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Related Concept Videos

Mitochondrial Membranes01:45

Mitochondrial Membranes

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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,...
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Mitochondria01:37

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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,...
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Bacterial and archaeal cells exhibit remarkable diversity in shape and structure, critical in their adaptability and functionality. Among bacteria, the most commonly observed shapes include cocci and bacilli. Cocci are spherical and may exist singly or in groupings such as pairs (diplococci), chains (streptococci), clusters (staphylococci), or tetrads. Bacilli, in contrast, are rod-shaped and can also occur as single cells, in pairs, or chains, depending on their environmental and genetic...
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Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria01:19

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Mitochondrial precursors are translocated to the internal subcompartments via independent mechanisms involving distinct protein machineries called translocases.
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The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane01:28

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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...
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Animal Mitochondrial Genetics02:59

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Among all the organelles in an animal cell, only mitochondria have their own independent genomes. Animal mitochondrial DNA is a double-stranded, closed-circular molecule with around 20,000 base pairs. Mitochondrial DNA is unique in that one of its two strands, the heavy, or H, -strand is guanine rich, whereas the complementary strand is cytosine rich and called the light, or L, -strand. Compared to nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA has a very low percentage of non-coding regions and is marked by...
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Mitochondrial Preparation from Microglia for Glycan Analysis
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Dynamic changes in mitochondria support phenotypic flexibility of microglia.

Katherine Espinoza1,2, Ari W Schaler1,2, Daniel T Gray1

  • 1Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, USA.

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Mitochondria critically influence microglial (immune cells in the brain) phenotypes. This study reveals how brain region and aging impact microglial mitochondria, affecting their function and gene expression.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microglia are key immune cells in the brain, known for their adaptability.
  • Mitochondria are increasingly recognized for their role in regulating cell phenotypes, particularly in macrophages.
  • The specific role of mitochondria in shaping microglial phenotypes remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of mitochondria in regulating microglial phenotypes.
  • To determine if mitochondrial mass and remodeling in microglia differ across brain regions and with aging.
  • To examine the impact of manipulating microglial mitochondria on microglial morphology and gene expression.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of transgenic mouse models for visualizing and manipulating microglial mitochondria.
  • Analysis of microglial mitochondrial mass and aging-associated remodeling across different brain regions.
  • Assessment of microglial gene expression related to inflammation, trophic functions, and phagocytosis.
  • Direct genetic manipulation of microglial mitochondria and subsequent analysis of microglial morphology and gene expression.

Main Results:

  • Significant regional differences in microglial mitochondrial mass and aging-associated remodeling were observed.
  • Microglial mitochondria showed rapid alterations within hours of LPS (lipopolysaccharide) stimulation.
  • Microglial gene expression profiles for inflammation, trophic support, and phagocytosis correlated strongly with mitochondria-related gene expression.
  • Direct genetic manipulation of microglial mitochondria resulted in altered microglial morphology and region-specific changes in gene expression.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondria play a crucial role in establishing basal microglial phenotypes.
  • Mitochondria are key regulators of microglial phenotypic remodeling over various timescales (hours to months).
  • Understanding microglial mitochondria offers new insights into brain immune cell function and aging.