Project description:The macro domain of the histone variant macroH2A1.1 is an evolutionary conserved ADP ribose-binding module of unknown physiological function. We demonstrate that during myogenic differentiation alternative splicing switches the expression of macroH2A1 from the non-ADP ribose binding to the binding isoform. While differentiation commitment is normal in cells lacking macroH2A1.1, we observe two phenotypes: diminished cell fusion correlating with reduced expression of adhesion and migration genes and reduced mitochondrial capacity. While the integrity of the ADP ribose-binding pocket is dispensable for gene regulation and fusion, it is critical to sustain optimal mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. Rescue experiments using a pharmacological PARP-1 inhibitor and metabolomics support the idea that loss of macroH2A1.1 leads to PARP-1 activation and accelerated NAD+ consumption. As a consequence, the level of nicotinamide mononucleotide, the key metabolite for mitochondrial NAD+ pool regeneration, is reduced and sirtuins fail to maintain mitochondrial proteins in their hypoacetylated and active form. Our results support the idea that chromatin states containing the histone variant macroH2A1.1 contribute to optimal mitochondrial oxidative capacity by channeling the consumption of NAD+ from the nucleus to mitochondria in a manner largely independent on transcriptional regulation.
Project description:The macro domain of the histone variant macroH2A1.1 is an evolutionary conserved ADP ribose-binding module of unknown physiological function. We demonstrate that during myogenic differentiation alternative splicing switches the expression of macroH2A1 from the non-ADP ribose binding to the binding isoform. While differentiation commitment is normal in cells lacking macroH2A1.1, we observe two phenotypes: diminished cell fusion correlating with reduced expression of adhesion and migration genes and reduced mitochondrial capacity. While the integrity of the ADP ribose-binding pocket is dispensable for gene regulation and fusion, it is critical to sustain optimal mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. Rescue experiments using a pharmacological PARP-1 inhibitor and metabolomics support the idea that loss of macroH2A1.1 leads to PARP-1 activation and accelerated NAD+ consumption. As a consequence, the level of nicotinamide mononucleotide, the key metabolite for mitochondrial NAD+ pool regeneration, is reduced and sirtuins fail to maintain mitochondrial proteins in their hypoacetylated and active form. Our results support the idea that chromatin states containing the histone variant macroH2A1.1 contribute to optimal mitochondrial oxidative capacity by channeling the consumption of NAD+ from the nucleus to mitochondria in a manner largely independent on transcriptional regulation.
Project description:Mitochondrial biogenesis and function are controlled by anterograde regulatory pathways involving more than one thousand proteins encoded by nuclear genome. Transcriptional networks controlling the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes remain elucidated. Here we show that histone demethylase LSD1 knockout from adult mouse liver (LSD1-LKO) reduces one-third of all nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes and decreases mitochondrial biogenesis and function. LSD1-modulated histone methylation epigenetically regulates nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes. Furthermore, LSD1 targets methylation of nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 1 (NMNAT1), the rate-limiting enzyme for nuclear NAD+ synthesis. Hepatic LSD1 knockout reduces NAD+-dependent Sirt1 and Sirt7 deacetylase activity, leading to hyperacetylation and hypofunctioning of GABP and PGC-1, the major transcriptional factor/cofactor for nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes. Despite the reduced mitochondrial function, LSD1-LKO mice are protected from diet-induced hepatic steatosis and glucose intolerance, partially due to induction of hepatokine FGF21. Thus, LSD1 orchestrates a core regulatory network involving epigenetic modifications and NAD+ synthesis to control mitochondrial function and hepatokine production.
Project description:Histone acetylation is sensitive to metabolic cues, however interplay between histone acetyl transferases and cellular metabolism remains poorly understood. Here we report the localization of a classical nuclear HAT- MOF and members of Non-Specific Lethal complex in mitochondria. MOF regulates expression of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) genes, residing in both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, selectively in aerobically respiring cells. Furthermore, MOF/KANSL1 depletion causes impaired mitochondrial translation and reduced respiration. MOF loss is catastrophic for tissues with high-energy consumption. In mouse hearts, Mof knockout causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, compromised ventricular contractility/ stroke volume and ultimately leads to cardiac failure within three weeks of birth. RNA-seq analysis of the cardiomyocytes revealed deregulation of mitochondrial nutrient metabolism and OXPHOS pathways. Consistently, electron microscopy on affected tissues revealed mitochondrial deterioration with high tissue heterogeneity, commonly observed in mitochondrial diseases. Thus, we reveal a novel function of MOF in mitochondrial homeostasis and propose MOF as a sensor connecting epigenetic regulation to metabolism. We generated mRNA-seq profile of Mof depleted HeLa cells adapted in glucose or galactose media. We also present nuclear RNA seq profile from Mof deleted cardiomyocytes.
