Single-cell individual complete mtDNA sequencing uncovers hidden mitochondrial heterogeneity in human and mouse oocytes

The ontogeny and dynamics of mtDNA heteroplasmy remain unclear due to limitations of current mtDNA sequencing methods. We developed individual Mitochondrial Genome sequencing (iMiGseq) of full-length mtDNA for ultra-sensitive variant detection, complete haplotyping, and unbiased evaluation of heteroplasmy levels, all at the individual mtDNA molecule level. iMiGseq uncovers unappreciated levels of heteroplasmic variants in single healthy human oocytes well below the current 1% detection limit, of which numerous variants are detrimental and could contribute to late-onset mitochondrial disease and cancer.

Extreme mtDNA heterogeneity among oocytes of the same mouse female, and a strong selection against deleterious mutations in human oocytes are observed. iMiGseq could comprehensively characterize and haplotype single-nucleotide and structural variants of mtDNA and their genetic linkage in NARP/Leigh syndrome patient-derived cells. Therefore, iMiGseq could not only elucidate the mitochondrial etiology of diseases, but also help diagnose and prevent mitochondrial diseases with unprecedented precision.