Generic placeholder image

Current Molecular Medicine

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1566-5240
ISSN (Online): 1875-5666

Mitochondrial Dynamics: To be in Good Shape to Survive

Author(s): Sebastien Herzig and Jean-Claude Martinou

Volume 8, Issue 2, 2008

Page: [131 - 137] Pages: 7

DOI: 10.2174/156652408783769625

Price: $65

Abstract

Mitochondria are essential organelles of all eukaryotic cells that play a key role in several physiological processes and are involved in the pathology of many diseases. These organelles form a highly dynamic network, which results from continuous fusion and fission processes. Importance of these processes is underlined by inherited human diseases caused by mutations in two mitochondrial pro-fusion genes: Charcot-Marie- Tooth disease, caused by mutations in Mitofusin 2 gene and ADOA due to mutations in OPA1. During apoptosis, the mitochondrial network is disintegrated and the outer mitochondrial membrane permeabilized, which results in the release of several apoptogenic proteins, including cytochrome c. Although modulating mitochondrial fusion and fission machineries has been reported to influence the apoptotic response to various stimuli, it is still unclear whether fission is absolutely required for apoptosis. In this review, we present the latest progress in the field of mitochondrial dynamics with a particular emphasis on its implication in apoptosis and in diseases.

Keywords: Bax, fission, fusion, apoptosis, Mitochondria


Rights & Permissions Print Cite
© 2024 Bentham Science Publishers | Privacy Policy