The geographic origins of populations can be identified by their maternally
inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups. This study compared human cybrids
(cytoplasmic hybrids), which are cell lines with identical nuclei but mitochondria from
different individuals with mtDNA from either the H haplogroup or L haplogroup backgrounds.
The most common European haplogroup is H while individuals of maternal African origin are
of the L haplogroup. Despite lower mtDNA copy numbers, L cybrids had higher expression
levels for nine mtDNA-encoded respiratory complex genes, decreased ATP turnover rates and
lower levels of ROS production, parameters which are consistent with more efficient
oxidative phosphorylation. Surprisingly, GeneChip arrays showed that the L and H cybrids
had major differences in expression of genes of the canonical complement system (5 genes),
dermatan/chondroitin sulfate biosynthesis (5 genes) and CCR3 signaling (9 genes).
Quantitative nuclear gene expression studies confirmed that L cybrids had (a) lower
expression levels of complement pathway and innate immunity genes and (b) increased levels
of inflammation-related signaling genes, which are critical in human diseases. Our data
support the hypothesis that mtDNA haplogroups representing populations from different
geographic origins may play a role in differential susceptibilities to diseases.