SUV3 Helicase and Mitochondrial Homeostasis

SUV3 is a nuclear-encoded helicase that is highly conserved and localizes to the mitochondrial matrix. In yeast, loss of SUV3 function leads to the accumulation of group 1 intron transcripts, ultimately resulting in the loss of mitochondrial DNA, causing a petite phenotype. However, the mechanism leading to the loss of mitochondrial DNA remains unknown. SUV3 is essential for survival in higher eukaryotes, and its knockout in mice results in early embryonic lethality. Heterozygous mice exhibit a range of phenotypes, including premature aging and an increased cancer incidence. Furthermore, cells derived from SUV3 heterozygotes or knockdown cultural cells show a reduction in mtDNA. Transient downregulation of SUV3 leads to the formation of R-loops and the accumulation of double-stranded RNA in mitochondria. This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding the SUV3-containing complex and discuss its potential mechanism for tumor suppression activity.