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Updated: May 26, 2025

Three-dimensional Imaging and Analysis of Mitochondria within Human Intraepidermal Nerve Fibers
Published on: September 29, 2017
How are mitochondrial nucleoids trafficked?
Josefa Macuada1, Isidora Molina-Riquelme1, Verónica Eisner1
1Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Abstract:
Mitochondria harbor their own DNA (mtDNA), which codifies essential proteins of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system and locally feeds them to their surrounding inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM), according to the 'sphere of influence' theory. mtDNA is compacted into nucleoids, which are tethered to the IMM and distributed throughout the mitochondrial network. Some nucleoid subpopulations present distinct intramitochondrial positioning during fission and their correct positioning is associated with mtDNA segregation and selective degradation. This opinion article focuses on different mechanisms that could control nucleoid positioning through intramitochondrial trafficking, either by cristae reshaping or by intercompartment-driven mechanisms involving the mitochondrial membranes and extramitochondrial elements. Understanding nucleoid trafficking promises insights into mitochondrial dysfunction in pathologies with mtDNA distribution and segregation issues.
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