Dragoni F, Garau J, Orcesi S, Varesio C, Bordoni M, Scarian E, Di Gerlando R, Fazzi E, Battini R, Gjurgjaj A, Rizzo B, Pansarasa O, Gagliardi S. Comparison between D-loop methylation and mtDNA copy number in patients with Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1152237. [PMID: 36998476 PMCID: PMC10043473 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1152237] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (AGS) is a rare encephalopathy with early onset that can be transmitted in both dominant and recessive forms. Its phenotypic covers a wide range of neurological and extraneurological symptoms. Nine genes that are all involved in nucleic acids (NAs) metabolism or signaling have so far been linked to the AGS phenotype. Recently, a link between autoimmune or neurodegenerative conditions and mitochondrial dysfunctions has been found. As part of the intricate system of epigenetic control, the mtDNA goes through various alterations. The displacement (D-loop) region represents one of the most methylated sites in the mtDNA. The term "mitoepigenetics" has been introduced as a result of increasing data suggesting that epigenetic processes may play a critical role in the control of mtDNA transcription and replication. Since we showed that RNASEH2B and RNASEH2A-mutated Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines (LCLs) derived from AGS patients had mitochondrial alterations, highlighting changes in the mtDNA content, the main objective of this study was to examine any potential methylation changes in the D-loop regulatory region of mitochondria and their relationship to the mtDNA copy number in peripheral blood cells of AGS patients with mutations in various AGS genes and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected blood samples from 25 AGS patients and we performed RT-qPCR to assess the mtDNA copy number and pyrosequencing to measure DNA methylation levels in the D-loop region. RESULTS Comparing AGS patients to healthy controls, D-loop methylation levels and mtDNA copy number increased significantly. We also observed that in AGS patients, the mtDNA copy number increased with age at sampling, but not the D-loop methylation levels, and there was no relationship between sex and mtDNA copy number. In addition, the D-loop methylation levels and mtDNA copy number in the AGS group showed a non-statistically significant positive relation. CONCLUSION These findings, which contradict the evidence for an inverse relationship between D-loop methylation levels and mtDNA copy number, show that AGS patients have higher D-loop methylation levels than healthy control subjects. Additional research is needed to identify the function of these features in the etiology and course of AGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Dragoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Jessica Garau
- Neurogenetics Research Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simona Orcesi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Costanza Varesio
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Bordoni
- Cellular Model and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eveljn Scarian
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Cellular Model and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Di Gerlando
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Fazzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Altea Gjurgjaj
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Bartolo Rizzo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Cellular Model and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Orietta Pansarasa,
| | - Stella Gagliardi
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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11
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The Role of Epigenetics in Neuroinflammatory-Driven Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315218. [PMID: 36499544 PMCID: PMC9740629 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the progressive loss of central and/or peripheral nervous system neurons. Within this context, neuroinflammation comes up as one of the main factors linked to neurodegeneration progression. In fact, neuroinflammation has been recognized as an outstanding factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Interestingly, neuroinflammatory diseases are characterized by dramatic changes in the epigenetic profile, which might provide novel prognostic and therapeutic factors towards neuroinflammatory treatment. Deep changes in DNA and histone methylation, along with histone acetylation and altered non-coding RNA expression, have been reported at the onset of inflammatory diseases. The aim of this work is to review the current knowledge on this field.
