The DNA polymerase gamma (Polg) is a nuclear-encoded enzyme involved in DNA replication in animal mitochondria. In humans, mutations in the POLG gene underlie a set of mitochondrial diseases characterized by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion or deletion and multiorgan defects, named POLG disorders, for which an effective therapy is still needed. By applying antisense strategies, ENU- and CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis, we have generated embryonic, larval-lethal and adult-viable zebrafish Polg models. Morphological and functional characterizations detected a set of phenotypes remarkably associated to POLG disorders, including cardiac, skeletal muscle, hepatic and gonadal defects, as well as mitochondrial dysfunctions and, notably, a perturbed mitochondria-to-nucleus retrograde signaling (CREB and Hypoxia pathways). Next, taking advantage of preliminary evidence on the candidate molecule Clofilium tosylate (CLO), we tested CLO toxicity and then its efficacy in our zebrafish lines. Interestingly, at well tolerated doses, the CLO drug could successfully rescue mtDNA and Complex I respiratory activity to normal levels, even in mutant phenotypes worsened by treatment with Ethidium Bromide. In addition, the CLO drug could efficiently restore cardio-skeletal parameters and mitochondrial mass back to normal values. Altogether, these evidences point to zebrafish as a valuable vertebrate organism to faithfully phenocopy multiple defects detected in POLG patients. Moreover, this model represents an excellent platform to screen, at the whole-animal level, candidate molecules with therapeutic effects in POLG disorders.

Efficient clofilium tosylate-mediated rescue of POLG-related disease phenotypes in zebrafish

Facchinello, Nicola
Investigation
;
Laquatra, Claudio
Investigation
;
Locatello, Lisa
Investigation
;
Beffagna, Giorgia
Investigation
;
Brañas Casas, Raquel
Investigation
;
Fornetto, Chiara
Investigation
;
Dinarello, Alberto
Investigation
;
Martorano, Laura
Investigation
;
Vettori, Andrea
Investigation
;
Risato, Giovanni
Investigation
;
Celeghin, Rudy
Investigation
;
Meneghetti, Giacomo
Investigation
;
Santoro, Massimo Mattia
Membro del Collaboration Group
;
Rasola, Andrea
Membro del Collaboration Group
;
Dalla Valle, Luisa
Membro del Collaboration Group
;
Rasotto, Maria Berica
Membro del Collaboration Group
;
Argenton, Francesco
Funding Acquisition
;
Tiso, Natascia
Supervision
2021

Abstract

The DNA polymerase gamma (Polg) is a nuclear-encoded enzyme involved in DNA replication in animal mitochondria. In humans, mutations in the POLG gene underlie a set of mitochondrial diseases characterized by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion or deletion and multiorgan defects, named POLG disorders, for which an effective therapy is still needed. By applying antisense strategies, ENU- and CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis, we have generated embryonic, larval-lethal and adult-viable zebrafish Polg models. Morphological and functional characterizations detected a set of phenotypes remarkably associated to POLG disorders, including cardiac, skeletal muscle, hepatic and gonadal defects, as well as mitochondrial dysfunctions and, notably, a perturbed mitochondria-to-nucleus retrograde signaling (CREB and Hypoxia pathways). Next, taking advantage of preliminary evidence on the candidate molecule Clofilium tosylate (CLO), we tested CLO toxicity and then its efficacy in our zebrafish lines. Interestingly, at well tolerated doses, the CLO drug could successfully rescue mtDNA and Complex I respiratory activity to normal levels, even in mutant phenotypes worsened by treatment with Ethidium Bromide. In addition, the CLO drug could efficiently restore cardio-skeletal parameters and mitochondrial mass back to normal values. Altogether, these evidences point to zebrafish as a valuable vertebrate organism to faithfully phenocopy multiple defects detected in POLG patients. Moreover, this model represents an excellent platform to screen, at the whole-animal level, candidate molecules with therapeutic effects in POLG disorders.
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Facchinello_et_al-2021-Cell_Death_&_Disease.pdf

accesso aperto

Descrizione: Facchinello-CDDIS-2021
Tipologia: Published (publisher's version)
Licenza: Creative commons
Dimensione 5.09 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
5.09 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri
Pubblicazioni consigliate

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11577/3366944
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 11
  • Scopus 16
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 15
  • OpenAlex ND
social impact