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Developmental programming of mitochondrial biology: a conceptual framework and review
Lauren E Gyllenhammer1,2, Sonja Entringer1,2,3, Claudia Buss1,2,3
1Development, Health and Disease Research Program, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|April 30, 2020
Summary
Mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, may be key targets in developmental programming. Adverse conditions during development can alter mitochondrial function, influencing long-term health and disease risk across multiple phenotypes.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cellular biology
- Mitochondrial biology
Background:
- Developmental programming links early-life conditions to later health outcomes.
- Existing research often focuses on specific cell/organ pathways.
- Broad phenotype changes suggest shared cellular mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose mitochondria as a central cellular target in developmental programming.
- To review evidence for mitochondrial plasticity and its role in disease susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Review of empirical findings in animal and human studies.
- Focus on mitochondrial structure, function, and bioenergetics.
- Analysis of physiological pathways linking development to age-related disorders.
Main Results:
- Mitochondrial structure and function show developmental plasticity.
- These changes are influenced by pathways linked to common age-related diseases.
- Mitochondrial programming targets exhibit long-term stability.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondria are a key, shared cellular mechanism in developmental programming.
- Further research is needed to bridge knowledge gaps in this area.
- Understanding mitochondrial developmental programming can inform strategies for health and disease prevention.
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