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12
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Younesian S, Yousefi AM, Momeny M, Ghaffari SH, Bashash D. The DNA Methylation in Neurological Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:3439. [PMID: 36359835 PMCID: PMC9657829 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is critical for the normal development and functioning of the human brain, such as the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells, synaptic plasticity, neuronal reparation, learning, and memory. Despite the physical stability of DNA and methylated DNA compared to other epigenetic modifications, some DNA methylation-based biomarkers have translated into clinical practice. Increasing reports indicate a strong association between DNA methylation profiles and various clinical outcomes in neurological diseases, making DNA methylation profiles valuable as novel clinical markers. In this review, we aim to discuss the latest evidence concerning DNA methylation alterations in the development of neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychiatric diseases. We also highlighted the relationship of DNA methylation alterations with the disease progression and outcome in many neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samareh Younesian
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1971653313, Iran
| | - Amir-Mohammad Yousefi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1971653313, Iran
| | - Majid Momeny
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Seyed H. Ghaffari
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1411713135, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1971653313, Iran
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13
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Targeted Mitochondrial Epigenetics: A New Direction in Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179703. [PMID: 36077101 PMCID: PMC9456144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial epigenetic alterations are closely related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is described in this review. Reports of the alteration of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methylation in AD demonstrate that the disruption of the dynamic balance of mtDNA methylation and demethylation leads to damage to the mitochondrial electron transport chain and the obstruction of mitochondrial biogenesis, which is the most studied mitochondrial epigenetic change. Mitochondrial noncoding RNA modifications and the post-translational modification of mitochondrial nucleoproteins have been observed in neurodegenerative diseases and related diseases that increase the risk of AD. Although there are still relatively few mitochondrial noncoding RNA modifications and mitochondrial nuclear protein post-translational modifications reported in AD, we have reason to believe that these mitochondrial epigenetic modifications also play an important role in the AD process. This review provides a new research direction for the AD mechanism, starting from mitochondrial epigenetics. Further, this review summarizes therapeutic approaches to targeted mitochondrial epigenetics, which is the first systematic summary of therapeutic approaches in the field, including folic acid supplementation, mitochondrial-targeting antioxidants, and targeted ubiquitin-specific proteases, providing a reference for therapeutic targets for AD.
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14
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Paron F, Barattucci S, Cappelli S, Romano M, Berlingieri C, Stuani C, Laurents D, Mompeán M, Buratti E. Unravelling the toxic effects mediated by the neurodegenerative disease-associated S375G mutation of TDP-43 and its S375E phosphomimetic variant. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102252. [PMID: 35835219 PMCID: PMC9364110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102252] [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: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a nucleic acid–binding protein found in the nucleus that accumulates in the cytoplasm under pathological conditions, leading to proteinopathies, such as frontotemporal dementia and ALS. An emerging area of TDP-43 research is represented by the study of its post-translational modifications, the way they are connected to disease-associated mutations, and what this means for pathological processes. Recently, we described a novel mutation in TDP-43 in an early onset ALS case that was affecting a potential phosphorylation site in position 375 (S375G). A preliminary characterization showed that both the S375G mutation and its phosphomimetic variant, S375E, displayed altered nuclear–cytoplasmic distribution and cellular toxicity. To better investigate these effects, here we established cell lines expressing inducible WT, S375G, and S375E TDP-43 variants. Interestingly, we found that these mutants do not seem to affect well-studied aspects of TDP-43, such as RNA splicing or autoregulation, or protein conformation, dynamics, or aggregation, although they do display dysmorphic nuclear shape and cell cycle alterations. In addition, RNA-Seq analysis of these cell lines showed that although the disease-associated S375G mutation and its phosphomimetic S375E variant regulate distinct sets of genes, they have a common target in mitochondrial apoptotic genes. Taken together, our data strongly support the growing evidence that alterations in TDP-43 post-translational modifications can play a potentially important role in disease pathogenesis and provide a further link between TDP-43 pathology and mitochondrial health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Paron
- Molecular Pathology, International Centre for Genetic and Engineering Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Simone Barattucci
- Molecular Pathology, International Centre for Genetic and Engineering Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Cappelli
- Molecular Pathology, International Centre for Genetic and Engineering Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Maurizio Romano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Christian Berlingieri
- Molecular Pathology, International Centre for Genetic and Engineering Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Cristiana Stuani
- Molecular Pathology, International Centre for Genetic and Engineering Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Douglas Laurents
- "Rocasolano" Institute for Physical Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council, Serrano 119, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Mompeán
- "Rocasolano" Institute for Physical Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council, Serrano 119, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- Molecular Pathology, International Centre for Genetic and Engineering Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy.
