Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cause several neuromuscular disorders. Frequently these mutations are heteroplasmic – i.e. mutant and wild-type molecules coexist within the same cell. It is therefore important to define the mechanisms that govern the organization, mobility and segregation of mtDNA in human cells. Using antibodies directed against DNA, mtDNA-binding proteins and other mitochondrial proteins, Manuel Rojo and co-workers have analysed the localization and dynamics of mtDNA in cultured human cells (see p. 2653). They observe that the cell's mitochondrial network possesses several hundred nucleoids, each of which contains 2-8 mtDNA molecules along with associated proteins. They then show that these exhibit a mobility similar to that of soluble mitochondrial matrix proteins and can spread efficiently into mitochondria lacking mtDNA following cell fusion. By contrast, such fusion-mediated transfer is more limited if the recipient mitochondria already contain mtDNA. This reduced mobility leads to spatial segregation of different mtDNA molecules and has significant implications for individuals who have a mixture of mutant and wild-type mtDNA molecules.
Mitochondrial DNA dynamics
Mitochondrial DNA dynamics. J Cell Sci 1 June 2004; 117 (13): e1305. doi:
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
Call for papers: Cell Biology of Motors
(update)-MotorCFPExtended.jpg?versionId=3964)
Journal of Cell Science is pleased to welcome submissions for consideration for an upcoming special issue, Cell Biology of Motors. The deadline for submitting articles has been extended to 30 August 2022.
Find out more about our preprint policies
-bioRxiv.jpg?versionId=3964)
Last year, 47% of the manuscripts published in Journal of Cell Science were posted as preprints on bioRxiv. You can find our preprint policies here.
Cell scientist to watch: Jeremy Carlton
(update)-CSTW.png?versionId=3964)
Journal of Cell Science caught up with Jeremy Carlton, who established his independent research group in 2012 at the Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London. His lab is currently seconded to the Francis Crick Institute and is investigating membrane and organelle remodelling during cell division. This year, he was awarded the Hooke Medal by the British Society for Cell Biology (BSCB).
The FocalPlane Network
-FocalPlaneNetwork.png?versionId=3964)
The FocalPlane Network is an international directory of researchers with microscopy expertise including developers, imaging scientists and bioimage analysts. It is designed to help you find speakers, committee members, reviewers and potential collaborators. Find out more about the FocalPlane Network.
The Corona Files
-Mole.png?versionId=3964)
“We were not ready for a pandemic, despite decades of warnings.”
Our resident insectivore, Mole, continues his latest series – The Corona Files. This time, Mole reflects on what we have learned from the pandemic.