When mitochondria fall apart: Unbalanced mitochondrial segregation triggers loss of mtDNA in the absence of mitochondrial fusion

Abstract

Mitochondrial biogenesis and inheritance must be carefully regulated alongside cell division to ensure proper mitochondrial function and cell survival. The dynamics of the mitochondrial network, including fusion and fission, play a crucial role in mitochondrial inheritance by facilitating the distribution and quality control of mitochondria. In budding yeast, simultaneous inhibition of both fusion and fission leads to loss of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) integrity, resulting in an increased frequency of petite cells. Loss of mitochondrial fusion alone results in the complete loss of mtDNA. While the loss of mtDNA in the absence of mitochondrial fusion has been known for almost 30 years, the reason remained unclear. Here, we investigate the consequences of impaired mitochondrial fusion through depletion of the mitofusin Fzo1. We follow the emerging phenotype by live-cell imaging and the analysis of more than thirty thousand single cells across their cell cycle. Fzo1 depletion causes rapid mitochondrial fragmentation and a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, followed by a progressive decline of mtDNA content and cellular growth rate over several cell divisions. During division, Fzo1-depleted daughters obtain an unusually large amount of mitochondria, leaving the mother with too little. This results in a strong disbalance of mitochondrial mass in the population. Additionally, Fzo1-depleted cells lose the ability to adjust mtDNA synthesis to compensate for a low mitochondrial content. The combined effects of unequal distribution and reduced synthesis drive rapid mtDNA loss. These results show how fusion defects lead to mtDNA loss and mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to understanding diseases linked to fusion defects.