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15
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Stoccoro A, Baldacci F, Ceravolo R, Giampietri L, Tognoni G, Siciliano G, Migliore L, Coppedè F. Increase in Mitochondrial D-Loop Region Methylation Levels in Mild Cognitive Impairment Individuals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105393. [PMID: 35628202 PMCID: PMC9142993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylation levels of the mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) region have been reported to be altered in the brain and blood of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Moreover, a dynamic D-loop methylation pattern was observed in the brain of transgenic AD mice along with disease progression. However, investigations on the blood cells of AD patients in the prodromal phases of the disease have not been performed so far. The aim of this study was to analyze D-loop methylation levels by means of the MS-HRM technique in the peripheral blood cells of 14 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, 18 early stage AD patients, 70 advanced stage AD patients, and 105 healthy control subjects. We found higher D-loop methylation levels in MCI patients than in control subjects and AD patients. Moreover, higher D-loop methylation levels were observed in control subjects than in AD patients in advanced stages of the disease, but not in those at early stages. The present pilot study shows that peripheral D-loop methylation levels differ in patients at different stages of AD pathology, suggesting that further studies deserve to be performed in order to validate the usefulness of D-loop methylation analysis as a peripheral biomarker for the early detection of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (F.C.); Tel.: +39-0502-218549 (A.S.); +39-0502-218544 (F.C.)
| | - Filippo Baldacci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (G.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Roberto Ceravolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (G.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Linda Giampietri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (G.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Gloria Tognoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (G.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (G.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (F.C.); Tel.: +39-0502-218549 (A.S.); +39-0502-218544 (F.C.)
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16
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Johnson MA, Klickstein JA, Khanna R, Gou Y, Raman M. The Cure VCP Scientific Conference 2021: Molecular and clinical insights into neurodegeneration and myopathy linked to multisystem proteinopathy-1 (MSP-1). Neurobiol Dis 2022; 169:105722. [PMID: 35405261 PMCID: PMC9169230 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2021 VCP Scientific Conference took place virtually from September 9–10, 2021. This conference, planned and organized by the nonprofit patient advocacy group Cure VCP Disease, Inc. (https://www.curevcp.org), was the first VCP focused meeting since the 215th ENMC International Workshop VCP-related multi-system proteinopathy in 2016 (Evangelista et al., 2016). Mutations in VCP cause a complex and heterogenous disease termed inclusion body myopathy (IBM) with Paget’s disease of the bone (PDB) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) (IBMPFD), or multisystem proteinopathy 1 (MSP-1) Kimonis (n.d.), Kovach et al. (2001), Kimonis et al. (2000). In addition, VCP mutations also cause other age-related neurodegenerative disorders including amyptrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinsonism, Charcot-Marie type II-B, vacuolar tauopathy among others (Korb et al., 2022). The objectives of this conference were as follows: (1) to provide a forum that facilitates sharing of published and unpublished information on physiological roles of p97/VCP, and on how mutations of VCP lead to diseases; (2) to bolster understanding of mechanisms involved in p97/VCP-relevant diseases and to enable identification of therapeutics to treat these conditions; (3) to identify gaps and barriers of further discoveries and translational research in the p97/VCP field; (4) to set a concrete basic and translational research agenda for future studies including crucial discussions on biomarker discoveries and patient longitudinal studies to facilitate near-term clinical trials; (5) to accelerate cross-disciplinary research collaborations among p97/VCP researchers; (6) to enable attendees to learn about new tools and reagents with the potential to facilitate p97/VCP research; (7) to assist trainees in propelling their research and to foster mentorship from leaders in the field; and (8) to promote diversity and inclusion of under-represented minorities in p97/VCP research as diversity is critically important for strong scientific research. Given the range of topics, the VCP Scientific Conference brought together over one hundred and forty individuals representing a diverse group of research scientists, trainees, medical practitioners, industry representatives, and patient advocates. Twenty-five institutions with individuals from thirteen countries attended this virtual meeting. In this report, we summarize the major topics presented at this conference by a range of experts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Johnson
- Department of Developmental Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Jacob A Klickstein
- Department of Developmental Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Richa Khanna
- Department of Developmental Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Yunzi Gou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Malavika Raman
- Department of Developmental Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America.
