Methyltransferase SMYD5 Exaggerates IBD by Downregulating Mitochondrial Functions via Post-translational Control of PGC-1α Stability

Background and AimsThe expression and role of methyltransferase SET and MYND domain-containing protein 5 (SMYD5) in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is completely unknown. Here, we investigated the role and the underlying mechanism of epithelial SMYD5 in IBD pathogenesis and progression. MethodsThe expression and subcellular localization of SMYD5 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1) were examined by Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and immunohistochemistry in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and in colon tissues from human IBD patients and mice with experimental colitis. Mice with Smyd5 conditional knockout in IECs and littermate controls were subjected to DSS-induced experimental colitis and the disease severity and inflammation were assessed. SMYD5-regulated mitochondrial biogenesis was examined by RT-qPCR and transmission electron microscopy and mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate was measured in a Seahorse Analyzer system. The interaction between SMYD5 and PGC-1 was determined by co-immunoprecipitation assay. PGC-1 degradation and turnover (half-life) were analyzed by cycloheximide chase assay. SMYD5-mediated PGC-1 methylation was measured via in vitro methylation followed by mass spectrometry to identify the specific lysine residues that were methylated. ResultsUp-regulated SMYD5 and down-regulated PGC-1 were observed in IECs from IBD patients and mice with experimental colitis. However, Smyd5 depletion in IECs protected mice from DSS-induced colitis. SMYD5 was critically involved in regulating mitochondrial biology such as mitochondrial biogenesis, respiration, and apoptosis. Mechanistically, SMYD5 regulated mitochondrial functions in a PGC-1 dependent manner. Further, SMYD5 mediated lysine methylation of PGC-1 and facilitated its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. ConclusionSMYD5 attenuates mitochondrial functions in IECs and promotes IBD progression by enhancing the proteasome-mediated degradation of PGC-1 protein in methylation-dependent manner. Strategies to decrease SMYD5 expression and/or increase PGC-1 expression in IECs might be a promising therapeutic approach to treat patients with IBD.