[Progress of enzyme in mitochondrial DNA repair system]

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes subunits of the mitochondrial electron transport system and the rRNAs and tRNAs required for constructing the mitochondrial translational machinery. Each subunit encoded by mtDNA is essential for normal oxidative phosphorylation. Thus, integrity of the mtDNA is crucial for the survival of organisms. It has long been held that there is no DNA repair in mitochondria. But in recent years,a number of repair factors have been found in mitochondrial extracts, suggesting the presence of DNA repair in mitochondria. This review summarized recent progress of enzyme in mitochondrial DNA repair processes.