Retrograde mitochondrial signaling governs the identity and maturity of metabolic tissues.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-6-2025

Publication Title

Science

Keywords

JGM

JAX Source

Science. Forthcoming 2025:eadf2034

First Page

2034

Last Page

2034

ISSN

1095-9203

PMID

39913641

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adf2034

Abstract

Mitochondrial damage is a hallmark of metabolic diseases, including diabetes, yet the consequences of compromised mitochondria in metabolic tissues are often unclear. Here, we report that dysfunctional mitochondrial quality control engages a retrograde (mitonuclear) signaling program that impairs cellular identity and maturity in β-cells, hepatocytes, and brown adipocytes. Targeted deficiency throughout the mitochondrial quality control pathway, including genome integrity, dynamics, or turnover, impaired the oxidative phosphorylation machinery, activating the mitochondrial integrated stress response, eliciting chromatin remodeling, and promoting cellular immaturity rather than apoptosis to yield metabolic dysfunction. Indeed, pharmacologic blockade of the integrated stress response in vivo restored β-cell identity following loss of mitochondrial quality control. Targeting mitochondrial retrograde signaling may therefore be promising in the treatment or prevention of metabolic disorders.

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