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A Model Membrane Platform for Reconstituting Mitochondrial Membrane Dynamics

Mitochondrial dynamics is essential for the organelle&#8217;s diverse functions and cellular responses. The crowded, spatially complex, mitochondrial ...

Massachusetts General Hospital

Mitochondrial membrane dynamics is a cellular rheostat that relates metabolic function and organelle morphology. Using an in vitro reconstitution system, we describe a mechanism for how mitochondrial inner-membrane fusion is regulated by the ratio of two forms of Opa1. We found that the long-form of Opa1 (l-Opa1) is sufficient for membrane docking, hemifusion and low levels of content release. However, stoichiometric levels of the processed, short form of Opa1 (s-Opa1) work together with l-Opa1 to mediate efficient and fast membrane pore opening. Additionally, we found that excess levels of s-Opa1 inhibit fusion activity, as seen under conditions of altered proteostasis. These observations describe a mechanism for gating membrane fusion.

Two forms of Opa1 cooperate to complete fusion of the mitochondrial inner-membrane.

Lipid-like nanoparticles (LNPs) have potential as non-viral delivery systems for mRNA therapies. However, repeated administrations of LNPs may lead to accumulation of delivery materials and associated toxicity. To address this challenge, we have developed biodegradable lipids which improve LNPs clearance and reduce toxicity. We modify the backbone structure of Dlin-MC3-DMA by introducing alkyne and ester groups into the lipid tails. We evaluate the performance of these lipids when co-formulated with other amine containing lipid-like materials. We demonstrate that these formulations synergistically facilitate robust mRNA delivery with improved tolerability after single and repeated administrations. We further identify albumin-associated macropinocytosis and endocytosis as an ApoE-independent LNP cellular uptake pathway in the liver. Separately, the inclusion of alkyne lipids significantly increases membrane fusion to enhance mRNA release, leading to synergistic improvement of mRNA delivery. We believe that the rational design of LNPs with multiple amine-lipids increases the material space for mRNA delivery.

Yifan Ge

Department of Molecular Biology

Massachusetts General Hospital

A Model Membrane Platform for Reconstituting Mitochondrial Membrane Dynamics

Yifan Ge

.css-o250i3{font-size:18px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;line-height:21.6px;}Department of Molecular Biology

Massachusetts General Hospital

A Model Membrane Platform for Reconstituting Mitochondrial Membrane Dynamics

Department of Molecular Biology