Protective Role of Mitochondrial CHCHD10 in Alzheimer's Disease through MAM and Mitophagy Mechanisms. - Project Summary Dysfunctions in mitochondria and mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane (MAM) are associated with the accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mitochondrial protein, CHCHD10, plays a pivotal role in governing various mitochondrial functions, including respiration, genome stability, dynamics, cristae organization, and oxidative phosphorylation. In our preliminary study, CHCHD10 declines in the brains of APP/PS1 mice and human AD patients, which negatively correlates with Ab levels. Restoration of CHCHD10 in APP/PS1 mice reduces AD pathogenesis in vivo. In transfected cells, wild-type CHCHD10 promotes mitochondrial respiration as well as mitophagy and autophagy via PINK1/Parkin and p62/LC3 pathways. In addition, increasing CHCHD10 mitigates MAM hyperactivity in AD. We have identified specific small DNA oligos (antagoNATs) derived from CHCHD10 natural antisense transcripts (NATs) that effectively augment CHCHD10 levels in both mouse and human cells. Our preliminary study shows that CHCHD10 antagoNATs increase endogenous CHCHD10 protein both in vivo in mice brains and in vitro in human cell lines. This study has two principal objectives: (1) to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CHCHD10 antagoNATs by assessing their protective effects on these phenotypes in APP/PS1 mice and human neurons, and (2) to delineate the intricate interplay between CHCHD10, MAM, and mitophagy, thus elucidating their collective role in ameliorating AD pathogenesis. Successful conclusion of this study will: (1) facilitate the CHCHD10 antagoNATs as a therapeutic strategy for AD; (2) provide a mechanistic basis and insights into CHCHD10-associated mechanisms in AD.
