Generation of somatic mitochondrial DNA-replaced cells for mitochondrial dysfunction treatment

Sci Rep. 2021 May 25;11(1):10897. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-90316-1.

Abstract

Mitochondrial diseases currently have no cure regardless of whether the cause is a nuclear or mitochondrial genome mutation. Mitochondrial dysfunction notably affects a wide range of disorders in aged individuals, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and even senescence. Here, we present a procedure to generate mitochondrial DNA-replaced somatic cells with a combination of a temporal reduction in endogenous mitochondrial DNA and coincubation with exogeneous isolated mitochondria. Heteroplasmy in mitochondrial disease patient-derived fibroblasts in which the mutant genotype was dominant over the wild-type genotype was reversed. Mitochondrial disease patient-derived fibroblasts regained respiratory function and showed lifespan extension. Mitochondrial membranous components were utilized as a vehicle to deliver the genetic materials into endogenous mitochondria-like horizontal genetic transfer in prokaryotes. Mitochondrial DNA-replaced cells could be a resource for transplantation to treat maternal inherited mitochondrial diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics*
  • Fibroblasts / cytology*
  • Gene Transfer, Horizontal
  • Humans
  • Maternal Inheritance
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / genetics*
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / therapy
  • Mutation*
  • Pinocytosis
  • Time-Lapse Imaging

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial