DDRGK1 regulates muscle development by maintaining mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and oxidative phosphorylation via stabilizing IP3R
摘要
Mitochondrial calcium homeostasis is essential for oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and cellular energy production. DDRGK1 is an ER‑localized adaptor protein, which is critical for maintaining ER homeostasis, protein stability, and organelle communication. However, the role of DDRGK1 in regulating mitochondrial function remains largely unknown. This study aims to define the role of DDRGK1 in mitochondrial calcium signaling and bioenergetics.
Methods and ResultsThrough biochemical analyses in cellular models, we identify DDRGK1 as a direct interactor and stabilizer of IP3R, preventing its ubiquitin-mediated degradation. DDRGK1 deficiency reduces IP3R protein levels, impairing mitochondrial calcium uptake and OXPHOS activity, as assessed by respirometry and ATP measurements. Consequent bioenergetic deficits are accompanied by calcium overload-induced ER stress, which activates C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) and suppresses the PGC‑1α pathway, thereby inhibiting mitochondrial biogenesis.
ConclusionsThe DDRGK1-IP3R axis constitutes a critical regulatory module in mitochondrial calcium signaling and energy metabolism. Disruption of this axis underlies bioenergetic failure and provides mechanistic insight into the pathogenesis of skeletal muscle metabolic disorders and related mitochondrial diseases.