Enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis is associated with increased expression of the mitochondrial ATP-dependent Lon protease
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Updated: Oct 24, 2026

Methods for In situ Quantification of Mitochondrial Morphology in Muscle and Terminal Schwann Cells of Mice
Published on: April 10, 2026
K Luciakova1, B Sokolikova, M Chloupkova
1Cancer Research Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. exonluc@savba.sk
Abstract:
Rats bearing the Zajdela hepatoma tumor and T3-treated hypothyroid rats were used to study the role of protein degradation in the process of mitochondrial biogenesis. It was shown that the activity, protein and mRNA levels of the ATP-dependent Lon protease increased in rapidly growing Zajdela hepatoma cells. The increase in the rate of mitochondrial biogenesis by thyroid hormone was similarly accompanied by enhanced expression of the Lon protease. The results imply that mitochondrial biogenesis in mammalian cells is, at least partially, regulated by the matrix Lon protease.
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