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17
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Zhang J, Liu Z, Song S, Fang J, Wang L, Zhao L, Li C, Li W, Byun HM, Guo L, Li P. The exposure levels and health risk assessment of antibiotics in urine and its association with platelet mitochondrial DNA methylation in adults from Tianjin, China: A preliminary study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 231:113204. [PMID: 35065505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There has been extensive research on antibiotics exposure in adults by biomonitoring, but the biological mechanisms and potential risks to human health remain limited. In this study, 102 adults aged 26-44 years in Tianjin were studied and 23 common antibiotics in urine were analyzed by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). All antibiotics were detected in urine, with an overall detection frequency of 40.4% (the detection frequencies of phenothiazines, quinolones, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and chloramphenicol were 77%, 54%, 24%, 28%, and 49%, respectively.). Ofloxacin and enrofloxacin had the highest detection frequencies (85% and 81%), with median concentrations of 0.26 (IQR: 0.05-1.36) and 0.09 (IQR: 0.03-0.14) ng/mL, respectively. Based on health risk assessment, the predicted estimated daily exposures (EDEs) ranged from 0 μg/kg/day to 13.98 μg/kg/day. The hazard quotient (HQ) values of all the antibiotics except ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were bellow one, which are considered safe. For all blood samples, the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methylation levels in the MT-ATP6 (ranging between 3.86% and 34.18%) were slightly higher than MT-ATP8 and MT-ND5 (ranging between 0.57% and 9.32%, 1.08% and 19.62%, respectively). Furthermore, mtDNA methylation from MT-ATP6, MT-ATP8 and MT-ND5 were measured by bisulfite-PCR pyrosequencing. The association (P < 0.05) was found between mtDNA methylation level (MT-ATP8 and MT-ND5) and individual antibiotics including chlorpromazine, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, pefloxacin, sulfaquinoxaline, sulfachloropyridazine, chloramphenicol, and thiamphenicol, indicating that persistent exposure to low-dose multiple antibiotics may affect the mtDNA methylation level and in turn pose health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Ziquan Liu
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Disaster Medicine Technology, Tianjin 300072, China; Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, 325000, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shanjun Song
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China; National Institute of Metrology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Junkai Fang
- Tianjin Institute of Medical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Hebei Research Center for Geoanalysis, Hebei 071000, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Disaster Medicine Technology, Tianjin 300072, China; Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, 325000, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chenguang Li
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Weixia Li
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Hyang-Min Byun
- Population Health Science Institute, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Liqiong Guo
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Disaster Medicine Technology, Tianjin 300072, China; Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, 325000, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Penghui Li
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Hazardous Waste Safety Disposal and Recycling Technology, Tianjin 300384, China.
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18
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Zhang J, Shang J, Wang F, Huo X, Sun R, Ren Z, Wang W, Yang M, Li G, Gao D, Liu R, Bai P, Wang S, Wang Y, Yan X. Decreased mitochondrial D-loop region methylation mediates an increase in mitochondrial DNA copy number in CADASIL. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:2. [PMID: 34983647 PMCID: PMC8725280 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01225-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a typical neurodegenerative disease associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Methylation of the D-loop region and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) play a critical role in the maintenance of mitochondrial function. However, the association between D-loop region methylation, mtDNAcn and CADASIL remains unclear. Methods Overall, 162 individuals were recruited, including 66 CADASIL patients and 96 age- and sex-matched controls. After extracting genomic DNA from the peripheral white blood cells, levels of D-loop methylation and mtDNAcn were assessed using MethylTarget sequencing and real-time PCR, respectively. Results We observed increased mtDNAcn and decreased D-loop methylation levels in CADASIL patients compared to the control group, regardless of gender stratification. Besides, we found a negative correlation between D-loop methylation levels and mtDNAcn. Mediation effect analysis shows that the proportion of the association between mtDNAcn and CADASIL that is mediated by D-loop methylation is 11.6% (95% CI 5.6, 22.6). After gender stratification, the proportions of such associations that are mediated by D-loop methylation in males and females were 7.2% (95% CI 2.4, 19.8) and 22.0% (95% CI 7.4, 50.1), respectively. Conclusion Decreased methylation of the D-loop region mediates increased mtDNAcn in CADASIL, which may be caused by a compensatory mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with CADASIL. