Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2026
10:31
A Model Membrane Platform for Reconstituting Mitochondrial Membrane Dynamics
Published on: September 2, 2020
7.5K
NIPSNAP3A regulates cellular homeostasis by modulating mitochondrial dynamics
Run Yan1, Liting Chen1, Zimu Cai2
1Department of Emergency and Critical Disease, Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China; Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
Gene
|October 3, 2024
Summary
NIPSNAP3A protein is crucial for cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis regulation. Its knockdown impacts mitochondrial dynamics, affecting cell survival and key cellular processes.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Mitochondrial Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mitochondria are vital for cellular energy production (ATP) via oxidative phosphorylation.
- Mitochondria regulate critical cellular processes including proliferation and apoptosis.
- The NIPSNAP protein family, located in the mitochondrial matrix, has poorly understood functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular and cellular functions of NIPSNAP3A.
- To elucidate the role of NIPSNAP3A in cellular processes and mitochondrial dynamics.
Main Methods:
- NIPSNAP3A knockdown in HeLa cells.
- Assessment of cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis.
- Analysis of mitochondrial fission and cytochrome c release.
Main Results:
- NIPSNAP3A knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and migration.
- NIPSNAP3A knockdown attenuated Actinomycin D (Act-D) induced apoptosis.
- Knockdown suppressed mitochondrial fission by reducing DRP1-S616 phosphorylation.
- Cytochrome c release during apoptosis was suppressed.
Conclusions:
- NIPSNAP3A plays a critical role in coordinating cellular proliferation, migration, and apoptosis.
- NIPSNAP3A influences mitochondrial dynamics, specifically mitochondrial fission.
- NIPSNAP3A is a key regulator linking cellular processes to mitochondrial function.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Mitochondria
Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
01:45Mitochondrial Membranes
A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
01:28The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane
The inner mitochondrial membrane is the primary site of ATP synthesis. The inner membrane domain that forms a smooth layer adjacent to the outer membrane is called the inner boundary membrane. This domain contains membrane transporters that drive metabolites in and out of the mitochondria. In contrast, the inner membrane network that invaginates into the matrix space is called the cristae membrane. This domain accounts for principle mitochondrial function as it accommodates the protein...
01:45Regulation of Nuclear Protein Sorting
Nuclear protein sorting regulates nucleus composition and gene expression, crucial for determining the fate of a eukaryotic cell. Hence, the entry and exit of molecules across the nuclear envelope is a tightly controlled process. Nuclear protein sorting can be inhibited by one of the following ways: 1) masking cargo signal sequences, 2) modifying the nuclear receptor's affinity for cargo, 3) controlling the nuclear pore size, 4) retaining the cargo during its transit to the cytosol or the...
01:19Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria
Mitochondrial precursors are translocated to the internal subcompartments via independent mechanisms involving distinct protein machineries called translocases.
Sorting of outer membrane proteins:
Mitochondrial outer membrane proteins are of two types: the transmembrane, beta-barrel porins, and the membrane-anchored, alpha-helical proteins. Beta-barrel porin precursors are translocated by the TOM complex and inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane by the SAM complex. In contrast,...
Sorting of outer membrane proteins:
Mitochondrial outer membrane proteins are of two types: the transmembrane, beta-barrel porins, and the membrane-anchored, alpha-helical proteins. Beta-barrel porin precursors are translocated by the TOM complex and inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane by the SAM complex. In contrast,...
01:45Mitochondrial Membranes
A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...