Deficiencies in complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain represent an important class of human mitochondrial diseases that include Leigh Syndrome, Leber?s hereditary optic nephropathy, neonatal lactic acidosis, cardiomyopathy, and encephalopathy. Leigh Syndrome is generally regarded as the most common mitochondrial disease of infancy and is characterized primarily by severe neurological defects. There is currently no effective treatment. A mouse model has been developed in which the complex I structural subunit NDUFS4 is knocked-out. Ndufs4-/- mice show a profound neurodegenerative phenotype including retarded growth rate, lethargy, loss of motor skill, blindness, weight loss, and early death. These symptoms are recapitulated in human patients with Ndufs4 mutations, as well as other Leigh Syndrome-associated mutations. We have recently reported that treating Ndufs4-/- mice with the drug rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), results in two to three-fold increase in survival, dramatic attenuation of neurologial defecits, and reduced neurodegeneration. In unpublished studies, we have observed similar effects from the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) -glucosidase inhibitor acarbose. The broader goals this proposal to define the mechanistic basis for suppression of mitochondrial disease by rapamycin, NMN, and acarbose in the Ndufs4 knockout (KO) mouse. This will be accomplished broadly by assessing changes in the metabolome and phosphoproteome, and specifically by determining the effects of these interventions on mitochondrial function, mTOR signaling, NAD homeostasis, and activity of the NAD-dependent mitochondrial SIRT3 deacetylase. We will test the specific hypothesis that these intervention act by enhancing SIRT3 activity by creating animals lacking both NDUFS4 and SIRT3 and determining whether this blocks or attenuates rescue of the disease. These studies promise to enhance our understanding of mitochondrial function in the context of complex I deficiency and facilitate the development of interventional strategies to improve the lives of patients with mitochondrial disease.

Public Health Relevance

Mitochondrial disorders represent an important class of human disease for which there are currently no effective treatments. Our preliminary studies have identified three clinically relevant molecules that can alleviate disease symptoms in the Ndufs4 knockout mouse model of mitochondrial disease: rapamycin, acarbose, and nicotinamide mononucleotide. This proposal will focus on providing mechanistic insight into how these interventions improve outcome in this mouse model, thus paving the way for new therapies to treat people with mitochondrial disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01NS098329-01A1
Application #
9307448
Study Section
Neural Oxidative Metabolism and Death Study Section (NOMD)
Program Officer
Mamounas, Laura
Project Start
2017-02-15
Project End
2022-01-31
Budget Start
2017-02-15
Budget End
2018-01-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
$479,711
Indirect Cost
$171,078
Name
University of Washington
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
605799469
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195
Ito, Takashi K; Lu, Chenhao; Khan, Jacob et al. (2017) Hepatic S6K1 Partially Regulates Lifespan of Mice with Mitochondrial Complex I Deficiency. Front Genet 8:113