Lipid droplets promote efficient mitophagy. Issue 2 (1st February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Long, Maeve; McWilliams, Thomas G.
• Is Part Of: Autophagy. Volume 19:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 724
• Page End: 725
• Publication Date: 2023-02-01
• Subjects: DGAT1 -- iron -- lipid droplet -- metabolism -- mitophagy; Autophagic vacuoles -- Periodicals; Apoptosis -- Periodicals; Cell death -- Periodicals; Lysosomes -- Periodicals; Degeneration (Pathology) -- Periodicals; Autophagy -- Periodicals; Cell Death -- Periodicals; Lysosomes -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 571.936
• DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2022.2089956
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1554-8627

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Mitophagy neutralizes defective mitochondria via lysosomal elimination. Increased levels of mitophagy hallmark metabolic transitions and are induced by iron depletion, yet its metabolic basis has not been studied in-depth. How mitophagy integrates with different homeostatic mechanisms to support metabolic integrity is incompletely understood. We examined metabolic adaptations in cells treated with deferiprone (DFP), a therapeutic iron chelator known to induce PINK1-PRKN-independent mitophagy. We found that iron depletion profoundly rewired the cellular metabolome, remodeling lipid metabolism within minutes of treatment. DGAT1-dependent lipid droplet biosynthesis occurs upstream of mitochondrial turnover, with many LDs bordering mitochondria upon iron chelation. Surprisingly, DGAT1 inhibition restricts mitophagy in vitro by lysosomal dysfunction. Genetic depletion of mdy/DGAT1 in vivo impairs neuronal mitophagy and locomotor function in Drosophila, demonstrating the physiological relevance of our findings.