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Author Spotlight: Mapping Cellular Connectivity in the Zebrafish Nervous System During Development and Regeneration
Published on: July 5, 2024
Mitochondrial connections with immune system in Zebrafish
Mariana Abrantes do Amaral1, Lais Cavalieri Paredes2, Barbara Nunes Padovani2
1Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
Mitochondria are organelles commonly associated with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) formation through the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) process. However, mitochondria are also responsible for functions such as calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, autophagy, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that, in conjunction, can lead to different cell fate decisions. Mitochondrial morphology changes rely on nutrients' availability and the bioenergetics demands of the cells, in a process known as mitochondrial dynamics, which includes both fusion and fission. This organelle senses the microenvironment and can modify the cells to either a pro or anti-inflammatory profile. The zebrafish has been increasingly used to research mitochondrial dynamics and its connection with the immune system since the pathways and molecules involved in these processes are conserved on this fish. Several genetic tools and technologies are currently available to analyze the behavior of mitochondria in zebrafish. However, even though zebrafish presents several similar processes known in mammals, the effect of the mitochondria in the immune system has not been so broadly studied in this model. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge in zebrafish studies regarding mitochondrial function and immuno metabolism.
Insights
Mitochondria play crucial roles beyond energy production, influencing cell fate and inflammation. Zebrafish models offer valuable insights into mitochondrial dynamics and their impact on immunity and metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Mitochondrial biology
- Immunometabolism
- Zebrafish models
Background:
- Mitochondria are central to cellular functions including ATP production, calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
- Mitochondrial dynamics (fusion and fission) are regulated by cellular bioenergetics and nutrient availability, influencing cell fate.
- Mitochondria modulate cellular responses, impacting both pro- and anti-inflammatory profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on mitochondrial function in zebrafish.
- To explore the connection between mitochondrial dynamics and the immune system in zebrafish.
- To summarize research on mitochondrial roles in immunometabolism using zebrafish models.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of zebrafish studies on mitochondrial function.
- Analysis of conserved pathways and molecules in zebrafish relevant to mitochondrial dynamics and immunity.
- Examination of genetic tools and technologies for studying mitochondria in zebrafish.
Main Results:
- Zebrafish are a valuable model for studying mitochondrial dynamics due to conserved pathways.
- Mitochondrial function significantly influences cellular responses and immune profiles.
- The role of mitochondria in the immune system and immunometabolism is increasingly studied in zebrafish.
Conclusions:
- Zebrafish provide a powerful platform for investigating mitochondrial roles in immunity and metabolism.
- Further research in zebrafish can elucidate conserved mechanisms of mitochondrial regulation in immune responses.
- Understanding mitochondrial function in zebrafish contributes to broader knowledge of immunometabolism.
