iPSC-Derived Neurons from Patients with POLG Mutations Exhibit Decreased Mitochondrial Content and Dendrite Simplification

Abstract

Mutations in POLG, the gene encoding the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase gamma, result in clinical syndromes characterized by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion in affected tissues with variable organ involvement. The brain is one of the most affected organs, and symptoms include intractable seizures, developmental delay, dementia, and ataxia. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide opportunities to explore mechanisms in affected cell types and potential therapeutic strategies. Fibroblasts from two patients were reprogrammed to create new iPSC models of POLG-related mitochondrial diseases. Compared with iPSC-derived control neurons, mtDNA depletion was observed upon differentiation of the POLG-mutated lines to cortical neurons. POLG-mutated neurons exhibited neurite simplification with decreased mitochondrial content, abnormal mitochondrial structure and function, and increased cell death. Expression of the mitochondrial kinase PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) mRNA was decreased in patient neurons. Overexpression of PINK1 increased mitochondrial content and ATP:ADP ratios in neurites, decreasing cell death and rescuing neuritic complexity. These data indicate an intersection of polymerase gamma and PINK1 pathways that may offer a novel therapeutic option for patients affected by this spectrum of disorders.