Lysosomal activity regulates <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> mitochondrial dynamics through vitamin B12 metabolism
Wei Wei, Gary Ruvkun
Abstract
Significance The balance of mitochondrial fission and fusion, two aspects of mitochondrial dynamics, is important for mitochondrial function. In this study, we show that Caenorhabditis elegans lysosomal activity regulates mitochondrial dynamics by affecting mitochondrial fission through interfering the metabolism of a micronutrient, vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is exclusively obtained from diets in animals, including C. elegans and humans, and its uptake is mediated by the lysosome. We show that lysosomal dysfunction causes vitamin B12 deficiency that leads to reduction of methionine and S-adenosylmethionine to in turn increase mitochondrial biogenesis and fission. Our study provides insight on the interactions between mitochondrial function and micronutrient metabolism.