Abstract: Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is caused by a GAA repeat expansion in FXN gene that encodes a mitochondrial protein, frataxin, involved in iron sulfur complex (ISC) assembly. Frataxin deficiency results in abnormal ISC containing proteins, namely respiratory chain complex I-III and aconitases and accumulation of iron in brain and heart of patients. Here, the inventors show that FRDA fibroblasts are unable to limit iron uptake inducing a massive cytosolic iron accumulation and to a lesser extent in mitochondria. The inventors also observed increased transferrin receptor (TfR1) steady state levels and membrane TfR1 accumulation that they ascribed to impaired post-translational modification by palmitoylation as well as delayed transferrin recycling. Finally, the inventors showed that artesunate, dichloroacetate and Coenzyme-A improved TfR1 palmitoylation and thus represent candidate molecules for the treatment of patients with Friedreich ataxia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of disulfiram or one of its derivatives for use in the treatment of a mitochondrial dysfunction or diseases, advantageously of a genetic mitochondrial disease.

Abstract: Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is caused by a GAA repeat expansion in FXN gene that encodes a mitochondrial protein, frataxin, involved in iron sulfur complex (ISC) assembly. Frataxin deficiency results in abnormal ISC containing proteins, namely respiratory chain complex I-III and aconitases and accumulation of iron in brain and heart of patients. Here, the inventors show that FRDA fibroblasts are unable to limit iron uptake inducing a massive cytosolic iron accumulation and to a lesser extent in mitochondria. The inventors also observed increased transferrin receptor (TfR1) steady state levels and membrane TfR1 accumulation that they ascribed to impaired post-translational modification by palmitoylation as well as delayed transferrin recycling. Finally, the inventors showed that artesunate, dichloroacetate and Coenzyme-A improved TfR1 palmitoylation and thus represent candidate molecules for the treatment of patients with Friedreich ataxia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of neurodegeneration in with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Studying two novel genes, namely, CRAT encoding the carnitine acetyltransferase and REPS1 involved in endocytosis and vesicle transport, and a series of known NBIA genes, the inventors reported on iron overload related to increased levels and abnormal recycling of transferrin receptor as a common feature in NBIA. They ascribe this anomaly, at least in part, to impaired palmitoylation of the receptor as a common consequence of the various disease causing mutations. Finally, the inventors show that Artesunate improved TfR1 palmitoylation in NBIA fibroblasts. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of treating neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a drug increasing TfR1 palmitoylation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound of formula (Ia) for the use thereof in the treatment or prevention of diseases relating to the instability of mitochondrial DNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of neurodegeneration in with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Studying two novel genes, namely, CRAT encoding the carnitine acetyltransferase and REPS1 involved in endocytosis and vesicle transport, and a series of known NBIA genes, the inventors reported on iron overload related to increased levels and abnormal recycling of transferrin receptor as a common feature in NBIA. They ascribe this anomaly, at least in part, to impaired palmitoylation of the receptor as a common consequence of the various disease causing mutations. Finally, the inventors show that Artesunate improved TfR1 palmitoylation in NBIA fibroblasts. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of treating neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a drug increasing TfR1 palmitoylation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound of formula (Ia) for the use thereof in the treatment or prevention of diseases relating to the instability of mitochondrial DNA.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing a disorder resulting from a mitochondr dysfunction induced by an iron overload including Friedreich Ataxia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Hallervorden-Spatz disease, sideroblastic anemia by administering an effective amount of an ubiquinone derivative such as idebenone, decylubiquiqnone, coenzyme Q2, coenzyme Q4, and coenzyme Q6, either alone or in conjunction with a second therapeutic agent or a non-reducing antioxidant.