DNA-PKcs modulates mouse lung homeostasis via the regulation of mitochondrial fission

The role of DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) is multifaceted, paradoxically promoting both cell survival and cell death across multiple organs. However, its impact on lung homeostasis remains elusive. Here, we investigate the function of DNA-PKcs in mouse lungs, aiming to elucidate its role for lung abnormalities associated with DNA-PKcs deficiency.

Histological assessment and immunohistochemistry were used to reveal the pathological changes of the lungs in DNA-PKcs-deficient mice. Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes and pathways in DNA-PKcs-deficient lungs. Furthermore, mitochondrial dysfunction induced by DNA-PKcs deficiency was investigated by qPCR and immunoblotting. Mouse primary lung fibroblasts were used to evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of inhibiting mitochondrial fission with Mdivi-1.

In DNA-PKcs-deficient mouse lungs, we observed pathological changes including alveolar septal thickening, capillary congestion and hemorrhage, along with lung cell proliferation. Transcriptome analysis revealed an upregulation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) biosynthesis process and the apoptotic signaling pathway caused by DNA-PKcs deficiency. Further investigations demonstrated that DNA-PKcs deficiency led to mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress, along with increased cell apoptosis in the mouse lungs. Notably, we detected enhanced phosphorylation of the mitochondrial fission protein DRP1 in DNA-PKcs-deficient mouse lungs. Intriguingly, inhibiting mitochondrial fission using Mdivi-1 suppressed cell death in primary mouse lung fibroblasts with siRNA-mediated DNA-PKcs knockdown.

Our study provides insights into the crucial role of DNA-PKcs in sustaining lung homeostasis via the maintenance of mitochondrial functionality and provides a therapeutic strategy targeting mitochondrial fission against DNA-PKcs deficiency-associated lung diseases.