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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Ratiometric Biosensors that Measure Mitochondrial Redox State and ATP in Living Yeast Cells
Published on: July 22, 2013
Effect of oxidative stress on dynamics of mitochondrial reticulum
O Yu Pletjushkina1, K G Lyamzaev, E N Popova
1A. N. Belozersky Institute, Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia. pletjush@genebee.msu.ru
Abstract:
Fission of the mitochondrial reticulum (the thread-grain transition) and following gathering of mitochondria in the perinuclear area are induced by oxidative stress. It is shown that inhibitors of the respiratory chain (piericidin and myxothiazol) cause fission of mitochondria in HeLa cells and fibroblasts, whereas a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant (MitoQ) inhibits this effect. Hydrogen peroxide also induced the fission, which was stimulated by the inhibitors of respiration and suppressed by MitoQ. In untreated cells, the mitochondrial reticulum consisted of numerous electrically-independent fragments. Prolonged treatment with MitoQ resulted in drastic increase in size and decrease in number of these fragments. Local photodamage of mitochondria caused immediate depolarization of a large fraction of the mitochondrial network in MitoQ-treated cells. Our data indicate that the thread-grain transition of mitochondria depends on production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in initial segments of the respiratory chain and is a necessary step in the process of elimination of mitochondria (mitoptosis).
Insights
Oxidative stress causes mitochondrial fission, a process linked to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Antioxidants like MitoQ can prevent this, suggesting a role in mitochondrial elimination (mitoptosis).
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Mitochondrial Dynamics
- Oxidative Stress
Background:
- Mitochondrial reticulum undergoes fission and perinuclear aggregation under oxidative stress.
- The thread-grain transition is a key morphological change in mitochondria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondrial fission.
- To elucidate the mechanism of mitochondrial fragmentation and elimination (mitoptosis).
Main Methods:
- Utilized inhibitors of the respiratory chain (piericidin, myxothiazol) and a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant (MitoQ).
- Induced oxidative stress using hydrogen peroxide and local photodamage.
- Observed mitochondrial morphology and electrical independence in HeLa cells and fibroblasts.
Main Results:
- Respiratory chain inhibitors and hydrogen peroxide induced mitochondrial fission.
- MitoQ inhibited stress-induced fission and altered mitochondrial network structure.
- Mitochondrial depolarization was observed upon photodamage in MitoQ-treated cells.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondrial fission (thread-grain transition) is dependent on ROS production from the respiratory chain.
- This process is a necessary step for the elimination of damaged mitochondria (mitoptosis).
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