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Animal Mitochondrial Genetics

Animal Mitochondrial Genetics

Among all the organelles in an animal cell, only mitochondria have their own independent genomes. Animal mitochondrial DNA is a double-stranded, closed-circular molecule with around 20,000 base pairs. Mitochondrial DNA is unique in that one of its two strands, the heavy, or H, -strand is guanine rich, whereas the complementary strand is cytosine rich and called the light, or L, -strand. Compared to nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA has a very low percentage of non-coding regions and is marked by...

Mitochondrial Membranes

Mitochondrial Membranes

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,...

Mitochondria

Mitochondria

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,...

Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria

Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria

Mitochondrial precursors are translocated to the internal subcompartments via independent mechanisms involving distinct protein machineries called translocases.
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,...

The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

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...

Export of Mitochondrial and Chloroplast Genes

Export of Mitochondrial and Chloroplast Genes

A eukaryotic cell can have up to three different types of genetic systems: nuclear, mitochondrial, and chloroplast. During evolution, organelles have exported many genes to the nucleus; this transfer is still ongoing in some plant species. Approximately 18% of the Arabidopsis thaliana nuclear genome is thought to be derived from the chloroplast’s cyanobacterial ancestor, and around 75% of the yeast genome derived from the mitochondria’s bacterial ancestor. This export has occurred...

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Mitochondrial DNA in inflammation and immunity.

Joel S Riley^1,2, Stephen Wg Tait^1,2

¹Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK.

|March 24, 2020

Summary

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release triggers innate immune responses via pattern recognition receptors, influencing health and disease. This review explores mtDNA release mechanisms, inflammatory pathways, and biological consequences.

Keywords:

cell death immunity inflammation mitochondria mtDNA

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Methodology for Accurate Detection of Mitochondrial DNA Methylation

Methodology for Accurate Detection of Mitochondrial DNA Methylation

Published on: May 20, 2018

Area of Science:

Cellular Biology
Immunology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Mitochondria are vital organelles involved in energy production, metabolism, and cell death.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) acts as a potent activator of innate immunity when released from mitochondria.
mtDNA release triggers pattern recognition receptors, initiating inflammatory responses.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the mechanisms of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release.
To discuss the inflammatory pathways activated by mtDNA release.
To explore the biological consequences of mtDNA release in health and disease.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on mitochondrial DNA release and innate immunity.
Analysis of inflammatory pathways including cGAS-STING, TLR9, and inflammasomes.
Synthesis of evidence on the role of mtDNA in various health and disease contexts.

Main Results:

Mitochondrial DNA can be released into the cytoplasm and extracellular environment.
Released mtDNA activates innate immune receptors, leading to type I interferon responses.
Dysregulated mtDNA release is implicated in numerous pathological conditions.

Conclusions:

Mitochondrial DNA is a critical endogenous danger signal.
Understanding mtDNA release pathways is crucial for developing therapies for inflammatory diseases.
mtDNA's role in immunity highlights the complex interplay between cellular organelles and host defense.