Loss of SHMT2 and Folate Deficiency Impair Protein Levels Involved in Oxidative Phosphorylation, Folate Transport, and Mitochondrial Dynamics in Mouse C2C12 Myoblast Cells

Objectives: Mitochondrial serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) is responsible for transferring a one-carbon unit from serine to tetrahydrofolate (THF), yielding glycine and 5-methylTHF. Previous cell models have demonstrated loss of SHMT2 and folate depletion impair mitochondrial respiration, however, no cell model of SHMT2 loss and folate depletion has focused on skeletal muscle or the causes of the mitochondrial dysfunction. Skeletal muscle is a highly oxidative tissue and may be sensitive to changes in SHMT2 expression and folate availability.