Clock-Controlled Mitochondrial Dynamics Correlates with Cyclic Pregnenolone Synthesis.

ABSTRACT: Neurosteroids are steroids synthetized in the nervous system, with the first step of steroidogenesis taking place within mitochondria with the synthesis of pregnenolone. They exert important brain-specific functions by playing a role in neurotransmission, learning and memory processes, and neuroprotection. Here, we show for the first time that mitochondrial neurosteroidogenesis follows a circadian rhythm and correlates with the rhythmic changes in mitochondrial morphology. We used synchronized human A172 glioma cells, which are steroidogenic cells with a functional core molecular clock, to show that pregnenolone levels and translocator protein (TSPO) are controlled by the clock, probably via circadian regulation of mitochondrial fusion/fission. Key findings were recapitulated in mouse brai

SUBMITTER: Witzig M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7589815 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature