Purging Mutant mtDNA Using MitochondriallyâTargeted Gamma Peptide Nucleic Acids

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PROJECT SUMMARY Numerous diseases arise from the presence of both normal and mutant forms of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Modest shifts in this heteroplasmy in favor of the normal mtDNA can have significant patient benefits. We propose to use PNA oligomers to bind selectively to mutant mtDNA and block its replication, resulting in a progressive shift in favor of normal mtDNA. PNA is the only synthetic oligonucleotide capable of binding to any sequence of double-stranded DNA and has recently been validated to effectively target nuclear DNA in live adult mice as well as in utero. We will functionalize PNAs with mitochondrial-penetrating peptides to promote cell uptake and localization. PNA will be synthesized by standard solid phase methods, then characterized in biophysical (gel mobility shift) and biochemical (inhibition of primer extension) experiments. PNA that exhibit highest affinity and greatest potent blockage of polymerase activity will then be studied in cell culture, where uptake, localization and phenotypic effects on heteroplasmy and mitochondrial oxygen consumption will be determined.