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01225-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiewen Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Junkui Shang
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Fengyu Wang
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Xuejing Huo
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Ruihua Sun
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Zhixia Ren
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Wan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Miaomiao Yang
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Gai Li
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Dandan Gao
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Ruijie Liu
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Pingping Bai
- Department of Health Management, Henan Key Laboratory of Chronic Disease Management, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Shuyi Wang
- Department of General Practice, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Yanliang Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Immunology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Xi Yan
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
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19
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Xu S, Zhang X, Liu C, Liu Q, Chai H, Luo Y, Li S. Role of Mitochondria in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From an Epigenetic Perspective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:688789. [PMID: 34513831 PMCID: PMC8429841 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.688789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria, the centers of energy metabolism, have been shown to participate in epigenetic regulation of neurodegenerative diseases. Epigenetic modification of nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins has an impact on mitochondria homeostasis, including mitochondrial biogenesis, and quality, which plays role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. On the other hand, intermediate metabolites regulated by mitochondria such as acetyl-CoA and NAD+, in turn, may regulate nuclear epigenome as the substrate for acetylation and a cofactor of deacetylation, respectively. Thus, mitochondria are involved in epigenetic regulation through bidirectional communication between mitochondria and nuclear, which may provide a new strategy for neurodegenerative diseases treatment. In addition, emerging evidence has suggested that the abnormal modification of mitochondria DNA contributes to disease development through mitochondria dysfunction. In this review, we provide an overview of how mitochondria are involved in epigenetic regulation and discuss the mechanisms of mitochondria in regulation of neurodegenerative diseases from epigenetic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiulu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huazhen Chai
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuping Luo
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Siguang Li
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Current Concepts on Genetic Aspects of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189832. [PMID: 34575995 PMCID: PMC8469731 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), neurodegenerative motor neuron disorder is characterized as multisystem disease with important contribution of genetic factors. The etiopahogenesis of ALS is not fully elucidate, but the dominant theory at present relates to RNA processing, as well as protein aggregation and miss-folding, oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, inflammation and epigenetic dysregulation. Additionally, as mitochondria plays a leading role in cellular homeostasis maintenance, a rising amount of evidence indicates mitochondrial dysfunction as a substantial contributor to disease onset and progression. The aim of this review is to summarize most relevant findings that link genetic factors in ALS pathogenesis with different mechanisms with mitochondrial involvement (respiratory chain, OXPHOS control, calcium buffering, axonal transport, inflammation, mitophagy, etc.). We highlight the importance of a widening perspective for better understanding overlapping pathophysiological pathways in ALS and neurodegeneration in general. Finally, current and potentially novel therapies, especially gene specific therapies, targeting mitochondrial dysfunction are discussed briefly.
