Zc3h10 is a novel mitochondrial regulator

Mitochondria are the energy-generating hubs of the cell. In spite of considerable advances, our understanding of the factors that regulate the molecular circuits that govern mitochondrial function remains incomplete. Using a genome-wide functional screen, we have identified the poorly characterized protein Zinc finger CCCH-type containing 10 (Zc3h10) as regulator of mitochondrial physiology. We show that Zc3h10 is upregulated during physiological mitochondriogenesis such as myoblasts differentiation into myotubes. Zc3h10 overexpression boosts mitochondrial function and promotes myoblasts differentiation. On the other hand, depletion of Zc3h10 results in impaired myoblasts differentiation, mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced expression of electron transport chain (ETC) subunits and blunted TCA cycle flux. Notably, we have identified a loss-of-function mutation of Zc3h10 in humans (Tyr105 to Cys105) that is associated with increased body mass index, fat mass, fasting glucose and triglycerides. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Cys105 homozygotes display reduced oxygen consumption rate, some ETC subunit expression and decreased levels of some TCA cycle metabolites that derive in mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, our study identifies Zc3h10 as a novel mitochondrial regulator.