Review
Plant Sciences
Su Yin Phua, Barbara De Smet, Claire Remacle, Kai Xun Chan, Frank Van Breusegem
Summary: The evolution of photosynthesis in plants has been crucial but has also led to challenges in the form of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Multiple forms of ROS are generated in various plant cell compartments, requiring a sophisticated network of ROS detoxification and signaling tailored to individual organelles to safeguard the cell as a whole.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Chase A. Weinholtz, Michael J. Castle
Summary: Emerging techniques using axonal transport of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors can precisely target gene expression in specific neuron populations based on their axonal connectivity, allowing researchers to dissect neural circuits and understand the structure and function of the nervous system in mammals.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Sayantan Datta, Marisol Cano, Ganesh Satyanarayana, Tongyun Liu, Lei Wang, Jie Wang, Jie Cheng, Kie Itoh, Anjali Sharma, Imran Bhutto, Rangaramanujam Kannan, Jiang Qian, Debasish Sinha, James T. Handa
Summary: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among the elderly and currently has no treatment for early disease. This study found that decreased PINK1 in the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) of early AMD eyes leads to impaired mitophagy and mitochondrial function, triggering death-resistant epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, the study found that an antioxidant dendrimer can inhibit EMT, providing a potential therapy for early AMD.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yoshihisa Ikeda, David Zalabak, Ivona Kubalova, Michaela Kralova, Wolfram G. Brenner, Mitsuhiro Aida
Summary: Cytokinins play a significant role in promoting chloroplast differentiation, regulating cell differentiation, and working in synergy with other plant hormones to promote the formation of new tissues. The communication between the nucleus and chloroplasts through gene expression is key to understanding how cytokinins coordinate diverse cellular processes.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Jan Pyrih, Michael Hammond, Aline Alves, Samuel Dean, Jack Daniel Sunter, Richard John Wheeler, Keith Gull, Julius Lukes
Summary: The generated MitoTag dataset provides new insights into the mitochondrial proteome of Trypanosoma brucei, identifying previously undescribed proteins and revealing sub-compartment localization and novel metabolic pathways.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhenqi Liu, Geng Qin, Jie Yang, Wenjie Wang, Wenting Zhang, Boxun Lu, Jinsong Ren, Xiaogang Qu
Summary: Researchers have developed a biochemical method called mito-ATTECs to modulate mitophagy by directly interacting with LC3 on mitochondrial membranes. This approach bypasses the detrimental effects of traditional inducers on mitochondrial membrane integrity and can be used to investigate the physiological roles of mitophagy.
Article
Oncology
Ruth Soler-Agesta, Joaquin Marco-Brualla, Martha Minjarez-Saenz, Christina Y. Yim, Marta Martinez-Julvez, Matthew R. Price, Raquel Moreno-Loshuertos, Tyler D. Ames, Jose Jimeno, Alberto Anel
Summary: PT-112 was found to induce immunogenic cell death in tumor cells, with increased sensitivity in cells with mitochondrial dysfunction and reliance on glycolysis. The mechanism of cell death induced by PT-112 involves autophagy and accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. The findings suggest a potential relationship between stress response and immunogenic cell death in cancer cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vitezslav Plocek, Kristyna Fadrhonc, Jana Marsikova, Libuse Vachova, Alexandra Pokorna, Otakar Hlavacek, Derek Wilkinson, Zdena Palkova
Summary: The study revealed that the mitochondrial retrograde (RTG) signaling pathway predominantly regulates processes in U cells of yeast colonies, activating amino acid biosynthesis and inhibiting mitochondrial ribosome component expression. This helps U cells adapt to altered nutritional conditions, indicating the important role of Rtg regulators in repressing mitochondrial activity in these cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yovanny Izquierdo, Luis Muniz, Jorge Vicente, Satish Kulasekaran, Veronica Aguilera, Ana Lopez Sanchez, Ada Martinez-Ayala, Bran Lopez, Tomas Cascon, Carmen Castresana
Summary: Plant oxylipins are signaling molecules produced from fatty acids by oxidative pathways, primarily initiated by 9- and 13-lipoxygenases, impacting plant development and defense mechanisms. Studies on mutant plants insensitive to specific oxylipin products indicate a close connection between oxylipin signaling and mitochondrial stress responses in plants.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Raviprasad Kuthethur, Keshava Prasad, Sanjiban Chakrabarty, Shama Prasada Kabekkodu, Keshav K. Singh, Kumarasamy Thangaraj, Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
Summary: Current knowledge of mitochondrial biology and function has provided tools and technologies for better understanding complex mitochondrial disorders. Understanding the crosstalk between nuclear and mitochondrial functions is crucial for advancing mitochondrial research and medicine. The recent international conference highlighted the importance of comprehensive clinical and fundamental research interests in mitochondrial biology of human diseases.
