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In Vitro and In Vivo Detection of Mitophagy in Human Cells, C. Elegans, and Mice
Published on: November 22, 2017
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Reversible mitophagy drives metabolic suppression in diapausing beetles
Jacqueline E Lebenzon1,2, Peter W Denezis1, Lamees Mohammad1
1Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada, N6A 5B7.
Summary
Colorado potato beetles drastically lower metabolism during winter diapause through mitochondrial breakdown via mitophagy. Spring triggers a reversal, rebuilding mitochondria to restore metabolic function.
Area of Science:
- Insect physiology
- Molecular biology
- Mitochondrial dynamics
Background:
- Insects enter diapause (dormancy) to survive winter, significantly reducing metabolism.
- Mechanisms of metabolic suppression and its reversal in diapausing insects are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the molecular mechanisms of metabolic suppression and reversal in diapausing Colorado potato beetles.
- Determine the role of mitophagy in winter metabolic suppression.
Main Methods:
- Quantified metabolic rate and flight muscle mitochondrial function/density in diapausing beetles.
- Analyzed gene expression of mitophagy (Parkin, ATG5) and biogenesis (PGC1α, NRF1) markers.
- Utilized RNA interference to knockdown Parkin expression.
Main Results:
- Diapausing beetles exhibited 90% metabolic suppression linked to reduced flight muscle mitochondria.
- Increased mitophagy markers (Parkin, ATG5) and structures during early diapause.
- Parkin knockdown partially restored metabolic rate, implicating mitophagy.
- Beetles reversed mitophagy and upregulated mitochondrial biogenesis markers (PGC1α, NRF1) before diapause termination.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic suppression in diapausing Colorado potato beetles is driven by mitophagy-induced mitochondrial degradation.
- Unlike in other systems, this mitochondrial degradation is reversible in insects.
- Mitochondrial biogenesis is activated in anticipation of diapause termination, enabling metabolic recovery.
