Antonella Spinazzola, Diego Perez-Rodriguez, Jan Ježek, Ian J Holt
{"title":"Mitochondrial DNA competition: starving out the mutant genome.","authors":"Antonella Spinazzola, Diego Perez-Rodriguez, Jan Ježek, Ian J Holt","doi":"10.1016/j.tips.2024.01.011","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>High levels of pathogenic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants lead to severe genetic diseases, and the accumulation of such mutants may also contribute to common disorders. Thus, selecting against these mutants is a major goal in mitochondrial medicine. Although mutant mtDNA can drift randomly, mounting evidence indicates that active forces play a role in the selection for and against mtDNA variants. The underlying mechanisms are beginning to be clarified, and recent studies suggest that metabolic cues, including fuel availability, contribute to shaping mtDNA heteroplasmy. In the context of pathological mtDNAs, remodeling of nutrient metabolism supports mitochondria with deleterious mtDNAs and enables them to outcompete functional variants owing to a replicative advantage. The elevated nutrient requirement represents a mutant Achilles' heel because small molecules that restrict nutrient consumption or interfere with nutrient sensing can purge cells of deleterious mtDNAs and restore mitochondrial respiration. These advances herald the dawn of a new era of small-molecule therapies to counteract pathological mtDNAs.</p>","PeriodicalId":23250,"journal":{"name":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":13.9000,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2024.01.011","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2024/2/23 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
High levels of pathogenic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants lead to severe genetic diseases, and the accumulation of such mutants may also contribute to common disorders. Thus, selecting against these mutants is a major goal in mitochondrial medicine. Although mutant mtDNA can drift randomly, mounting evidence indicates that active forces play a role in the selection for and against mtDNA variants. The underlying mechanisms are beginning to be clarified, and recent studies suggest that metabolic cues, including fuel availability, contribute to shaping mtDNA heteroplasmy. In the context of pathological mtDNAs, remodeling of nutrient metabolism supports mitochondria with deleterious mtDNAs and enables them to outcompete functional variants owing to a replicative advantage. The elevated nutrient requirement represents a mutant Achilles' heel because small molecules that restrict nutrient consumption or interfere with nutrient sensing can purge cells of deleterious mtDNAs and restore mitochondrial respiration. These advances herald the dawn of a new era of small-molecule therapies to counteract pathological mtDNAs.
期刊介绍:
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences (TIPS) is a monthly peer-reviewed reviews journal that focuses on a wide range of topics in pharmacology, pharmacy, pharmaceutics, and toxicology. Launched in 1979, TIPS publishes concise articles discussing the latest advancements in pharmacology and therapeutics research.
The journal encourages submissions that align with its core themes while also being open to articles on the biopharma regulatory landscape, science policy and regulation, and bioethics.
Each issue of TIPS provides a platform for experts to share their insights and perspectives on the most exciting developments in the field. Through rigorous peer review, the journal ensures the quality and reliability of published articles.
Authors are invited to contribute articles that contribute to the understanding of pharmacology and its applications in various domains. Whether it's exploring innovative drug therapies or discussing the ethical considerations of pharmaceutical research, TIPS provides a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the pharmacological sciences.