Influence of a mitochondrial genetic defect on capacitative calcium entry and mitochondrial organization in the osteosarcoma cells

AbstractEffects of T8993G mutation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), associated with neurogenical muscle weakness, ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa (NARP), on the cytoskeleton, mitochondrial network and calcium homeostasis in human osteosarcoma cells were investigated. In 98% NARP and ρ0 (lacking mtDNA) cells, the organization of the mitochondrial network and actin cytoskeleton was disturbed. Capacitative calcium entry (CCE) was practically independent of mitochondrial energy status in osteosarcoma cell lines. The significantly slower Ca2+ influx rates observed in 98% NARP and ρ0, in comparison to parental cells, indicates that proper actin cytoskeletal organization is important for CCE in these cells