Development and Functions of Mitochondria in Early Life

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles of bacterial origin in eukaryotic cells. These play a central role in metabolism and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and in the production and regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition to the generation of energy, mitochondria perform numerous other functions to support key developmental events such as fertilization during reproduction, oocyte maturation, and the development of the embryo. During embryonic and neonatal development, mitochondria may have important effects on metabolic, energetic, and epigenetic regulation, which may have significant short- and long-term effects on embryonic and offspring health. Hence, the environment, epigenome, and early-life regulation are all linked by mitochondrial integrity, communication, and metabolism.