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Mitochondrial-derived compartments are multilamellar domains that encase membrane cargo and cytosol

Zachary N Wilson1, Matt West2, Alyssa M English1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

The Journal of Cell Biology
|August 13, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondria form unique compartments called mitochondrial-derived compartments (MDCs) to remove damaged parts. This study reveals how MDCs form and their distinct structure for cellular quality control.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Mitochondrial Biology
  • Organelle Dynamics

Background:

  • Mitochondrial health is crucial for cell viability and longevity.
  • Mitochondria utilize mechanisms like mitochondrial-derived vesicles (MDVs) and compartments (MDCs) for organelle quality control.
  • The formation and composition of MDCs are not well understood compared to MDVs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the formation process and structural characteristics of mitochondrial-derived compartments (MDCs).
  • To differentiate MDCs from other known mitochondrial structures and cargo-sorting mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Electron tomography was employed to visualize MDC formation.
  • Time-lapse fluorescence microscopy was used to observe MDC biogenesis in real-time.
  • Analysis focused on mitochondrial tubules at ER-mitochondria contact sites.

Main Results:

  • Mitochondrial-derived compartments (MDCs) originate as large, multilamellar domains at ER-mitochondria contact sites.
  • MDC formation involves repeated elongation, coalescence, and invagination of mitochondrial membrane extensions.
  • MDCs sequester outer mitochondrial membrane portions and enclose cytosolic material within a multilamellar structure.

Conclusions:

  • A novel model for mitochondrial-derived compartment (MDC) formation is proposed.
  • Key structural features distinguish MDCs from other mitochondrial vesicles and cargo-sorting domains.
  • MDCs play a significant role in selective removal of mitochondrial components and cellular quality control.

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