Project description:The coenzyme NAD is consumed by signalling enzymes such as poly-ADP-ribose-polymerases (PARPs) and sirtuins. Understanding the mechanisms of aging-associated NAD decline and how cells cope with decreased NAD concentrations requires model systems reflecting chronic NAD deficiency. To evoke compartment-specific over-consumption of NAD, we have engineered cell lines expressing PARP activity in mitochondria, the cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum, and peroxisomes. Additionally, we have engineered cell lines that lack a functional gene for the human mitochondrial transporter SLC25A51 and the NAD biosynthesis enzyme NMNAT3. Isotope-tracer flux measurements and mathematical modelling showed that the lowered NAD concentration limits total NAD consumption kinetically. Moreover, NAD biosynthesis rate and capacity remained unchanged, thereby also precluding an increase of total NAD turnover. The chronic NAD deficiency was surprisingly well tolerated unless the mitochondria were targeted. Oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis were little affected by NAD over-consumption in the other compartments. Likewise, peroxisomal NAD over-consumption was balanced by mitochondrial NAD decrease to maintain beta-oxidation of very long chain fatty acids in peroxisomes. We propose that subcellular NAD pools are interconnected, with mitochondria acting as a rheostat to facilitate NAD-dependent processes in organelles with excessive consumption.
Project description:Introgressed variants from other species can be an important source of genetic variation because they may arise rapidly, can include multiple mutations on a single haplotype, and have often been pretested by selection in the species of origin. Although introgressed alleles are generally deleterious, several studies have reported introgression as the source of adaptive alleles-including the rodenticide-resistant variant of Vkorc1 that introgressed from Mus spretus into European populations of Mus musculus domesticus. Here, we conducted bidirectional genome scans to characterize introgressed regions into one wild population of M. spretus from Spain and three wild populations of M. m. domesticus from France, Germany, and Iran. Despite the fact that these species show considerable intrinsic postzygotic reproductive isolation, introgression was observed in all individuals, including in the M. musculus reference genome (GRCm38). Mus spretus individuals had a greater proportion of introgression compared with M. m. domesticus, and within M. m. domesticus, the proportion of introgression decreased with geographic distance from the area of sympatry. Introgression was observed on all autosomes for both species, but not on the X-chromosome in M. m. domesticus, consistent with known X-linked hybrid sterility and inviability genes that have been mapped to the M. spretus X-chromosome. Tract lengths were generally short with a few outliers of up to 2.7 Mb. Interestingly, the longest introgressed tracts were in olfactory receptor regions, and introgressed tracts were significantly enriched for olfactory receptor genes in both species, suggesting that introgression may be a source of functional novelty even between species with high barriers to gene flow.
Project description:Translational research is commonly performed in the C57B6/J mouse strain, chosen for its genetic homogeneity and phenotypic uniformity. Here, we evaluate the suitability of the white-footed deer mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) as a model organism for aging research, offering a comparative analysis against C57B6/J and diversity outbred (DO) Mus musculus strains. Our study includes comparisons of body composition, skeletal muscle function, and cardiovascular parameters, shedding light on potential applications and limitations of P. leucopus in aging studies. Notably, P. leucopus exhibits distinct body composition characteristics, emphasizing reduced muscle force exertion and a unique metabolism, particularly in fat mass. Cardiovascular assessments showed changes in arterial stiffness, challenging conventional assumptions and highlighting the need for a nuanced interpretation of aging-related phenotypes. Our study also highlights inherent challenges associated with maintaining and phenotyping P. leucopus cohorts. Behavioral considerations, including anxiety-induced responses during handling and phenotyping assessment, pose obstacles in acquiring meaningful data. Moreover, the unique anatomy of P. leucopus necessitates careful adaptation of protocols designed for Mus musculus. While showcasing potential benefits, further extensive analyses across broader age ranges and larger cohorts are necessary to establish the reliability of P. leucopus as a robust and translatable model for aging studies.
Project description:Histone acetylation is sensitive to metabolic cues, however interplay between histone acetyl transferases and cellular metabolism remains poorly understood. Here we report the localization of a classical nuclear HAT- MOF and members of Non-Specific Lethal complex in mitochondria. MOF regulates expression of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) genes, residing in both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, selectively in aerobically respiring cells. Furthermore, MOF/KANSL1 depletion causes impaired mitochondrial translation and reduced respiration. MOF loss is catastrophic for tissues with high-energy consumption. In mouse hearts, Mof knockout causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, compromised ventricular contractility/ stroke volume and ultimately leads to cardiac failure within three weeks of birth. RNA-seq analysis of the cardiomyocytes revealed deregulation of mitochondrial nutrient metabolism and OXPHOS pathways. Consistently, electron microscopy on affected tissues revealed mitochondrial deterioration with high tissue heterogeneity, commonly observed in mitochondrial diseases. Thus, we reveal a novel function of MOF in mitochondrial homeostasis and propose MOF as a sensor connecting epigenetic regulation to metabolism.