The Wolfram-like variant WFS1E864K destabilizes MAM and compromises autophagy and mitophagy in human and mice.

Abstract

Dominant variants in WFS1, a gene coding for the mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane (MAM) resident protein Wolframin, have been associated with Wolfram-like syndrome (WLS). In vitro and in vivo, WFS1 loss results in reduced ER to mitochondria calcium (Ca2+) transfer, mitochondrial dysfunction, and enhanced autophagy and mitophagy. However, in WLS pathological context, whether the mutant protein triggers the same cellular processes is unknown. Here, we show that, in human fibroblasts and murine neuronal cultures, WLS protein WFS1E864K leads to decreases in mitochondria bioenergetics and Ca2+ uptake, deregulation of the mitochondrial quality system mechanisms, and alteration of the autophagic flux. Moreover, in the Wfs1E864K mouse, these alterations are concomitant with a decrease of MAM number. These findings reveal pathophysiological similarities between WS and WLS, highlighting the importance of WFS1 for MAMs integrity and functionality. It may open new treatment perspectives, until now non-existent, for patients with WLS.