We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Mitochondrial Replication Mechanism Identified

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 26 Jul 2016
Print article
Image: Mitochondrial DNA (green spots) is found at points where mitochondria (blue) are in contact with the endoplasmic reticulum (red) (Photo courtesy of Dr. Samantha Lewis, University of California, Davis).
Image: Mitochondrial DNA (green spots) is found at points where mitochondria (blue) are in contact with the endoplasmic reticulum (red) (Photo courtesy of Dr. Samantha Lewis, University of California, Davis).
The mechanism that controls division of mitochondria and replication of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) during the process of mitosis has been shown to be localized at sites where the mitochondria are in contact with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

MtDNA encodes RNAs and proteins critical for cell function. In human cells, hundreds to thousands of mtDNA copies are replicated asynchronously, packaged into protein-DNA nucleoids, and distributed within a dynamic mitochondrial network. The mechanisms that govern how nucleoids are chosen for replication and distribution are not understood.

Investigators at the University of California, Davis (USA) labeled mitochondria, their chromosomes, and the endoplasmic reticulum with fluorescent dyes and employed microscopy to follow their movements during mitosis.

Results published in the July 15, 2016, online edition of the journal Science revealed that dividing mitochondrial chromosomes were located at points where the endoplasmic reticulum touched the outside of a mitochondrion. These sites also became the points where mitochondria divided into two offspring.

At ER-mitochondria contact points, the consecutive events of mtDNA replication, mitochondrial division, and mitochondrial motility were connected together to ensure the accurate distribution of nucleoids within cells. The findings suggested that these ER-mitochondria contact points coordinated the licensing of mtDNA replication with downstream mitochondrial division events to distribute newly replicated mtDNA to daughter mitochondria.

"This has very profound implications for human disease," said senior author Dr. Jodi Nunnari, professor of molecular and cellular biology at the University of California, Davis. "The endoplasmic reticulum comes into contact with the mitochondrion, and where they contact is where they divide. There are hundreds of contact points around the cell that determine where division takes place and how mitochondria are distributed, but division preferentially occurs at the subset of contacts where mitochondrial DNA is being copied. It shows that there is a higher order to this, it is not simply random."

Related Links:
University of California, Davis


Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
One Step HbA1c Measuring System
GREENCARE A1c
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
Gold Member
Reagent Reservoirs
Reagent Reservoirs

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The study showed the blood-based cancer screening test detects 83% of people with colorectal cancer with specificity of 90% (Photo courtesy of Guardant Health)

Blood Test Shows 83% Accuracy for Detecting Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths among adults in the U.S., with forecasts suggesting 53,010 people might die from it in 2024. While fewer older adults are dying from this... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The Gazelle Hb Variant Test (Photo courtesy of Hemex Health)

First Affordable and Rapid Test for Beta Thalassemia Demonstrates 99% Diagnostic Accuracy

Hemoglobin disorders rank as some of the most prevalent monogenic diseases globally. Among various hemoglobin disorders, beta thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, affects about 1.5% of the world's... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The new platform is designed to perform blood-based diagnoses of nontuberculosis mycobacteria (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New Blood Test Cuts Diagnosis Time for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections from Months to Hours

Breathing in nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is a common experience for many people. These bacteria are present in water systems, soil, and dust all over the world and usually don't cause any problems.... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: These new assays are being developed for use on the recently introduced DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer (Photo courtesy of Beckman Coulter)

Beckman Coulter and Fujirebio Expand Partnership on Neurodegenerative Disease Diagnostics

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics (Brea, CA, USA) and Fujirebio Diagnostics (Tokyo, Japan) have expanded their partnership focused on the development, manufacturing and clinical adoption of neurodegenerative... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.