Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 9, 2025

In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions
10:27

In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions

Published on: October 21, 2022

1.8K

Coding and non-coding roles of MOCCI (C15ORF48) coordinate to regulate host inflammation and immunity

Cheryl Q E Lee1, Baptiste Kerouanton2, Sonia Chothani2

  • 1Institute of Medical Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore.

Nature Communications
|April 10, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Small open reading frame-encoded peptides (mito-SEPs) regulate inflammation. A novel mito-SEP, MOCCI, protects hosts during inflammation and infection by modulating mitochondrial function and immune responses.

Area of Science:

  • Mitochondrial biology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular genetics

Background:

  • Small open reading frame-encoded peptides (mito-SEPs) are emerging regulators of cellular metabolism.
  • An inverse correlation between mito-SEPs and inflammation suggests a role in immune modulation.
  • Understanding mito-SEP function is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To screen for mito-SEPs that influence inflammatory outcomes.
  • To identify and characterize a novel mito-SEP involved in inflammation and immunity.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which this mito-SEP regulates host defense.

Main Methods:

  • Screening of mito-SEPs for their impact on inflammatory pathways.
  • Identification and characterization of the "Modulator of cytochrome C oxidase during Inflammation" (MOCCI) mito-SEP.
  • Analysis of MOCCI's role in Complex IV function, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ROS production.
  • Investigation of MOCCI-generated miR-147b's regulatory effects on NDUFA4 mRNA and innate immune signaling pathways (RIG-I/MDA-5).

Main Results:

  • A novel mito-SEP, MOCCI (C15ORF48), was identified and found to be upregulated during inflammation and infection.
  • MOCCI replaces NDUFA4 in cytochrome C oxidase (Complex IV), reducing mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
  • This leads to cyto-protection and a dampened immune response.
  • MOCCI transcriptionally produces miR-147b, which targets NDUFA4 mRNA, contributing to immune dampening while enhancing RIG-I/MDA-5-mediated viral immunity.

Conclusions:

  • MOCCI exhibits dual-component pleiotropic regulation of host inflammation and immunity.
  • MOCCI safeguards the host during infection and inflammation through mitochondrial and immune modulation.
  • This discovery opens new avenues for understanding and targeting inflammation and immunity.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Advancing Immune Monitoring in Critical Care Patients Using Whole Blood Assays06:03

Author Spotlight: Advancing Immune Monitoring in Critical Care Patients Using Whole Blood Assays

Published on: September 20, 2024

1.5K
Myeloid Innate Signaling Pathway Regulation by MALT1 Paracaspase Activity07:09

Myeloid Innate Signaling Pathway Regulation by MALT1 Paracaspase Activity

Published on: January 7, 2019

7.7K

Related Concept Videos

Inflammatory Response01:28

Inflammatory Response

An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
14.6K
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
1.7K
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
57.2K
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity01:26

Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity

An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and...
889
Master Transcription Regulators02:23

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a  complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
7.3K
Cells of the Innate Immune Response01:28

Cells of the Innate Immune Response

The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
7.6K