MitoTimer: a novel protein for monitoring mitochondrial turnover in the heart

J Mol Med (Berl). 2015 Mar;93(3):271-8. doi: 10.1007/s00109-014-1230-6. Epub 2014 Dec 6.

Abstract

Mitochondrial quality control refers to the coordinated cellular systems involved in maintaining a population of healthy mitochondria. In addition to mitochondrial protein chaperones (Hsp10, Hsp60, and others) and proteases (Lon, AAA proteases) needed for refolding or degrading individual proteins, mitochondrial integrity is maintained through the regulation of protein import via the TOM/TIM complex and protein redistribution across the network via fusion and fission and through mitophagy and biogenesis, key determinants of mitochondrial turnover. A growing number of studies point to the importance of mitochondrial dynamics (fusion/fission) and mitochondrial autophagy in the heart. Mitochondrial biogenesis must keep pace with mitophagy in order to maintain a stable number of mitochondria. In this review, we will discuss the use of MitoTimer as a tool to monitor mitochondrial turnover.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Mitochondria, Heart / physiology*
  • Mitochondrial Dynamics*
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Transport
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • MitoTimer protein
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins