Common mtDNA Variants Research Articles

Increases in computationally predicted deleterious variants of unknown significance and sperm mtDNA copy numbers may be associated with semen quality.

Mitochondria are essential for sperm motility because they provide the energy required for the movement. Changes in sperm mtDNA, such as point mutations, large-scale deletions, or copy number variations, may interfere with ATP production and reduce sperm motility. However, it is not clear if changes in mtDNA are linked to semen quality. To explore the association between sperm mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) changes and semen quality. Sixty-five oligo and/or astheno and/or terato patients (O/A/T) patients and 41 controls were recruited from couples undergoing assisted reproduction. Semen and blood samples were collected from the same individual on the day of oocyte retrieval to extract, isolate and purify mtDNA for next-generation sequencing. mtDNA copy numbers were assessed in 64 patient and 39 control sperm DNA samples using quantitative real-time PCR. The 4977bp deletion was assessed in 20 patient and 20 control sperm DNA samples using polymerase chain reaction. The mtDNA of patients was more likely to carry pathogenic variants or variants of unknown significance (VUSs) (P=0.091) with higher heteroplasmy levels (P<0.05) than that of controls. Interestingly, 33.85% of O/A/T patients (22 out of 65) lacked unique variants in their spermatozoa. but presented an exceptionally high mtDNA copy number (P<0.0001). Moreover, we observed a decrease in the heteroplasmy level of common mtDNA variants shared by somatic and gamete cells (P<0.0001) and the emergence of a very large number of de novo mtDNA variants with low-level heteroplasmy in spermatozoa. The increases in the number of computationally predicted deleterious VUS and mtDNA copies in spermatozoa may be associated with semen quality. Exposure to environmental mutation pressure that causes novel mtDNA variants with low-level heteroplasmy may occur during spermatogenesis. Furthermore, when a certain harmful threshold is reached, male germ cells may degrade mtDNA with mutations and replicate the correct mtDNA sequence to maintain the mitochondrial function in spermatozoa.

Mitochondria-wide association study observed significant interactions of mitochondrial respiratory and the inflammatory in the development of anxiety and depression

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible interaction of mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammatory cytokines in the risk of anxiety and depression. We utilized the UK Biobank for the sample of this study. A mitochondria-wide association(MiWAS) and interaction analysis was performed to investigate the interaction effects of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)×C-reactive protein (CRP) on the risks of self-reported anxiety (N = 72,476), general anxiety disorder (GAD-7) scores (N = 80,853), self-reported depression (N = 80,778), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores (N = 80,520) in total samples, females and males, respectively, adjusting for sex, age, Townsend deprivation index (TDI), education score, alcohol intake, smoking and 10 principal components. In all, 25 mtSNPs and 10 mtSNPs showed significant level of association with self-reported anxiety and GAD-7 score respectively. A total of seven significant mtDNA × CRP interactions were found for anxiety, such as m.3915G>A(MT-ND1) for self-reported anxiety in total subjects (P = 6.59 × 10−3), m.4561T>C(MT-ND2) (P = 3.04 × 10−3) for GAD-7 score in total subjects. For depression, MiWAS identified 17 significant mtSNPs for self-reported depression and 14 significant mtSNPs for PHQ-9 scores. 17 significant mtDNA associations (2 for self-reported depression and 15 for PHQ-9 score) was identified, such as m.14869G>A(MT-CYB; P = 2.22 × 10−3) associated with self-reported depression and m.4561T>C (MT-ND2; P value = 3.02 × 10−8) associated with PHQ-9 score in all subjects. In addition, 5 common mtDNA shared with anxiety and depression were found in MiWAS, and 4 common mtDNA variants were detected to interact with CRP for anxiety and depression, such as m.9899T>C(MT-CO3). Our study suggests the important interaction effects of mitochondrial function and CRP on the risks of anxiety and depression.

Molecular characterization of variants in mitochondrial DNA encoded genes using next generation sequencing analysis and mitochondrial dysfunction in women with PCOS

Emerging studies indicates mitochondrial dysfunction and involvement of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Cumulative effect of mtDNA rare variants are now gaining considerable interest apart from common variants in the pathogenesis of complex diseases. Rare variants may modify the effect of polymorphism or in combination with the common variants may affect the risk of disease. With the evolution of high throughput sequencing techniques, which can be utilized to identify common as well as rare variants along with heteroplasmy levels, comprehensive characterization of the mtDNA variants is possible. Till date, few studies reported common mtDNA variants using traditional sequencing techniques but rare variants in mtDNA encoding genes remain unexplored in women with PCOS. These mtDNA variants may be responsible for mitochondrial dysfunction and may contribute in PCOS pathogenesis. In this study we determined mtDNA copy number, a biomarker of mitochondrial dysfunction and first time analysed variants in mtDNA encoded genes in women with PCOS using mitochondrial Next Generation sequencing (NGS) approach and compared allele frequency from mitochondrial 1000 genome dataset. Variant annotation and prioritization was done using highly automated pipeline, MToolBox that excludes reads mapped from nuclear mitochondrial DNA sequences (NumtS) to identify unique mtDNA reads. The present study identified significant reduction in mtDNA copy number in women with PCOS compared to non-PCOS women. A total of unique 214 prioritized common to rare variants were identified in mtDNA encoded genes, 183 variants in OXPHOS complexes, 14 variants in MT-tRNA and 17 variants in MT-rRNA genes that may be involved in mitochondrial dysfunction in PCOS. Numerous variants were heteroplasmic, pathogenic in nature and occurred in evolutionary conserved region. Heteroplasmic variants were more frequently occurred in MT-CO3 gene. Non-synonymous variants were more than synonymous variants and mainly occurred in OXPHOS complex I and IV. Few variants were found to be associated with diseases in MITOMAP database. The study provides a better understanding towards pathogenesis of PCOS from novel aspects focusing on mitochondrial genetic defects as underlying cause for contributing mitochondrial dysfunction in women with PCOS.

Combination of common mtDNA variants results in mitochondrial dysfunction and a connective tissue dysregulation

Mitochondrial dysfunction can be associated with a range of clinical manifestations. Here, we report a family with a complex phenotype including combinations of connective tissue, neurological, and metabolic symptoms that were passed on to all surviving children. Analysis of the maternally inherited mtDNA revealed a novel genotype encompassing the haplogroup J - defining mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) ND5 m.13708G>A (A458T) variant arising on the mtDNA haplogroup H7A background, an extremely rare combination. Analysis of transmitochondrial cybrids with the 13708A-H7 mtDNA revealed a lower mitochondrial respiration, increased reactive oxygen species production (mROS), and dysregulation of connective tissue gene expression. The mitochondrial dysfunction was exacerbated by histamine, explaining why all eight surviving children inherited the dysfunctional histidine decarboxylase allele (W327X) from the father. Thus, certain combinations of common mtDNA variants can cause mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction can affect extracellular matrix gene expression, and histamine-activated mROS production can augment the severity of mitochondrial dysfunction. Most important, we have identified a previously unreported genetic cause of mitochondrial disorder arising from the incompatibility of common, nonpathogenic mtDNA variants.

Mitochondrial DNA population variation is not associated with Alzheimer's in the Japanese population: A consistent finding across global populations.

Several mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup association studies have suggested that common mtDNA variants are associated with multifactorial diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, such studies have also produced conflicting results. A new mtDNA association model, the ‘variant load model’ (VLM), has been applied to multiple disease phenotypes. Application of the VLM in a 2017 study failed to find different variant loads in AD patients compared to controls, in two cohorts of European origin. The study also suggested a lower variant load in healthy elderly individuals, but could offer no replicate cohort to support this observation. Here, the VLM is applied to Japanese mtDNA sequences; in doing so, we explored the role of mtDNA variation in AD and ageing in a different global population. Consistent with the previous findings using the VLM in two populations of European origin, we found no evidence for an association between rarer, non-haplogroup associated variation and the development of AD. However, the result in the context of ageing that suggested those with fewer mildly deleterious mutations might undergo healthier ageing, was not replicated. In contrast to our previous study, our present results suggest that those living to advanced old age may harbour more mildly deleterious mtDNA variations. Importantly our analysis showed this finding is not primarily being driven by many rare population variants dispersed across the mtDNA, but by a few more frequent variants with high MutPred scores. It is suggested the variants in question do not exert a mildly deleterious effect in their most frequent haplogroup context.

EPID-12. MITOCHONDRIAL DNA SEQUENCE VARIATION AND MENINGIOMA

Abstract Meningiomas are the most common primary central nervous system tumors. Risk factors include female sex, African American race, a higher body mass index, and exposure to ionizing radiation. Genome-wide association studies have identified two risk loci for meningioma in the nuclear genome (rs12770228 and rs2686876). Whereas mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variants and haplogroups have been linked with certain cancers, research on meningioma is lacking. We examined the association of 42 common (minor allele frequency ≥ 5%) germline mtDNA variants, haplogroups, and genes with meningioma risk in 1,080 controls and 478 cases from a case-control study conducted at medical centers in the southeastern US. Participant DNA samples were genotyped using the UK Biobank array that included a set of common and rare mtDNA variants. Risk associations were examined separately for meningioma overall, WHO grade 1 (n=409) and WHO grade 2/3 (n=69) meningiomas. Overall, meningioma risk was significantly higher among women (OR=2.86; 95% CI:2.21-3.71) compared to men, higher among African Americans (OR=2.37, 95% CI:1.41-3.99) compared to Caucasians, and higher among those who were overweight (OR=1.48; 95% CI:1.11-1.98) or obese (OR= 1.73; 95% CI:1.26-2.38) compared to those of normal weight. The variant m.16362T &amp;gt;C (rs62581341) in the mitochondrial control region was positively associated with grade 2/3 meningiomas (OR=2.33; 95% CI: 1.14-4.79), but not with grade 1 tumors (OR=0.99; 95% CI:0.64-1.53). Haplogroup L, a marker for African ancestry, was identified among 3.6% of controls and 8.6% of cases and was associated with meningioma risk overall (OR=2.56; 95% CI:1.52-4.30). When stratifying by self-reported race, the association between haplogroup L and meningioma was only apparent among the small number of self-reported Caucasians with this haplogroup (OR=6.68; 95% CI=1.66-26.91) when compared to non-L haplogroups, combined. No other common mtDNA variant (minor allele &amp;gt;5%), haplogroup, or gene was associated with meningioma risk. These findings merit further study.

Common mtDNA variations at C5178a and A249d/T6392C/G10310A decrease the risk of severe COVID-19 in a Han Chinese population from Central China

BackgroundMitochondria have been shown to play vital roles during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) development. Currently, it is unclear whether mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants, which define mtDNA haplogroups and determine oxidative phosphorylation performance and reactive oxygen species production, are associated with COVID-19 risk.MethodsA population-based case–control study was conducted to compare the distribution of mtDNA variations defining mtDNA haplogroups between healthy controls (n = 615) and COVID-19 patients (n = 536). COVID-19 patients were diagnosed based on molecular diagnostics of the viral genome by qPCR and chest X-ray or computed tomography scanning. The exclusion criteria for the healthy controls were any history of disease in the month preceding the study assessment. MtDNA variants defining mtDNA haplogroups were identified by PCR-RFLPs and HVS-I sequencing and determined based on mtDNA phylogenetic analysis using Mitomap Phylogeny. Student’s t-test was used for continuous variables, and Pearson’s chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test was used for categorical variables. To assess the independent effect of each mtDNA variant defining mtDNA haplogroups, multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with adjustments for possible confounding factors of age, sex, smoking and diseases (including cardiopulmonary diseases, diabetes, obesity and hypertension) as determined through clinical and radiographic examinations.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the most common investigated mtDNA variations (> 10% in the control population) at C5178a (in NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene, ND2) and A249d (in the displacement loop region, D-loop)/T6392C (in cytochrome c oxidase I gene, CO1)/G10310A (in ND3) were associated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 (OR = 0.590, 95% CI 0.428–0.814, P = 0.001; and OR = 0.654, 95% CI 0.457–0.936, P = 0.020, respectively), while A4833G (ND2), A4715G (ND2), T3394C (ND1) and G5417A (ND2)/C16257a (D-loop)/C16261T (D-loop) were related to an increased risk of severe COVID-19 (OR = 2.336, 95% CI 1.179–4.608, P = 0.015; OR = 2.033, 95% CI 1.242–3.322, P = 0.005; OR = 3.040, 95% CI 1.522–6.061, P = 0.002; and OR = 2.890, 95% CI 1.199–6.993, P = 0.018, respectively).ConclusionsThis is the first study to explore the association of mtDNA variants with individual’s risk of developing severe COVID-19. Based on the case–control study, we concluded that the common mtDNA variants at C5178a and A249d/T6392C/G10310A might contribute to an individual’s resistance to developing severe COVID-19, whereas A4833G, A4715G, T3394C and G5417A/C16257a/C16261T might increase an individual’s risk of developing severe COVID-19.

Mitochondrial DNA sequence variation and risk of meningioma.

Risk factors for meningioma include female gender, African American race, high body mass index (BMI), and exposure to ionizing radiation. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified two nuclear genome risk loci for meningioma (rs12770228 and rs2686876), the relation between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variants and meningioma is unknown. We examined the association of 42 common germline mtDNA variants (minor allele frequency ≥ 5%), haplogroups, and genes with meningioma in 1080 controls and 478 meningioma cases from a case-control study conducted at medical centers in the southeastern United States. Associations were examined separately for meningioma overall and by WHO grade (n = 409 grade I and n = 69 grade II/III). Overall, meningioma was significantly associated with being female (OR 2.85; 95% CI 2.21-3.69), self-reported African American race (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.41-3.99), and being overweight (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.11-1.97) or obese (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.25-2.31). The variant m.16362T > C (rs62581341) in the mitochondrial control region was positively associated with grade II/III meningiomas (OR 2.33; 95% CI 1.14-4.77), but not grade I tumors (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.64-1.53). Haplogroup L, a marker for African ancestry, was associated with meningioma overall (OR 2.92; 95% CI 1.01-8.44). However, after stratifying by self-reported race, this association was only apparent among the few self-reported Caucasians with this haplogroup (OR 6.35; 95% CI 1.56-25.9). No other mtDNA variant, haplogroup, or gene was associated with meningioma. Common mtDNA variants and major mtDNA haplogroups do not appear to have associations with the odds of developing meningioma.

Decoding mitochondrial heterogeneity in single muscle fibres by imaging mass cytometry

The study of skeletal muscle continues to support the accurate diagnosis of mitochondrial disease and remains important in delineating molecular disease mechanisms. The heterogeneous expression of oxidative phosphorylation proteins and resulting respiratory deficiency are both characteristic findings in mitochondrial disease, hence the rigorous assessment of these at a single cell level is incredibly powerful. Currently, the number of proteins that can be assessed in individual fibres from a single section by immunohistochemistry is limited but imaging mass cytometry (IMC) enables the quantification of further, discrete proteins in individual cells. We have developed a novel workflow and bespoke analysis for applying IMC in skeletal muscle biopsies from patients with genetically-characterised mitochondrial disease, investigating the distribution of nine mitochondrial proteins in thousands of single muscle fibres. Using a semi-automated analysis pipeline, we demonstrate the accurate quantification of protein levels using IMC, providing an accurate measure of oxidative phosphorylation deficiency for complexes I–V at the single cell level. We demonstrate signatures of oxidative phosphorylation deficiency for common mtDNA variants and nuclear-encoded complex I variants and a compensatory upregulation of unaffected oxidative phosphorylation components. This technique can now be universally applied to evaluate a wide range of skeletal muscle disorders and protein targets.

Role of mitochondrial DNA variation in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus.

Mitochondria are crucial intracellular organelles where ATP and reactive oxygen species are generated via the electron transport chain. They are also where cellular fate is determined. There is a growing body of evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Mitochondrial dysfunction in pancreatic beta-cells results in impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. It is also associated with decreased oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation in insulin sensitive tissues. Variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) quantity and quality are reported to be associated with the risk of developing diabetes. A rare variant, mtDNA 3243 A>G, is well known to cause maternally inherited diabetes. Common mtDNA variants, such as mtDNA 16189 T>C and several mtDNA haplogroups, are also associated with an increased risk of diabetes, especially in Asians. The variant load, known as heteroplasmy, in a specific tissue is thought to modulate the phenotypic expression of these mtDNA variants. In this article, we review the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of diabetes and the association between mtDNA variations and risk of diabetes.

Two-stage association study and meta-analysis of mitochondrial DNA variants in Parkinson disease

Previous associations between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) have been inconsistent and contradictory. Our aim was to resolve these inconsistencies and determine whether mtDNA has a significant role in the risk of developing PD. Two-stage genetic association study of 138 common mtDNA variants in 3,074 PD cases and 5,659 ethnically matched controls followed by meta-analysis of 6,140 PD cases and 13,280 controls. In the association study, m.2158T>C and m.11251A>G were associated with a reduced risk of PD in both the discovery and replication cohorts. None of the common European mtDNA haplogroups were consistently associated with PD, but pooling of discovery and replication cohorts revealed a protective association with "super-haplogroup" JT. In the meta-analysis, there was a reduced risk of PD with haplogroups J, K, and T and super-haplogroup JT, and an increase in the risk of PD with super-haplogroup H. In a 2-stage association study of mtDNA variants and PD, we confirm the reduced risk of PD with super-haplogroup JT and resolve this at the J1b level. Meta-analysis explains the previous inconsistent associations that likely arise through sampling effects. The reduced risk of PD with haplogroups J, K, and T is mirrored by an increased risk of PD in super-haplogroup HV, which increases survival after sepsis. Antagonistic pleiotropy between mtDNA haplogroups may thus be shaping the genetic landscape in humans, leading to an increased risk of PD in later life.

Parkinsonism, dementia and glucocerebrosidase mutations

Objectives: Previous associations between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) have been inconsistent and contradictory. Our aim was to resolve these inconsistencies and determine whether mtDNA has a significant role in the risk of developing PD. Methods: Two-stage genetic association study of 138 common mtDNA variants in 3,074 PD cases and 5,659 ethnically matched controls followed by meta-analysis of 6,140 PD cases and 13,280 controls. Results: In the association study, m.2158T>C and m.11251A>G were associated with a reduced risk of PD in both the discovery and replication cohorts. None of the common European mtDNA haplogroups were consistently associated with PD, but pooling of discovery and replication cohorts revealed a protective association with “super-haplogroup” JT. In the meta-analysis, there was a reduced risk of PD with haplogroups J, K, and T and super-haplogroup JT, and an increase in the risk of PD with super-haplogroup H. Conclusions: In a 2-stage association study of mtDNA variants and PD, we confirm the reduced risk of PD with super-haplogroup JT and resolve this at the J1b level. Meta-analysis explains the previous inconsistent associations that likely arise through sampling effects. The reduced risk of PD with haplogroups J, K, and T is mirrored by an increased risk of PD in super-haplogroup HV, which increases survival after sepsis. Antagonistic pleiotropy between mtDNA haplogroups may thus be shaping the genetic landscape in humans, leading to an increased risk of PD in later life.

Mitochondrial DNA sequence variation is associated with free-living activity energy expenditure in the elderly

The decline in activity energy expenditure underlies a range of age-associated pathological conditions, neuromuscular and neurological impairments, disability, and mortality. The majority (90%) of the energy needs of the human body are met by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). OXPHOS is dependent on the coordinated expression and interaction of genes encoded in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. We examined the role of mitochondrial genomic variation in free-living activity energy expenditure (AEE) and physical activity levels (PAL) by sequencing the entire (~16.5 kilobases) mtDNA from 138 Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study participants. Among the common mtDNA variants, the hypervariable region 2 m.185G>A variant was significantly associated with AEE (p=0.001) and PAL (p=0.0005) after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Several unique nonsynonymous variants were identified in the extremes of AEE with some occurring at highly conserved sites predicted to affect protein structure and function. Of interest is the p.T194M, CytB substitution in the lower extreme of AEE occurring at a residue in the Qi site of complex III. Among participants with low activity levels, the burden of singleton variants was 30% higher across the entire mtDNA and OXPHOS complex I when compared to those having moderate to high activity levels. A significant pooled variant association across the hypervariable 2 region was observed for AEE and PAL. These results suggest that mtDNA variation is associated with free-living AEE in older persons and may generate new hypotheses by which specific mtDNA complexes, genes, and variants may contribute to the maintenance of activity levels in late life.

Genetic Association Study of Common Mitochondrial Variants on Body Fat Mass

Mitochondria play a central role in ATP production and energy metabolism. Previous studies suggest that common variants in mtDNA are associated with several common complex diseases, including obesity. To test the hypothesis that common mtDNA variants influence obesity-related phenotypes, including BMI and body fat mass, we genotyped a total of 445 mtSNPs across the whole mitochondrial genome in a large sample of 2,286 unrelated Caucasian subjects. 72 of these 445 mtSNPs passed quality control criteria, and were used for subsequent analyses. We also classified all subjects into nine common European haplogroups. Association analyses were conducted for both BMI and body fat mass with single mtSNPs and mtDNA haplogroups. Two mtSNPs, mt4823 and mt8873 were detected to be significantly associated with body fat mass, with adjusted P values of 4.94×10-3 and 4.58×10-2, respectively. The minor alleles mt4823 C and mt8873 A were associated with reduced fat mass values and the effect size (β) was estimated to be 3.52 and 3.18, respectively. These two mtSNPs also achieved nominally significant levels for association with BMI. For haplogroup analyses, we found that haplogroup X was strongly associated with both BMI (adjusted P = 8.31×10-3) and body fat mass (adjusted P = 5.67×10-4) Subjects classified as haplogroup X had lower BMI and fat mass values, with the β estimated to be 2.86 and 6.03, respectively. Our findings suggest that common variants in mitochondria might play a role in variations of body fat mass. Further molecular and functional studies will be needed to clarify the potential mechanism.

Association between common mtDNA variants and all-cause or colorectal cancer mortality

Mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been found to be present in several types of tumours including tumours of the large bowel. However, their role in cancer development and prognosis is still to be resolved. We used 2838 cases from a large Scottish colorectal cancer (CRC) case-control study to examine whether inherited genetic variation at the mtDNA influenced all-cause and CRC-specific mortality. We examined 140 tagging mtDNA variants including nine haplotypes commonly found in European populations. After applying three Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, age and sex, three single nucleotide polymorphisms, two located in the 12S ribosomal RNA region (G752A and G1440A) and one in the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 2 region (ND2) region (G4770A), were statistically significantly associated with all-cause (Model I P-values: 0.0001, 0.002 and 0.002, respectively) and CRC-specific mortality (Model I P-values: 5 x 10(-5), 0.0003 and 0.0006, respectively). The H and U haplogroups were associated with an increased and decreased CRC risk, respectively, but with P-values of borderline significance and only after AJCC stage adjustment. In conclusion, the findings of the current study suggest a link between three common mtDNA variants and CRC prognosis. These findings are interesting and consistent with other biological knowledge but need to be confirmed through replication in independent cohorts.

