Disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1): subcellular targeting and induction of ring mitochondria

Mol Cell Neurosci. 2005 Dec;30(4):477-84. doi: 10.1016/j.mcn.2005.08.021. Epub 2005 Oct 4.

Abstract

Several independent studies have identified Disrupted In Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) as a potential susceptibility factor in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and severe recurrent major depression. To identify potential mechanisms by which DISC1 may influence development of psychiatric illness, we investigated the cellular consequences of recombinant DISC1 expression in COS-7 cells. We show that the N-terminal head domain is sufficient for DISC1 mitochondrial and nuclear targeting, while sequence from the C-terminus facilitates centrosomal association. Loss of C-terminal sequence alters DISC1 subcellular distribution, significantly increasing nuclear localization. DISC1 over-expression produces striking mitochondrial reorganization in some cells, with formation of mitochondrial ring-like structures, indicating a potential involvement of DISC1 in mitochondrial fusion and/or fission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Cell Compartmentation / genetics
  • Cell Nucleus / genetics
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
  • Cell Respiration / genetics
  • Centrosome / metabolism
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / genetics
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Mitochondria / pathology
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / chemistry
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary / genetics
  • Protein Transport / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Schizophrenia / genetics
  • Schizophrenia / metabolism
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • DISC1 protein, human
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins