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Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Author Spotlight: High-Throughput Image-Based Quantification of Mitochondrial DNA Synthesis and Distribution
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Mitochondrial DNA: how does it leave mitochondria?

Vladimir Gogvadze1, Boris Zhivotovsky2

  • 1Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE.17177, Stockholm, Sweden; Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192, Moscow, Russia.

Trends in Cell Biology
|July 11, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been found in the cytosol, but the release mechanisms remain unclear. This review clarifies how mtDNA exits the mitochondria, addressing uncertainties in current research.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is typically confined to the mitochondrial matrix.
  • Recent studies report cytosolic presence of mtDNA, raising questions about its release.
  • Existing literature presents uncertainties regarding the mechanisms of mtDNA extrusion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically examine assumptions about mtDNA release.
  • To elucidate the specific processes enabling mtDNA to exit the mitochondria.
  • To clarify the discrepancy between mtDNA's location and observed cytosolic presence.

Main Methods:

  • Review and analysis of existing scientific literature.
  • Comparative examination of proposed mtDNA release pathways.
  • Discussion of cellular mechanisms potentially involved in mtDNA translocation.

Main Results:

  • mtDNA release is distinct from intermembrane space protein pathways.
  • Specific cellular mechanisms are proposed to facilitate mtDNA translocation.
  • The review addresses key uncertainties in the field.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding mtDNA release is crucial for cellular processes.
  • Further research is needed to fully validate proposed mechanisms.
  • This work provides a clearer framework for studying cytosolic mtDNA.
Keywords:
Bcl-2 family proteinsinner mitochondrial membranemitochondriamtDNAouter mitochondrial membrane

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