Metabolic derangement in polycystic kidney disease mouse models is ameliorated by mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by progressively enlarging cysts. Here we elucidate the interplay between oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and metabolic derangement using two mouse models of PKD1 mutation, PKD1^RC/null and PKD1^RC/RC. Mouse kidneys with PKD1 mutation have decreased mitochondrial complexes activity. Targeted proteomics analysis shows a significant decrease in proteins involved in the TCA cycle, fatty acid oxidation (FAO), respiratory complexes, and endogenous antioxidants. Overexpressing mitochondrial-targeted catalase (mCAT) using adeno-associated virus reduces mitochondrial ROS, oxidative damage, ameliorates the progression of PKD and partially restores expression of proteins involved in FAO and the TCA cycle. In human ADPKD cells, inducing mitochondrial ROS increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and decreased AMPK phosphorylation, whereas the converse was observed with increased scavenging of ROS in the mitochondria. Treatment with the mitochondrial protective peptide, SS31, recapitulates the beneficial effects of mCAT, supporting its potential application as a novel therapeutic for ADPKD.