Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
09:47
Imaging of mtHyPer7, a Ratiometric Biosensor for Mitochondrial Peroxide, in Living Yeast Cells
Published on: June 2, 2023
Mitochondria and cellular oxygen sensing in the HIF pathway
1UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. cormac.taylor@ucd.ie
The Biochemical Journal
|December 8, 2007
Summary
Cellular oxygen sensing relies on hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathways. Mitochondria may play a dual role in this process, involving reactive oxygen species and oxygen redistribution for rapid HIF activation.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
Background:
- Mitochondrial respiration accounts for over 90% of human oxygen consumption.
- Hypoxia, a state where oxygen supply is less than demand, triggers rapid metabolic crisis.
- Cells possess a molecular response system, governed by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), to adapt to low oxygen conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the mechanisms of cellular oxygen sensing.
- Elucidate the role of mitochondria in transducing hypoxic signals to the HIF pathway.
- Discuss models of mitochondrial involvement in oxygen sensing.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cellular oxygen sensing and HIF pathways.
- Analysis of evidence implicating mitochondria in hypoxia response.
- Discussion of two proposed models: reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxygen redistribution.
Main Results:
- Mitochondrial function inhibition reverses hypoxia-induced HIF.
- Two primary models suggest mitochondria's role: ROS signaling and oxygen redistribution.
- Recent evidence suggests these models may complement each other.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondria are implicated in cellular oxygen sensing.
- The interplay between ROS and oxygen redistribution may facilitate rapid HIF pathway activation.
- Understanding this signaling is crucial for various disease states.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Peroxisomes
Peroxisomes and mitochondria are two important oxygen-utilizing organelles in eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria carry out cellular respiration—the process that converts energy from food into ATP. Peroxisomes carry out a variety of functions, primarily breaking down different substances, such as fatty acids.The peroxisome is a single membrane-bound cellular organelle that can perform several different functions, including lipid metabolism and chemical detoxification. The enzymes within peroxisomes...
01:18Cellular Respiration
Cellular respiration is a crucial metabolic process through which cells obtain energy from organic substances, mainly glucose, to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This process includes the oxidation of substrates and the transfer of electrons to a separate electron acceptor, facilitating ATP synthesis through a sequence of biochemical reactions.Glycolysis: The Initial StepGlycolysis is the first stage of cellular respiration, occurring in the cytoplasm of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic...
01:37Mitochondria
Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
01:37Mitochondria
Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
01:46Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
01:43Electron Transport Chain: Complex III and IV
During the electron transport chain, electrons from NADH and FADH2 are first transferred to complexes I and II, respectively. These two complexes then transfer the electrons to ubiquinol, which carries them further to complex III. Complex III passes the electrons across the intermembrane space to Cyt c, which carries them further to complex IV. Complex IV donates electrons to oxygen and reduces it to water. As electrons pass through complexes I, III, and IV, the energy released aids the pumping...