Influence of mitochondrial DNA level on cellular energy metabolism: implications for mitochondrial diseases

  • Christophe Rocher
  • Jan-Willem Taanman
  • Denis Pierron
  • Benjamin Faustin
  • Giovani Benard
  • Rodrigue Rossignol
  • Monique Malgat
  • Laurence Pedespan
  • Thierry Letellier
Article
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

The total amount of cellular mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) varies widely and seems to be related to the nature and metabolic state of tissues and cells in culture. It is not known, however, whether this variation has any significance in vivo, and to which extent it regulates energy production. To better understand the importance of the cellular mtDNA level, we studied the influence of a gradual reduction of mtDNA copy number on oxidative phosphorylation in two models: (a) a control human cell line treated with different concentrations of 2′, 3′-dideoxycytidine, a nucleoside analogue that inhibits mtDNA replication by interfering with mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ, and (b) a cell line derived from a patient presenting mtDNA depletion. The two models were used to construct biochemical and phenotypic threshold curves. Our results show that oxidative phosphorylation activities are under a tight control by the amount of mtDNA in the cell, and that the full complement of mtDNA molecules are necessary to maintain a normal energy production level.

Keywords

Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome Oxidative phosphorylation Respiratory chain Threshold effect 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2008

Authors and Affiliations

  • Christophe Rocher
    • 1
  • Jan-Willem Taanman
    • 2
  • Denis Pierron
    • 1
  • Benjamin Faustin
    • 1
  • Giovani Benard
    • 1
  • Rodrigue Rossignol
    • 1
  • Monique Malgat
    • 1
  • Laurence Pedespan
    • 3
  • Thierry Letellier
    • 1
  1. 1.U688 INSERM-Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux2Bordeaux-CedexFrance
  2. 2.University Department of Clinical NeurosciencesInstitute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUK
  3. 3.Hôpital Pellegrin enfantsBordeaux-CedexFrance

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