Nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF1) induction as a powerful strategy to deter mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence in mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for regenerative therapies due to their self-renewal and differentiation capabilities. Pathological microenvironments expose MSCs to senescence-inducing factors such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in MSC functional decline and loss of stemness. Oxidative stress leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, a hallmark of senescence, and is prevalent in aging tissues characterized by elevated ROS levels. We hypothesized that overexpression of nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF1), a driver of mitochondrial biogenesis, could metabolically potentiate MSCs and prevent MSC senescence. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) revealed that MSCs transfected with NRF1 messenger RNA (mRNA) exhibited upregulated expression of genes associated with oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), decreased glycolytic markers, and suppression of senescence-related pathways. To test whether NRF1 induction could mitigate stress-induced premature senescence, we exposed MSCs to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and validated our findings in a replicative senescence model. NRF1 mRNA transfection significantly increased mitochondrial mass and improved aberrant mitochondrial processes associated with senescence, including reduced mitochondrial and intracellular total ROS production. Mitochondrial health and dynamics were preserved, and respiratory function was restored, as evidenced by enhanced OXPHOS, reduced glycolysis, and increased ATP production. Notably, NRF1 overexpression led to decreased senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity and reduced expression of senescence markers p53, p21, and p16. Our findings demonstrate that NRF1 induction attenuates MSC senescence by enhancing mitochondrial function, suggesting potential translational applications for MSC-based therapies and senescence-targeted interventions.

Keywords: mesenchymal stem cells; mitochondrial biogenesis; mitochondrial dysfunction; nuclear respiratory factor‐1 (NRF1); oxidative stress; senescence.