Targeted nucleic acid delivery to mitochondria
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Experimental Approaches to Study Mitochondrial Localization and Function of a Nuclear Cell Cycle Kinase, Cdk1
Published on: February 25, 2016
Bhuvaneshwar Vaidya1, Neeraj Mishra, Devyani Dube
1Drug Delivery Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. H. S. Gour University, Sagar-470003, India.
Abstract:
Mitochondrial genetics has become an emerging area of research in the field of modern therapeutics. Mitochondrial genome is the source of 13 polypeptides which are components of subunits of complexes of electron transport chain and are used in the generation of ATP by oxidative phosphorylation. Any mutation and/or defects in these mitochondrial genes may cause diseases ranging from neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus to cancer. In an ideal condition mtDNA should be mutation free. There are various mechanisms for the repair of diseased cell or mitochondrial DNA. Nowadays, nucleic acid based therapeutics has become of interest and represent a new area of research. However, problem consistently encountered is safe and effective delivery of DNA to the mitochondria for therapeutic benefits. There are numerous barriers which are to be surpassed for successful delivery of nucleic acid to the cell interior and ultimately to the mitochondria. For efficient and effective DNA delivery to the mitochondrial matrix, a suitable carrier system is required to be designed and developed. In the present review we have discussed briefly about mitochondrial DNA and related diseases, various barriers encountered in the delivery of DNA, internalization processes, delivery strategies and methods for targeted delivery of DNA to the mitochondria.
Related Concept Videos
Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria
Sorting of outer membrane proteins:
Mitochondrial outer membrane proteins are of two types: the transmembrane, beta-barrel porins, and the membrane-anchored, alpha-helical proteins. Beta-barrel porin precursors are translocated by the TOM complex and inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane by the SAM complex. In contrast,...
Mitochondrial Protein Sorting
Most of these mitochondrial proteins are encoded by the nucleus and imported to the mitochondria as unfolded or loosely folded precursors. Mitochondrial precursors...
Animal Mitochondrial Genetics
Protein Transport into the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane
Transport of mitochondrial precursors across the TIM23 channel is driven by...
Mitochondrial Precursor Proteins
Most of the mitochondrial precursors...
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...

