mtDNA release promotes cGAS-STING activation and accelerated aging of postmitotic muscle cells

Abstract The mechanism regulating cellular senescence(definition) of postmitotic muscle cells is still unknown. cGAS-STING innate immune signaling was found to mediate cellular senescence in various types of cells, including postmitotic neuron cells, which however has not been explored in postmitotic muscle cells. Here by studying the myofibers from Zmpste24 −/− progeria aged mice [an established mice model for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS)], we observed senescence-associated phenotypes in Zmpste24 −/− myofibers, which is coupled with increased oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and secretion of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors. Also, Zmpste24 −/− myofibers feature increased release of mtDNA from damaged mitochondria, mitophagy dysfunction, and activation of cGAS-STING. Meanwhile, increased mtDNA release in Zmpste24 −/− myofibers appeared to be related with increased VDAC1 oligomerization. Further, the inhibition of VDAC1 oligomerization in Zmpste24 −/− myofibers with VBIT4 reduced mtDNA release, cGAS-STING activation, and the expression of SASP factors. Our results reveal a novel mechanism of innate immune activation-associated cellular senescence in postmitotic muscle cells in aged muscle, which may help identify novel sets of diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for progeria aging and aging-associated muscle diseases.