Regulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics by the non-canonical roles of mitochondrial dynamics proteins in the heart

Publication date: Available online 14 September 2017 Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease Author(s): Wang Wang, Celia Fernandez-Sanz, Shey-Shing Sheu Recent advancement in mitochondrial research has significantly extended our knowledge on the role and regulation of mitochondria in health and disease. One important breakthrough is the delineation of how mitochondrial morphological changes, termed mitochondrial dynamics, are coupled to the bioenergetics and signaling functions of mitochondria. In general, it is believed that fusion leads to an increased mitochondrial respiration efficiency and resistance to stress-induced dysfunction while fission does the contrary. This concept seems not applicable to adult cardiomyocytes. The mitochondria in adult cardiomyocytes exhibit fragmented morphology (tilted towards fission) and show less networking and movement as compared to other cell types. However, being the most energy-demanding cells, cardiomyocytes in the adult heart possess vast number of mitochondria, high level of energy flow, and abundant mitochondrial dynamics proteins. This apparent discrepancy could be explained by recently identified new functions of the mitochondrial dynamics proteins. These “non-canonical” roles of mitochondrial dynamics proteins range from controlling inter-organelle communication to regulating cell viability and survival under metabolic stresses. Here, we summarize the newly identified non-canonical roles...
Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) Molecular Basis of Disease - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research