Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 2, 2025

Author Spotlight: Mitochondrial Remodeling in Skeletal Muscle
Published on: December 1, 2023
OPA1 regulation of mitochondrial dynamics in skeletal and cardiac muscle
John Noone1, Donal J O'Gorman2, Helena C Kenny3
13U Diabetes Partnership, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Translational Research Institute, AdventHealth, Orlando, FL, USA.
Abstract:
The mitochondria are double-membrane organelles integral for energy metabolism. Mitochondrial dynamics is regulated by inner and outer mitochondrial membrane (IMM and OMM) proteins, which promote fission and fusion. Optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) regulates IMM fusion, prevents apoptosis, and is a key regulator of morphological change in skeletal and cardiac muscle physiology and pathophysiology. OPA1 fuses the inner membranes of adjacent mitochondria, allowing for an increase in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Considering the importance of energy metabolism in whole-body physiology, OPA1 and its regulators have been proposed as novel targets for the treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy and heart failure. Here, we review the role and regulation of OPA1 in skeletal muscle and cardiac pathophysiology, epitomizing its critical role in the cell.
Related Concept Videos
Mitochondrial Membranes
The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane
Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria
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,...
Formation of Muscle Fibers from Myoblasts
Muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) are formed from the myotomes. MPCs express genes that encode the transcription factors Pax3 and Pax7. Along with Pax 3/7, other transcription...
Mitochondria
ATP Synthase: Mechanism

