The mitochondrial Ahi1/GR participates the regulation on mtDNA copy numbers and brain ATP levels and modulates depressive behaviors in mice

Abstract

Background Previous studies have shown that depression is often accompanied by an increase in mtDNA copy number and a decrease in ATP levels; however, the exact regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Methods In the present study, Western blot, cell knockdown, immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation and ChIP-qPCR assays were used to detect changes in the Ahi1/GR-TFAM-mtDNA pathway in the brains of neuronal Abelson helper integration site-1 (Ahi1) KO mice and dexamethasone (Dex)-induced mice to elucidate the pathogenesis of depression. In addition, a rescue experiment was performed to determine the effects of regular exercise on the Ahi1/GR-TFAM-mtDNA-ATP pathway and depression-like behavior in Dex-induced mice and Ahi1 KO mice under stress. Results In this study, we found that ATP levels decreased and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy numbers increased in depression-related brain regions in Dex-induced depressive mice and Ahi1 knockout (KO) mice. In addition, Ahi1 and glucocorticoid receptor (GR), two important proteins related to stress and depressive behaviors, were significantly decreased in the mitochondria under stress. Intriguingly, GR can bind to the D-loop control region of mitochondria and regulate mitochondrial replication and transcription. Importantly, regular exercise significantly increased mitochondrial Ahi1/GR levels and ATP levels and thus improved depression-like behaviors in Dex-induced depressive mice but not in Ahi1 KO mice under stress. Conclusions In summary, our findings demonstrated that the mitochondrial Ahi1/GR complex and TFAM coordinately regulate mtDNA copy numbers and brain ATP levels by binding to the D-loop region of mtDNA Regular exercise increases the levels of the mitochondrial Ahi1/GR complex and improves depressive behaviors.

Targeting mitophagy for depression amelioration: a novel therapeutic strategy

“…Furthermore, the MMP was reduced in microglia induced by LPS and ATP. Decreased ATP levels and increased mtDNA copy number were also seen in Dex-induced mice (Arioz et al, 2019;Li et al, 2020;Shen et al, 2021;Wang et al, 2023).…”

Research advances in huntingtin-associated protein 1 and its application prospects in diseases

“…The absence of AHI1 in neurons leads to a depressive-like phenotype and decreased sensitivity to antidepressants (Xu et al, 2010;. Increased levels of the mitochondrial AHI1/GR complex improve depressive behaviors (Wang et al, 2023). These findings have elucidated the relationship between HAP1 dysfunction and stress, and provide strong support for the development of new therapies for HAP1-related diseases.…”

Mitochondrial Deoxyribonucleic Acid Copy Number Elevation As a Predictor for Extended Survival and Favorable Outcomes in High-Grade Brain Tumor Patients: A Malaysian Study

“… 25 Similarly, a recent study unveiled reduced ATP levels in mice displaying depressive-like behavior, alongside heightened mtDNA copy numbers. 26 …”