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Related Concept Videos

The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane01:28

The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

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The inner mitochondrial membrane is the primary site of ATP synthesis. The inner membrane domain that forms a smooth layer adjacent to the outer membrane is called the inner boundary membrane. This domain contains membrane transporters that drive metabolites in and out of the mitochondria.  In contrast, the inner membrane network that invaginates into the matrix space is called the cristae membrane. This domain accounts for principle mitochondrial function as it accommodates the protein...
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Mitochondrial Membranes01:45

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A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
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Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria01:19

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Mitochondrial precursors are translocated to the internal subcompartments via independent mechanisms involving distinct protein machineries called translocases.
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Mitochondrial Protein Sorting01:39

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Mitochondria are double-membrane organelles of the eukaryotes involved in cellular metabolism, signaling, ATP synthesis, and programmed cell death.  Each of these processes requires specific proteins and enzymes that must be correctly sorted to the right mitochondrial subcompartment for the proper functioning of the organelle.
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Protein Transport into the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane01:34

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Nuclear encoded mitochondrial precursors are imported to the inner membrane in a multistep process involving two separate translocons, TIM22 and TIM23. TIM23 is a cation-selective pore that remains closed by the N terminal segment of the protein. Negative charges on the TIM23 act as a receptor for the incoming precursor, pulling the positively charged matrix-targeting sequence for peptide insertion and translocation.
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Mitochondria01:37

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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,...
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Mitochondrial Nanotunnels.

Amy E Vincent1, Doug M Turnbull1, Veronica Eisner2

  • 1Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Neurosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Trends in Cell Biology
|September 23, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Mitochondria communicate over distances using nanotunnels, connecting organelles and transporting proteins. This discovery reveals new insights into cellular communication and organelle networks.

Keywords:
communicationmembrane dynamicsmitochondrionnanotunnelsignaling

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Mitochondrial Biology
  • Intercellular Communication

Background:

  • Complex physiological systems rely on communication between biological units.
  • Mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, are increasingly recognized for their roles beyond energy production.
  • Understanding how mitochondria interact is crucial for deciphering cellular regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the emerging evidence for mitochondrial communication via nanotunnels.
  • To integrate findings from bacterial intercellular projections with eukaryotic mitochondrial nanotunnels.
  • To discuss the implications of mitochondrial nanotunnels for cellular behavior and organelle networks.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on mitochondrial imaging and intercellular projections.
  • Integration of data from bacterial and eukaryotic cell biology.
  • Analysis of cell type-specificity, timescales, and biomolecule diffusion in nanotunnels.

Main Results:

  • Mitochondria communicate at a distance through nanotunnels, which are double-membrane protrusions.
  • Mitochondrial nanotunnels are generated by immobilized mitochondria and facilitate protein transport.
  • Recent advancements in imaging allow visualization of these nanotunnels in eukaryotes.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondrial nanotunnels form dynamic networks, impacting organelle and cellular functions.
  • The study of nanotunnels provides novel insights into the regulation of physiological systems.
  • Mitochondrial communication via nanotunnels represents a significant paradigm shift in cell biology.