Two genomes one cell: mitochondrial-nuclear coordination via epigenetic pathways

Publication date: Available online 15 February 2020Source: Molecular MetabolismAuthor(s): Meike Wiese, Andrew J. BannisterAbstractBackgroundVirtually all eucharyotic cells contain spatially distinct genomes; a single nuclear genome that harbours the vast majority of genes and much smaller genomes found in mitochondria present at thousands of copies per cell. In order to generate a coordinated gene response to various environmental cues, the genomes must communicate with each another. Much of this bi-directional crosstalk relies upon epigenetic processes, which include DNA, RNA and histone modification pathways. Crucially, these pathways, in turn depend upon many metabolites generated in specific pools throughout the cell, including in mitochondria. They also involve the transport of the metabolites, as well as the enzymes that catalyse these modifications, between nuclear and mitochondrial genomes.Scope of reviewWe introduce the reader to some of the molecular mechanisms by which metabolites influence the activity of epigenetic enzymes, ultimately affecting gene regulation in response to metabolic cues. We particularly focus on the subcellular localization of metabolite pools and the crosstalk between mitochondrial and nuclear proteins and RNAs. We consider aspects of mitochondrial-nuclear communication involving histone proteins, and potentially their epigenetic marks, and discuss how nuclear encoded enzymes regulate mitochondrial function through epitranscriptomic pathways,...

Source: Molecular Metabolism - February 15, 2020 Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research