In-depth study of MPV17: a molecular travel unveiling a mitochondrial calcium regulation function

Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndromes are severe genetic disorders associated with mutations in a variety of genes including MPV17, encoding a protein of the inner mitochondrial membrane with an unclear function. In this study, using BioID technology, we identified MPV17 interacting partners among which proteins from the MICOS complex. However, MPV17 knockout did not impact mitochondrial ultrastructure, but led to increased mitochondria-derived vesicles formation and altered mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Furthermore, MPV17 KO cells exhibited higher mitochondrial calcium levels and reactive oxygen species, leading to mtDNA degradation, a phenomenon prevented by blocking mitochondrial calcium entry or treating cells with antioxidant. We thus propose a function for MPV17 as a potential additional member of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, whereas in the absence of the protein, the build-up of calcium inside the mitochondria would lead to mtDNA degradation caused by increased oxidative damages.