Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2025

Imaging and Quantifying Mitochondrial Morphology in C. elegans During Aging
Published on: January 17, 2025
Mitochondria-ER contact site components regulate the formation and localization of specialized high-capacity
Isabel W Kenny-Ganzert1, David R Sherwood1
1Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC USA.
Abstract:
Mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact sites (MERCS) play crucial roles in mediating calcium signaling and lipid metabolism, and regulate mitochondrial morphology, function, and quality control. Recent studies have found that the C. elegans anchor cell (AC) harbors a specialized pool of high-capacity mitochondria that localize to the invasive front and are enriched with electron transport chain proteins to generate high ATP levels to fuel invasion. We conducted an RNAi screen of 59 MERCS-encoding components and identified over 30 required for high-capacity mitochondria formation. Our results suggest that MERCS may play a key role in the formation of specialized high-capacity mitochondria.
Related Concept Videos
The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane
Mitochondrial Membranes
Anchoring Junctions
Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures
Microtubules in Cell Motility
Mitochondrial Protein Sorting
Most of these mitochondrial proteins are encoded by the nucleus and imported to the mitochondria as unfolded or loosely folded precursors. Mitochondrial precursors...

