Controllable mitochondrial regulation based on photo-triggered DNA circuitry
Songyuan Du1,2, Longyi Zhu1, Xinyi Ge1,2
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, China. kwren@njust.edu.cn.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|March 20, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a light-activated DNA circuit to control mitochondria within living cells. This novel approach successfully repaired cells under oxidative stress, offering potential for precision therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- DNA circuits offer precise control over biomolecules and reactions.
- Current DNA circuit applications have limitations in regulating intracellular organelles like mitochondria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a photo-triggered strategy for regulating mitochondria in living cells.
- To utilize hybridization chain reaction (HCR) for spatiotemporal control of mitochondrial function.
Main Methods:
- Designed a DNA circuit with photocleavable initiators and triphenylphosphine-tagged hairpins for mitochondrial binding.
- Triggered DNA assembly using UV light to initiate HCR in living cells.
- Observed the formation of long DNA polymers and their effect on mitochondria.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated photo-triggered HCR for mitochondrial regulation.
- Showcased the ability of the DNA circuit to repair cells experiencing reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress.
- Validated the spatiotemporal control over intracellular mitochondria.
Conclusions:
- Developed a novel photo-triggered mitochondrial regulation strategy using DNA circuits and HCR.
- This method offers precise control over mitochondria, with potential applications in precision therapy.
- The strategy successfully mitigated ROS-induced cellular damage.
