Tetracyclines Disturb Mitochondrial Function across Eukaryotic Models: A Call for Caution in Biomedical Research

• DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2015.02.034
• Publication Date: 2015-03-12T18:00:31Z
• Authors: Norman Moullan; Laurent Mouchiroud; Xu Wang; Dongryeol Ryu; Evan G. Williams; Adrienne Mottis; Virginija Jovaisaite; Michael V. Frochaux; Pedro M. Quiros; Bart Deplancke; Riekelt H. Houtko...; Johan Auwerx
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences; QH301-705.5; : Genetics & genetic processes [F10] [Life sciences]; Biology (General); : Génétique & processus génétiques [F10] [Sciences du vivant]; 3. Good health

In recent years, tetracyclines, such as doxycycline, have become broadly used to control gene expression by virtue of the Tet-on/Tet-off systems. However, wide range direct effects tetracycline use has not been fully appreciated. We show here that these antibiotics induce a mitonuclear protein imbalance through their on mitochondrial translation, an effect likely reflects evolutionary relationship between mitochondria and proteobacteria. Even at low concentrations, tetracyclines proteotoxic stress, leading changes in nuclear altered dynamics function commonly cell types, well worms, flies, mice, plants. Given are so widely applied research, scientists should be aware potentially confounding experimental results. Furthermore, results caution against extensive livestock due potential downstream impacts environment human health.