Mitochondrial morphology transitions and functions: Implications for retrograde signaling?

Martin Picard, Orian S. Shirihai, Benoit J. Gentil, Yan Burelle

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

238 Scopus citations

Abstract

In response to cellular and environmental stresses, mitochondria undergo morphology transitions regulated by dynamic processes of membrane fusion and fission. These events of mitochondrial dynamics are central regulators of cellular activity, but the mechanisms linking mitochondrial shape to cell function remain unclear. One possibility evaluated in this review is that mitochondrial morphological transitions (from elongated to fragmented, and vice-versa) directly modify canonical aspects of the organelle's function, including susceptibility to mitochondrial permeability transition, respiratory properties of the electron transport chain, and reactive oxygen species production. Because outputs derived from mitochondrial metabolism are linked to defined cellular signaling pathways, fusion/fission morphology transitions could regulate mitochondrial function and retrograde signaling. This is hypothesized to provide a dynamic interface between the cell, its genome, and the fluctuating metabolic environment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)R393-R406
JournalAmerican Journal of Physiology - Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology
Volume304
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 7 Jun 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bioenergetics
  • Fusion and fission
  • Mitochondrial dynamics
  • Morphology
  • Retrograde signaling

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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