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Resistance of mtDNA-depleted cells to apoptosis

Roberta Ferraresi1, Leonarda Troiano, Marcello Pinti

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.

Cytometry. Part a : the Journal of the International Society for Analytical Cytology
|February 28, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondria-lacking (rho(0)) cells show reduced apoptosis sensitivity. This resistance is linked to higher glutathione levels and increased P-glycoprotein expression, suggesting a role in multidrug resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Mitochondria-lacking (rho(0)) cells are valuable models for cancer, aging, and disease research.
  • Functional characterization of rho(0) cells, particularly regarding apoptosis, remains incomplete.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functional differences between rho(0) cells and their parental counterparts concerning apoptosis.
  • To analyze apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species, glutathione levels, and P-glycoprotein expression in rho(0) cells.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized rho(0) cell clones derived from the 143B human osteosarcoma line.
  • Treated cells with apoptogenic agents (staurosporine, doxorubicin, daunomycin, quercetin) and valinomycin.
  • Assessed apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression (mRNA and protein).

Main Results:

  • Rho(0) cells exhibited significantly reduced sensitivity to apoptosis compared to parental cells.
  • Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was stable in rho(0) cells, even after exposure to apoptogenic or depolarizing agents.
  • Rho(0) cells maintained higher reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and showed significant overexpression and enhanced functionality of P-glycoprotein (P-gp).

Conclusions:

  • Rho(0) cells display inherent resistance to apoptosis, potentially mediated by increased GSH scavenger capacity.
  • The observed hyperexpression and functionality of P-glycoprotein in rho(0) cells suggest a link to multidrug resistance.
  • These findings highlight the complex functional adaptations of rho(0) cells and their implications for disease modeling.

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