N1-methylation of adenosine (m1A) in ND5 mRNA leads to complex I dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

Abstract One mechanism of particular interest to regulate mRNA fate post-transcriptionally is mRNA modification. Especially the extent of m 1 A mRNA methylation is highly discussed due to methodological differences. However, one single m 1 A site in mitochondrial ND5 mRNA was unanimously reported by different groups. ND5 is a subunit of complex I of the respiratory chain. It is considered essential for the coupling of oxidation and proton transport. Here we demonstrate that this m 1 A site might be involved in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). One of the pathological hallmarks of this neurodegenerative disease is mitochondrial dysfunction, mainly induced by Amyloid β (Aβ). Aβ mainly disturbs functions of complex I and IV of the respiratory chain. However, the molecular mechanism of complex I dysfunction is still not fully understood. We found enhanced m 1 A methylation of ND5 mRNA in an AD cell model as well as in AD patients. Formation of this m 1 A methylation is catalyzed by increased TRMT10C protein levels, leading to translation repression of ND5. As a consequence, here demonstrated for the first time, TRMT10C induced m 1 A methylation of ND5 mRNA leads to mitochondrial dysfunction. Our findings suggest that this newly identified mechanism might be involved in Aβ-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.