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Mitochondrion-located peptides and their pleiotropic physiological functions

Xintong Zheng1, Mengqing Xiang1,2

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.

The FEBS Journal
|May 23, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondrion-located peptides (MLPs), translated from small open reading frames, regulate key mitochondrial functions. Their deficiency disrupts vital physiological processes, highlighting their crucial roles in health and disease.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Advanced technologies reveal small open reading frames (sORFs) translate into micropeptides.
  • A significant subset of these micropeptides are localized to mitochondria, termed mitochondrion-located peptides (MLPs).
  • MLPs are often conserved, contain transmembrane domains, and regulate mitochondrial functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the roles and significance of mitochondrion-located peptides (MLPs).
  • To understand the impact of MLP deficiency on physiological processes.
  • To provide insights into mitochondrion-associated biological processes and diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of sORF translation products.
  • Identification and characterization of mitochondrion-localized peptides.
  • Assessment of MLP function and conservation across species.
  • Evaluation of physiological consequences of MLP deficiency in vitro and in vivo.

Main Results:

  • MLPs play regulatory roles in mitochondrial electron transport, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and metabolic homeostasis.
  • Deficiency in MLPs leads to disruptions in immunity, differentiation, and metabolism.
  • MLPs are crucial for maintaining normal physiological functions.

Conclusions:

  • MLPs are essential regulators of mitochondrial function and overall physiology.
  • Understanding MLPs offers new insights into mitochondrion-related diseases.
  • MLPs represent a significant area for future research in molecular and cellular biology.
Keywords:
Mitochondrion-located peptides (MLPs)lncRNAmicropeptidesmitochondriasORF-encoded peptides (SEPs)single transmembrane domain (STMD)small open reading frames (sORFs)

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