DRP1 mutations associated with EMPF1 encephalopathy alter mitochondrial membrane potential and metabolic programs

Mitochondria and peroxisomes are dynamic signaling organelles that constantly undergo fission, driven by the large GTPase dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1; encoded by DNM1L). Patients with de novo heterozygous missense mutations in DNM1L present with encephalopathy due to defective mitochondrial and peroxisomal fission (EMPF1) – a devastating neurodevelopmental disease with no effective treatment. To interrogate the mechanisms by which DRP1 mutations cause cellular dysfunction, we used human-derived fibroblasts from patients who present with EMPF1. In addition to elongated mitochondrial morphology and lack of fission, patient cells display lower coupling efficiency, increased proton leak and upregulation of glycolysis. Mitochondrial hyperfusion also results in aberrant cristae structure and hyperpolarized mitochondrial membrane potential. Peroxisomes show a severely elongated morphology in patient cells, which is associated with reduced respiration when cells are reliant on fatty acid oxidation. Metabolomic analyses revealed impaired methionine cycle and synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides. Our study provides insight into the role of mitochondrial dynamics in cristae maintenance and the metabolic capacity of the cell, as well as the disease mechanism underlying EMPF1.