Drp1 controls complex II assembly and skeletal muscle metabolism by Sdhaf2 action on mitochondria

Sci Adv. 2024 Apr 5;10(14):eadl0389. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adl0389. Epub 2024 Apr 3.

Abstract

The dynamin-related guanosine triphosphatase, Drp1 (encoded by Dnm1l), plays a central role in mitochondrial fission and is requisite for numerous cellular processes; however, its role in muscle metabolism remains unclear. Here, we show that, among human tissues, the highest number of gene correlations with DNM1L is in skeletal muscle. Knockdown of Drp1 (Drp1-KD) promoted mitochondrial hyperfusion in the muscle of male mice. Reduced fatty acid oxidation and impaired insulin action along with increased muscle succinate was observed in Drp1-KD muscle. Muscle Drp1-KD reduced complex II assembly and activity as a consequence of diminished mitochondrial translocation of succinate dehydrogenase assembly factor 2 (Sdhaf2). Restoration of Sdhaf2 normalized complex II activity, lipid oxidation, and insulin action in Drp1-KD myocytes. Drp1 is critical in maintaining mitochondrial complex II assembly, lipid oxidation, and insulin sensitivity, suggesting a mechanistic link between mitochondrial morphology and skeletal muscle metabolism, which is clinically relevant in combatting metabolic-related diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Insulins* / metabolism
  • Lipids
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mitochondria / genetics
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / genetics
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Succinate Dehydrogenase* / metabolism

Substances

  • Insulins
  • Lipids
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • Succinate Dehydrogenase
  • Dnm1l protein, mouse