Reference: Chen XJ and Butow RA (2005) The organization and inheritance of the mitochondrial genome. Nat Rev Genet 6(11):815-25

Reference Help

Abstract


Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes essential components of the cellular energy-producing apparatus, and lesions in mtDNA and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to numerous human diseases. Understanding mtDNA organization and inheritance is therefore an important goal. Recent studies have revealed that mitochondria use diverse metabolic enzymes to organize and protect mtDNA, drive the segregation of the organellar genome, and couple the inheritance of mtDNA with cellular metabolism. In addition, components of a membrane-associated mtDNA segregation apparatus that might link mtDNA transmission to mitochondrial movements are beginning to be identified. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of mtDNA maintenance and inheritance.

Reference Type
Journal Article | Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural | Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't | Review
Authors
Chen XJ, Butow RA
Primary Lit For
Additional Lit For
Review For