Controllable mitochondrial aggregation and fusion by a programmable DNA binder

DNA nanodevices have been feasibly applied for various chemo-biological applications, but their functions as precise regulators of intracellular organelles are still limited. Here, we report a synthetic DNA binder that can artificially induce mitochondrial aggregation and fusion in living cells. The rationally designed DNA binder consists of a long DNA chain, which is grafted with multiple mitochondria-targeting modules. Our results indicated that the DNA binder-induced in situ self-assembly of mitochondria can be used to successfully repair ROS-stressed neuron cells. Meanwhile, this DNA binder design is highly programmable. Customized molecular switches can be easily implanted to further achieve stimuli-triggered mitochondrial aggregation and fusion inside living cells. We believe this new type of DNA regulator system will become a powerful chemo-biological tool for subcellular manipulation and precision therapy.

Automated summary

Researchers have developed a synthetic DNA binder that can induce mitochondrial aggregation and fusion in living cells. This DNA binder has shown potential for repairing ROS-stressed neuron cells and can be further customized to achieve stimuli-triggered mitochondrial aggregation and fusion. The researchers believe that this new DNA regulator system can be a powerful tool for subcellular manipulation and precision therapy.