Deletion of a Neuronal Drp1 Activator Protects against Cerebral Ischemia

Mitochondrial fission catalyzed by dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) is necessary for mitochondrial biogenesis and maintenance of healthy mitochondria. However, excessive fission has been associated with multiple neurodegenerative disorders, and we recently reported that mice with smaller mitochondria are sensitized to ischemic stroke injury. Although pharmacological Drp1 inhibition has been put forward as neuroprotective, the specificity and mechanism of the inhibitor used is controversial. Here, we provide genetic evidence that Drp1 inhibition is neuroprotective. Drp1 is activated by dephosphorylation of an inhibitory phosphorylation site, Ser637. We identify B beta 2, a mitochondria-localized protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulatory subunit, as a neuron-specific Drp1 activator in vivo. B beta 2 KO mice of both sexes display elongated mitochondria in neurons and are protected from cerebral ischemic injury. Functionally, deletion of B beta 2 and maintained Drp1 Ser637 phosphorylation improved mitochondrial respiratory capacity, Ca2+ homeostasis, and attenuated superoxide production in response to ischemia and excitotoxicity in vitro and ex vivo. Last, deletion of Bit rescued excessive stroke damage associated with dephosphorylation of Drp1 S637 and mitochondrial fission. These results indicate that the state of mitochondrial connectivity and PP2A/B beta 2-mediated dephosphorylation of Drp1 play a critical role in determining the severity of cerebral ischemic injury. Therefore, B beta 2 may represent a target for prophylactic neuroprotective therapy in populations at high risk of stroke.