silencing of pink1 expression affects mitochondrial dna and oxidative phosphorylation in dopaminergic cells沉默的pink1表达影响线粒体dna和多巴胺能细胞的氧化磷酸化.pdfVIP

Silencing of PINK1 Expression Affects Mitochondrial DNA and Oxidative Phosphorylation in DOPAMINERGIC Cells Matthew E. Gegg, J. Mark Cooper, Anthony H. V. Schapira, Jan-Willem Taanman* Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom Abstract Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Impairment of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) and an increased frequency in deletions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which encodes some of the subunits of the ETC, have been reported in the substantia nigra of PD brains. The identification of mutations in the PINK1 gene, which cause an autosomal recessive form of PD, has supported mitochondrial involvement in PD. The PINK1 protein is a serine/threonine kinase localized in mitochondria and the cytosol. Its precise function is unknown, but it is involved in neuroprotection against a variety of stress signalling pathways. Methodology/Principal Findings: In this report we have investigated the effect of silencing PINK1 expression in human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells by siRNA on mtDNA synthesis and ETC function. Loss of PINK1 expression resulted in a decrease in mtDNA levels and mtDNA synthesis. We also report a concomitant loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased mitochondrial ATP synthesis, with the activity of complex IV of the ETC most affected. This mitochondrial dysfunction resulted in increased markers of oxidative stress under basal conditions and increased cell death following treatment with the free radical generator paraquat. Conclusions: This report highlights a novel function of PINK1 in mitochondrial biogenesis and a role in maintaining mitochondrial ETC activity. Dysfunction of both has