REC drives recombination to repair double-strand breaks in animal mtDNA

J Cell Biol. 2023 Jan 2;222(1):e202201137. doi: 10.1083/jcb.202201137. Epub 2022 Nov 10.

Abstract

Mechanisms that safeguard mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) limit the accumulation of mutations linked to mitochondrial and age-related diseases. Yet, pathways that repair double-strand breaks (DSBs) in animal mitochondria are poorly understood. By performing a candidate screen for mtDNA repair proteins, we identify that REC-an MCM helicase that drives meiotic recombination in the nucleus-also localizes to mitochondria in Drosophila. We show that REC repairs mtDNA DSBs by homologous recombination in somatic and germline tissues. Moreover, REC prevents age-associated mtDNA mutations. We further show that MCM8, the human ortholog of REC, also localizes to mitochondria and limits the accumulation of mtDNA mutations. This study provides mechanistic insight into animal mtDNA recombination and demonstrates its importance in safeguarding mtDNA during ageing and evolution.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA Repair* / genetics
  • DNA, Mitochondrial* / genetics
  • Drosophila / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins* / genetics
  • Homologous Recombination
  • Humans
  • Meiosis
  • Mitochondria / genetics

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • REC protein, Drosophila
  • MCM8 protein, human