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Stimulation of Cytoplasmic DNA Sensing Pathways In Vitro and In Vivo
11:44

Stimulation of Cytoplasmic DNA Sensing Pathways In Vitro and In Vivo

Published on: September 18, 2014

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Mitochondrial nucleic acids in innate immunity and beyond

Jimin Yoon1, Sujin Kim1, Mihye Lee2,3

  • 1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.

Experimental & Molecular Medicine
|November 30, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondrial nucleic acids (mt-NAs) released into the cytosol trigger innate immune responses and inflammasome activation. These mt-NAs also play roles in adipocyte differentiation and thermogenesis, linking them to human diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Mitochondria are crucial for cellular processes, including innate immunity.
  • Mitochondrial nucleic acids (mt-NAs) act as danger signals when released into the cytosol.
  • Aberrant release of mt-NAs is linked to human diseases with immune dysregulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review innate immune signaling pathways regulated by mt-NAs.
  • To discuss human diseases associated with mt-NAs.
  • To explore emerging physiological roles of mt-NAs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on mitochondrial nucleic acids.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways involving mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and mitochondrial double-stranded RNA (mt-dsRNA).
  • Examination of disease pathogenesis and physiological functions related to mt-NAs.

Main Results:

  • Cytosolic release of mtDNA activates innate immunity and inflammasomes via BAX/BAK and VDAC1.
  • Mitochondrial double-stranded RNAs (mt-dsRNAs) are sensed by PRRs, inducing type I interferons and apoptosis.
  • mt-NAs also regulate adipocyte differentiation, mitogenesis, and thermogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • mt-NAs are key regulators of innate immunity and inflammation.
  • Dysregulated mt-NA signaling contributes to human disease pathogenesis.
  • mt-NAs have diverse physiological roles beyond immunity, including metabolic functions.

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