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Author Spotlight: Advancing Techniques and Discoveries in Protein Synthesis and Assembly Through Innovative Mitochondrial Research
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Author Spotlight: Advancing Techniques and Discoveries in Protein Synthesis and Assembly Through Innovative Mitochondrial Research

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Orchestration of Mitochondrial Function and Remodeling by Post-Translational Modifications Provide Insight into

Ji Woo Park1, Matthew D Tyl1, Ileana M Cristea1

  • 1Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.

Biomolecules
|May 27, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Viral infections heavily regulate mitochondria, impacting host defense and virus replication. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of mitochondrial proteins are key to controlling energy, apoptosis, and immunity during infection.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Virology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Mitochondria play a central role in viral infections, influencing host defense and viral replication.
  • Regulation of mitochondrial structure and function is crucial for energy metabolism, apoptosis, and immune signaling.
  • Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of mitochondrial proteins are increasingly recognized as critical regulatory mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of PTMs in mitochondrial proteins during viral infections.
  • To explore the contribution of PTMs to infection-induced modulation of bioenergetics, apoptosis, and immune responses.
  • To discuss the links between PTM changes, mitochondrial structure remodeling, and regulatory mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Review of accumulating studies on mitochondrial PTMs in viral infections.
  • Consideration of enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms underlying PTM regulation.
  • Highlighting methods for PTM identification and interrogation, including mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

  • PTMs of mitochondrial proteins are essential for regulating host and viral activities during infection.
  • PTMs influence bioenergetics, apoptosis, and immune signaling pathways modulated by viral infections.
  • Changes in PTMs are linked to alterations in mitochondrial structure and function.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondrial PTMs represent a critical layer of regulation in the interplay between viruses and host cells.
  • Understanding these PTMs offers insights into disease pathology and potential therapeutic targets.
  • Advanced analytical techniques are vital for dissecting the roles of mitochondrial PTMs in viral pathogenesis.
Keywords:
acylationmass spectrometrymitochondriaphosphorylationpost-translational modificationsproteomicsvirus–host interactions

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