Human mitochondrial DNA variants influence telomere length: evidence from a transmitochondrial cybrid model

Abstract

Telomere shortening is a hallmark of aging, yet telomere length (TL) varies considerably among individuals and is strongly influenced by inheritance. In mice, efficient mitochondrial function-characterized by low reactive oxygen species (ROS) production-is critical for telomere elongation during early embryogenesis. Since mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes several subunits of the electron transport chain, it may influence TL at birth by regulating mitochondrial function in utero. To explore the relationship between mtDNA and TL in human, we used a transmitochondrial cybrid approach, introducing mitochondria from donor platelets with varying telomere lengths into mtDNA-depleted cells. This revealed an inverse correlation between donor blood TL and mitochondrial ROS levels measured in the resulting cybrids, suggesting that specific mtDNA variants may contribute to the maintenance of long telomeres in humans by enhancing mitochondrial fitness. During in vitro cybrid formation, a transient phase of oxidative stress precedes cellular adaptation. In this specific window, mtDNA variants associated with reduced complex I (CI) activity induced rapid telomere shortening--an effect rescued by antioxidant and NAD precursor supplementation. While these variants occur naturally in certain individuals with long telomeres, our data suggest that, at least under in vitro conditions of acute oxidative stress, CI is critical to support PARP1 activity by maintaining the NAD/NADH balance, thereby preserving telomere integrity. Collectively, these findings solidify the link between mtDNA variants and human TL regulation, highlighting potential therapeutic opportunities for mitochondrial replacement strategies. Significance StatementTelomere length at birth influences aging trajectories and disease risk later in life, yet the mechanisms governing this trait remain incompletely understood. Using a transmitochondrial cybrid approach, we show that single-nucleotide variants in the mitochondrial genome of healthy donors directly affect mitochondrial metabolism and reactive oxygen species production. In addition, mitochondrial ROS levels measured in cybrids inversely correlate with blood cell telomere length in donors. During cybrid formation, mitochondrial DNA variants associated with reduced CI activity promote telomere shortening. Attrition was reversed by antioxidant and NAD precursor supplementation, pointing to an essential role for robust CI function in sustaining telomere length during acute oxidative stress, at least under in vitro conditions. Together, these findings establish a direct link between mitochondrial genetics, redox homeostasis, and telomere maintenance in human cells.