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Haoxiang Xiao, Yuqiao Xie, Kaiwen Xi, Jinyi Xie, Mingyue Liu, Yangming Zhang, Zishuo Cheng, Wenting Wang, Baolin Guo, Shengxi Wu
Summary: Aging leads to functional declines and impairments in numerous physiological processes, resulting in fibrosis and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Mitochondrial sirtuins (SIRT3-5) play a crucial role in regulating mitochondrial function and have been shown to provide protection against fibrosis and NDs. SIRT3-5 are emerging as promising therapeutic targets for antifibrotic therapies and the treatment of NDs. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the role of SIRT3-5 in fibrosis and NDs and discusses their potential as therapeutic targets.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jinjiang Fan, Vassilios Papadopoulos
Summary: Deletion of the TSPO gene in MA-10 cells results in reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and significant changes in nuclear gene expression. This is likely due to dysregulation of several signaling pathways, including those involved in regulating membrane potential, calcium signaling, extracellular matrix, and phagocytosis. The compensatory response to loss of TSPO involves changes in expression of transcription factors, such as key members of the NF-kappa B pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rongqing Pan, Jeremy Ryan, Deng Pan, Kai W. Wucherpfennig, Anthony Letai
Summary: The mitochondrial apoptosis pathway is crucial for efficient NK cell killing, with pre-activated NK cells demonstrating resistance to BH3 mimetics. Combining BH3 mimetics with NK cells synergistically kills cancer cells and inhibits tumor growth in vivo.
Article
Cell Biology
Kerry C. Ryan, Zahra Ashkavand, Shaarika Sarasija, Jocelyn T. Laboy, Rohan Samarakoon, Kenneth R. Norman
Summary: Metabolic dysfunction and protein aggregation are common characteristics in age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Mutations in presenilin genes can lead to familial Alzheimer's disease, while loss of SEL-12/presenilin results in hyperactivation of the mTORC1 pathway. This hyperactivation exacerbates proteostasis defects and neuronal dysfunction in sel-12 mutants, highlighting the critical role of presenilin in promoting neuronal health.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gankun Yuan, Qilu Wang, Zifan You, Xuening Chen, Jinping Xue, Xiao Jia, Juanjuan Chen
Summary: The study introduces a targeted PDT strategy using folate-modified poly-beta-cyclodextrin as a carrier, demonstrating high biological safety and efficacy in nuclear-targeted treatment.
Article
Cell Biology
Konstantinos Palikaras, Meropi Mari, Christina Ploumi, Andrea Princz, George Filippidis, Nektarios Tavernarakis
Summary: Aging leads to accumulation of lipid droplets in the nuclear envelope, which impinges on genome architecture and integrity. Longevity-promoting interventions inhibit nuclear lipid accrual and decrease the size of lipid droplets. This suppression is regulated by the transcription factor HLH-30/TFEB and the triglyceride lipase ATGL-1. Reduced ATGL-1 activity results in excessive nuclear lipid accumulation, disrupting nuclear homeostasis and undermining organismal physiology during aging.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eirini Lionaki, Ilias Gkikas, Nektarios Tavernarakis
Summary: Mitochondria play diverse and crucial roles in fundamental cellular processes and organismal function, and the protein import system is a key component linking mitochondrial and cellular homeostasis. Recent research indicates that the mitochondrial protein import system acts as a signaling hub, receiving inputs from other cellular compartments and adjusting its function accordingly. Impairment of protein import elicits adaptive responses both inside and outside mitochondria, and this review discusses the mechanisms of mitochondrial protein import regulation, with a focus on quality control, proteostatic and metabolic cellular responses triggered by its impairment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ilias Gkikas, Ioanna Daskalaki, Konstantinos Kounakis, Nektarios Tavernarakis, Eirini Lionaki
Summary: SNARE proteins are involved in vesicle fusion and play a crucial role in secretion, endocytosis, and autophagy. Deficiency of certain SNARE proteins, which localize to or in close proximity to mitochondria, leads to increased mitochondrial mass and autophagosome accumulation. These mitoSNARE proteins are essential for normal aging in both neuronal and non-neuronal tissues. The findings suggest a role of mitoSNARE assembly and disassembly in the regulation of autophagy and aging.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Maria Markaki, Dikaia Tsagkari, Nektarios Tavernarakis
Summary: Neurons are highly polarized cells with unique morphology and complexity. They rely heavily on a healthy mitochondrial network for proper function and maintenance. Mitophagy, a selective form of autophagy that targets dysfunctional or unnecessary mitochondria for degradation, plays a crucial role in maintaining neuronal energy homeostasis. Dysregulated mitophagy has been implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Christina Ploumi, Emmanouil Kyriakakis, Nektarios Tavernarakis
