Xi Zhang, Linhao Ruan, Hu Wang, Jin Zhu, Taibo Li, Gordon Sun, Yi Dong, Yuhao Wang, Gil Berreby, Ashley Shay, Rong Chen, Sreekumar Ramachandran, Valina L Dawson, Ted M Dawson, Rong Li
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and accumulation of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn)-containing protein aggregates known as Lewy bodies (LB). Here, we investigated the entry of α-Syn into mitochondria to cause mitochondrial dysfunction and loss of cellular fitness in vivo. We show that α-Syn expressed in yeast and human cells is constitutively imported into mitochondria. In a transgenic mouse model, the level of endogenous α-Syn accumulation in mitochondria of dopaminergic neurons and microglia increases with age. The imported α-Syn is degraded by conserved mitochondrial proteases, most notably NLN and PITRM1 (Prd1 and Cym1 in yeast, respectively). α-Syn in the mitochondrial matrix that is not degraded interacts with respiratory chain complexes, leading to loss of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), mitochondrial membrane potential and cellular fitness decline. Importantly, enhancing mitochondrial proteolysis by increasing levels of specific proteases alleviated these defects in yeast, human cells, and a PD model of mouse primary neurons. Together, our results provide a direct link between α-synuclein-mediated cellular toxicity and its import into mitochondria and reveal potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of α-synucleinopathies.
期刊介绍:
npj Parkinson's Disease is a comprehensive open access journal that covers a wide range of research areas related to Parkinson's disease. It publishes original studies in basic science, translational research, and clinical investigations. The journal is dedicated to advancing our understanding of Parkinson's disease by exploring various aspects such as anatomy, etiology, genetics, cellular and molecular physiology, neurophysiology, epidemiology, and therapeutic development. By providing free and immediate access to the scientific and Parkinson's disease community, npj Parkinson's Disease promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers and healthcare professionals.