Differences in reactive oxygen species production explain the phenotypes associated with common mouse mitochondrial DNA variants

Common mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes in humans and mice have been associated with various phenotypes, including learning performance and disease penetrance. Notably, no influence of mtDNA haplotype in cell respiration has been demonstrated. Here, using cell lines carrying four different common mouse mtDNA haplotypes in an identical nuclear background, we show that the similar level of respiration among the cell lines is only apparent and is a consequence of compensatory mechanisms triggered by different production of reactive oxygen species. We observe that the respiration capacity per molecule of mtDNA in cells with the NIH3T3 or NZB mtDNA is lower than in those with the C57BL/6J, CBA/J or BALB/cJ mtDNA. In addition, we have determined the genetic element underlying these differences. Our data provide insight into the molecular basis of the complex phenotypes associated with common mtDNA variants and anticipate a relevant contribution of mtDNA single nucleotide polymorphisms to phenotypic variability in humans.

Comprehensive Association Testing of Common Mitochondrial DNA Variation in Metabolic Disease

Many lines of evidence implicate mitochondria in phenotypic variation: (a) rare mutations in mitochondrial proteins cause metabolic, neurological, and muscular disorders; (b) alterations in oxidative phosphorylation are characteristic of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, and other diseases; and (c) common missense variants in the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) have been implicated as having been subject to natural selection for adaptation to cold climates and contributing to "energy deficiency" diseases today. To test the hypothesis that common mtDNA variation influences human physiology and disease, we identified all 144 variants with frequency >1% in Europeans from >900 publicly available European mtDNA sequences and selected 64 tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms that efficiently capture all common variation (except the hypervariable D-loop). Next, we evaluated the complete set of common mtDNA variants for association with type 2 diabetes in a sample of 3,304 diabetics and 3,304 matched nondiabetic individuals. Association of mtDNA variants with other metabolic traits (body mass index, measures of insulin secretion and action, blood pressure, and cholesterol) was also tested in subsets of this sample. We did not find a significant association of common mtDNA variants with these metabolic phenotypes. Moreover, we failed to identify any physiological effect of alleles that were previously proposed to have been adaptive for energy metabolism in human evolution. More generally, this comprehensive association-testing framework can readily be applied to other diseases for which mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated.

Extensive gene flow among mytilid (Bathymodiolus thermophilus) populations from hydrothermal vents of the eastern Pacific

Prior studies of the hydrothermal vent mussel Bathymodiolus thermophilus (Bivalvia: Mytilidae), provided conflicting predictions about the dispersal ability and population structure of this highly specialized species. Analyses of morphological features associated with its larval shells revealed a feeding larval stage that might facilitate dispersal between ephemeral vent habitats. In contrast, an allozyme study revealed substantial genetic differentiation between samples taken from populations 2370 km apart on Galapagos Rift (Latitude 0°N) and the East Pacific Rise (13°N). To resolve the discrepancy between these studies, we examined allozyme and mitochondrial (mt) DNA variation in new samples from the same localities plus more recently discovered sites (9° and 11°N) along the East Pacific Rise. Although analysis of 26 enzyme-determining loci revealed relatively low levels of genetic variation within the five populations, no evidence existed for significant barriers to dispersal among populations. We estimated an average effective rate of gege flow (Nm) of ≃ 8 migrants per population per generation. Two common mtDNA variants predominated at relatively even frequencies in each population, and similarly provided no evidence for barriers to gene flow or isolation-by-distance across this species' known range. Larvae of this species appear to be capable of dispersing hundreds of kilometers along a continuous ridge system and across gaps separating non-contiguous spreading centers.