A novel mtDNA repair fusion protein attenuates maladaptive remodeling and preserves cardiac function in heart failure

Oxidative stress results in mtDNA damage and contributes to myocardial cell death. mtDNA repair enzymes are crucial for mtDNA repair and cell survival. We investigated a novel, mitochondria-targeted fusion protein (Exscien1-III) containing endonuclease III in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced heart failure. Male C57/BL6J mice (10-12 wk) were subjected to 45 min of myocardial ischemia and either 24 h or 4 wk of reperfusion. Exscien1-III (4 mg/kg ip) or vehicle was administered at the time of reperfusion. Male C57/BL6J mice were subjected to TAC, and Exscien1-III (4 mg/kg i.p) or vehicle was administered daily starting at 3 wk post-TAC and continued for 12 wk. Echocardiography was performed to assess left ventricular (LV) structure and function. Exscien1-III reduced myocardial infarct size (P < 0.01) at 24 h of reperfusion and preserved LV ejection fraction at 4 wk postmyocardial ischemia. Exscien1-III attenuated TAC-induced LV dilation and dysfunction at 6-12 wk post-TAC (P < 0.05). Exscien1-III reduced (P < 0.05) cardiac hypertrophy and maladaptive remodeling after TAC. Assessment of cardiac mitochondria showed that Exscien1-III localized to mitochondria and increased mitochondrial antioxidant and reduced apoptotic markers. In conclusion, our results indicate that administration of Exscien1-III provides significant protection against myocardial ischemia and preserves myocardial structure and LV performance in the setting of heart failure. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial DNA damage is a prominent feature in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we demonstrate the efficacy of a novel, mitochondria-targeted fusion protein that traffics endonuclease III specifically for mitochondrial DNA repair in two well-characterized murine models of cardiac injury and failure.