Enhancing mitochondrial activity in neurons protects against neurodegeneration in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis

Sina C. Rosenkranz, Artem A. Shaposhnykov, Simone Traeger, Jan Broder Engler, Maarten E. Witte, Vanessa Roth, Vanessa Vieira, Nanne Paauw, Simone Bauer, Celina Schwencke-Westphal, Charlotte Schubert, Lukas Can Bal, Benjamin Schattling, Ole Pless, Jack van Horssen, Marc Freichel, Manuel A. Friese

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

27 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

While transcripts of neuronal mitochondrial genes are strongly suppressed in central nervous system inflammation, it is unknown whether this results in mitochondrial dysfunction and whether an increase of mitochondrial function can rescue neurodegeneration. Here we show that predominantly genes of the electron transport chain are suppressed in inflamed mouse neurons resulting in impaired mitochondrial complex IV activity. This was associated with posttranslational inactivation of the transcriptional co-regulator PGC-1α. In mice, neuronal overexpression of Ppargc1a, which encodes for PGC-1α, led to increased numbers of mitochondria, complex IV activity and maximum respiratory capacity. Moreover, Ppargc1a overexpressing neurons showed a higher mitochondrial membrane potential that related to an improved calcium buffering capacity. Accordingly, neuronal deletion of Ppargc1a aggravated neurodegeneration during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), while neuronal overexpression of Ppargc1a ameliorated it. Our study provides systemic insights into mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons during inflammation and commends elevation of mitochondrial activity as a promising neuroprotective strategy.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere61798
Pages (from-to)1-60
Number of pages60
JournaleLife
Volume10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Feb 2021

Keywords

  • EAE
  • Mitochondria
  • Neuroprotection
  • Oxidative phosphorylation
  • PGC-1α

Cite this