Global DNA methylation levels are modulated by mitochondrial DNA variants

D Bellizzi, P D'Aquila, M Giordano, A Montesanto… - …, 2012 - Future Medicine
Epigenomics, 2012Future Medicine
Aim: In the present study, we investigated whether global DNA methylation levels are
affected by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants, which are known to modulate
mitochondrial functions. Materials & methods: Global DNA methylation levels were
evaluated in peripheral blood DNA collected from adult subjects and in vitro using the DNA
of cybrid cells harboring mtDNAs of different haplogroups. In these cells, mRNA expression
of genes involved in DNA methylation processes, and ATP and reactive oxygen species …
Aim
In the present study, we investigated whether global DNA methylation levels are affected by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants, which are known to modulate mitochondrial functions.
Materials & methods
Global DNA methylation levels were evaluated in peripheral blood DNA collected from adult subjects and in vitro using the DNA of cybrid cells harboring mtDNAs of different haplogroups. In these cells, mRNA expression of genes involved in DNA methylation processes, and ATP and reactive oxygen species levels were also analyzed.
Results
The analysis revealed that methylation levels were higher in the subjects carrying the J haplogroup than in non-J carriers. Consistently, cybrids with J haplogroup mtDNA showed higher methylation levels than other cybrids. Interestingly, we observed overexpression of the MAT1A gene and low ATP and ROS levels in J cybrids.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that mtDNA-specific interactions between mitochondria and the nucleus regulate epigenetic changes, possibly by affecting oxidative phosphorylation efficiency.
Future Medicine