Microbial Peptidoglycan Engages Autophagy Receptor P62 to Induce Protective Mitophagy in the Liver

Abstract

Although mitophagy is critical for maintaining mitochondrial integrity and hepatic homeostasis, the microbial-derived signals controlling this process remain unknown. Given the gut microbiotas profound influence on liver pathophysiology, identifying specific bacterial factors that directly regulate hepatocyte mitophagy could unlock novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, we identify bacterial peptidoglycan (PGN)--a conserved cell wall component--as a key activator of mitophagy that protects against hepatocyte death. Through both in vivo and in vitro studies, we demonstrate that either heat-killed Escherichia coli or purified PGN attenuates hepatocyte death. Mechanistically, PGN is internalized by hepatocytes, localizes to mitochondria, and initiates mitophagy via direct interaction with the autophagy adaptor p62/SQSTM1. Genetic ablation of p62 in hepatocytes completely abolishes PGN-induced mitophagy, underscoring the pathways essential role. Strikingly, therapeutic administration of PGN markedly alleviates carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis, reducing collagen deposition and suppressing hepatic stellate cell activation through enhanced autophagic flux. Our work unveils a previously unrecognized host-microbe crosstalk in which PGN acts as a mitophagy inducer, offering a potential therapeutic avenue for liver diseases driven by mitochondrial dysfunction.