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Coppedè F. One-carbon epigenetics and redox biology of neurodegeneration. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 170:19-33. [PMID: 33307166 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
One-carbon metabolism provides the methyl groups for both DNA and histone tail methylation reactions, two of the main epigenetic processes that tightly regulate the chromatin structure and gene expression levels. Several enzymes involved in one-carbon metabolism, as well as several epigenetic enzymes, are regulated by intracellular metabolites and redox cofactors, but their expression levels are in turn regulated by epigenetic modifications, in such a way that metabolism and gene expression reciprocally regulate each other to maintain homeostasis and regulate cell growth, survival, differentiation and response to environmental stimuli. Increasing evidence highlights the contribution of impaired one-carbon metabolism and epigenetic modifications in neurodegeneration. This article provides an overview of DNA and histone tail methylation changes in major neurodegenerative disorders, namely Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, discussing the contribution of oxidative stress and impaired one-carbon and redox metabolism to their onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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Differential Epigenetic Signature of Corticospinal Motor Neurons in ALS. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11060754. [PMID: 34200232 PMCID: PMC8230084 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060754] [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: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticospinal motor neurons (CSMN) are an indispensable neuron population for the motor neuron circuitry. They are excitatory projection neurons, which collect information from different regions of the brain and transmit it to spinal cord targets, initiating and controlling motor function. CSMN degeneration is pronounced cellular event in motor neurons diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Genetic mutations contribute to only about ten percent of ALS. Thus understanding the involvement of other factors, such as epigenetic controls, is immensely valuable. Here, we investigated epigenomic signature of CSMN that become diseased due to misfolded SOD1 toxicity and TDP-43 pathology, by performing quantitative analysis of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethycytosine (5hmC) expression profiles during end-stage of the disease in hSOD1G93A, and prpTDP-43A315T mice. Our analysis revealed that expression of 5mC was specifically reduced in CSMN of both hSOD1G93A and prpTDP-43A315T mice. However, 5hmC expression was increased in the CSMN that becomes diseased due to misfolded SOD1 and decreased in CSMN that degenerates due to TDP-43 pathology. These results suggest the presence of a distinct difference between different underlying causes. These differential epigenetic events might modulate the expression profiles of select genes, and ultimately contribute to the different paths that lead to CSMN vulnerability in ALS.
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Stoccoro A, Smith AR, Baldacci F, Del Gamba C, Lo Gerfo A, Ceravolo R, Lunnon K, Migliore L, Coppedè F. Mitochondrial D-Loop Region Methylation and Copy Number in Peripheral Blood DNA of Parkinson's Disease Patients. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050720. [PMID: 34065874 PMCID: PMC8151519 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methylation has been detected in several human pathologies, although little attention has been given to neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, altered methylation levels of the mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) region, which regulates mtDNA replication, were observed in peripheral blood cells of Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. However, nothing is yet known about D-loop region methylation levels in peripheral blood of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. In the current study, we investigated D-loop methylation levels and mtDNA copy number in peripheral blood of 30 PD patients and 30 age- and sex-matched control subjects. DNA methylation analyses have been performed by means of methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) and pyrosequencing techniques, while mtDNA copy number was analyzed by quantitative PCR. MS-HRM and pyrosequencing analyses provided very similar D-loop methylation levels in PD patients and control subjects, and no differences between the two groups have been observed. Treatment with L-dopa and duration of the disease had no effect on D-loop methylation levels in PD patients. Additionally, mtDNA copy number did not differ between PD patients and control subjects. Current results suggest that D-loop methylation levels are not altered in peripheral blood of PD patients nor influenced by dopaminergic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Adam R. Smith
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK; (A.R.S.); (K.L.)
| | - Filippo Baldacci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (C.D.G.); (A.L.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Claudia Del Gamba
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (C.D.G.); (A.L.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Annalisa Lo Gerfo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (C.D.G.); (A.L.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Roberto Ceravolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (C.D.G.); (A.L.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Katie Lunnon
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK; (A.R.S.); (K.L.)
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.S.); (L.M.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.S.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Mitochondrial DNA Methylation and Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094594. [PMID: 33925624 PMCID: PMC8123858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications of the nuclear genome, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNA post-transcriptional regulation, are increasingly being involved in the pathogenesis of several human diseases. Recent evidence suggests that also epigenetic modifications of the mitochondrial genome could contribute to the etiology of human diseases. In particular, altered methylation and hydroxymethylation levels of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been found in animal models and in human tissues from patients affected by cancer, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, environmental factors, as well as nuclear DNA genetic variants, have been found to impair mtDNA methylation patterns. Some authors failed to find DNA methylation marks in the mitochondrial genome, suggesting that it is unlikely that this epigenetic modification plays any role in the control of the mitochondrial function. On the other hand, several other studies successfully identified the presence of mtDNA methylation, particularly in the mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) region, relating it to changes in both mtDNA gene transcription and mitochondrial replication. Overall, investigations performed until now suggest that methylation and hydroxymethylation marks are present in the mtDNA genome, albeit at lower levels compared to those detectable in nuclear DNA, potentially contributing to the mitochondria impairment underlying several human diseases.
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