Summary: Mitochondria play a crucial role in maintaining metabolic balance and responding to stress signals through cytoprotective or cell death pathways. However, the mechanisms underlying the decline of mitochondrial homeostasis during aging or age-related diseases are still not fully understood. In this study, CISD-1, a mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster binding protein, was found to regulate longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans through autophagy and the mitochondrial intrinsic apoptosis pathway. The downstream effector protein CED-9 mediates the effects of CISD-1 on proteostasis, neuronal integrity, and lifespan. Additionally, maintaining intracellular iron abundance is essential for CISD-1 function, as mild iron supplementation can slow down aging and improve mitochondrial bioenergetics and proteostasis in CISD-1 deficient animals. These findings provide insights into the mechanistic links between autophagy and the apoptotic pathway in mitochondria, and offer potential therapeutic strategies for Wolfram Syndrome and related diseases.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dionysia Petratou, Martha Gjikolaj, Eva Kaulich, William Schafer, Nektarios Tavernarakis
Summary: The nervous system plays a crucial role in systemic stress response and maintaining neuronal sodium homeostasis. Imbalance in neuronal sodium homeostasis is linked to nervous system pathologies, but the effects of stress on this balance are not well understood. This study reveals that the DEG/ENaC family member DEL-4 functions as a proton-inactivated sodium channel in neuronal membranes and synapses, modulating locomotion in Caenorhabditis elegans. Heat stress and starvation influence DEL-4 expression, which in turn affects the expression and activity of stress-response transcription factors and leads to appropriate motor adaptations. Additionally, DEL-4 deficiency affects dopaminergic neurons and neurotransmission, while promoting neuronal survival in models of neurodegenerative diseases. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of sodium channels in neuronal function and adaptation during stress.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ioanna Daskalaki, Maria Markaki, Ilias Gkikas, Nektarios Tavernarakis
Summary: Mitochondria play a crucial role in healthspan and lifespan regulation, but the regulatory steps involved in mitochondrial biogenesis are still poorly understood. This study reveals that specific elements of the mRNA degradation pathway are essential for regulating mitochondrial abundance and function. The mRNA degradation and poly-A tail deadenylase CCR4-NOT complexes were found to physically and functionally associate with mitochondria in somatic cells of Caenorhabditis elegans. These complexes bind to transcripts of nuclear-encoded mitochondria-targeted proteins and regulate mitochondrial biogenesis in opposite ways during aging. Additionally, balanced degradation and storage of mitochondria-targeted protein mRNAs are important for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, stress resistance, and longevity. These findings highlight the multifaceted role of mRNA metabolism in mitochondrial biogenesis and demonstrate the importance of fine-tuning mRNA turnover and local translation for mitochondrial abundance and longevity in response to stress and aging.
Review
Cell Biology
Emmanuel Spanoudakis, Nektarios Tavernarakis
Summary: The introduction of C. elegans by Sydney Brenner has greatly advanced biological research, especially in the study of development and ageing. Its unique properties have made it a valuable model organism for investigating ageing-related human disorders. This review aims to summarize the important morphological and functional changes during normal aging in C. elegans.
MECHANISMS OF AGEING AND DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Athanasios Metaxakis, Michail Pavlidis, Nektarios Tavernarakis
Summary: This study finds that the autophagy inducer atg1 affects serotonergic neurotransmission in the brain, promoting food-searching behavior and organismal metabolism. Moreover, ectopic neuronal atg1 expression regulates insulin pathway, peptidergic secretion, and cAMP/PKA, leading to diverse systemic effects on metabolism, development, melanisation, and longevity.
Article
Cell Biology
Margarita-Elena Papandreou, Georgios Konstantinidis, Nektarios Tavernarakis
Summary: The degradation of nuclear components mediated by ANC-1 and its counterparts nesprin-1 and nesprin-2 plays a crucial role in limiting nucleolar size and function, and is involved in soma longevity and germline immortality mechanisms. Autophagy of nuclear proteins is important for fertility and aging, and impairment of nucleophagy can diminish stress resistance, germline immortality, and longevity.