The Escape Mitochondrial Mechanism of mtDNA during Cell Apoptosis

Mitochondria share a dual function - they are essential for keeping cells alive, however, they will activate the body's own immune system once being damagaed, thereby leading to potentially damaging consequences. There are many similarities between mtDNA and bacterial DNA (which share a common ancestor), our body responds to mtDNA outside the mitochondria or even outside the cell, as if it were an attack on an invading pathogen. The inability to distinguish between 'self' and 'non-self' can lead to inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

In a new study, an international research team discovered and photographed the exact moments when mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) escapes from the mitochondria (the organelle that produces energy in the cell) during cell death. Related research results are published in the journal of Science.

Although the release of mtDNA from mitochondria is considered to be responsible for autoimmune diseases such as lupus, the way it escapes from mitochondria has never been explained. The researchers applied a revolutionary new microscope to capture the moment when mitochondria form "hernia," which excretes mtDNA into the rest of the cell.

The live-cell lattice light-sheet microscopy (LLSM) system developed by Nobel Prize winner Eric Betzig is a new technology, which allows scientists to observe live cells at a breakthrough resolution. When the cells begin to apoptosis, the two proteins BAK and BAX are activated. These researchers observed in real time that these professional killer proteins open large "macropores" on the outer membrane of the mitochondria, causing the contents of the mitochondria to protrude outward while taking the mtDNA together.

BAK and BAX provide a "kill shot" designed to permanently disable cells. However, they will cause mtDNA to escape to the mitochondria. In essence, this is an collateral damage that, if not properly controlled, triggers pathogenic inflammation in the immune system. Such findings are very rare and have profound implications for understanding a range of autoimmune diseases and infections.

About Cell Apoptosis offered by Creative Bioarray

Creative Bioarray provides Cell Apoptosis Assays to all of our customers. The process of programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is generally characterized by distinct morphological characteristics and energy-dependent biochemical mechanisms. Apoptosis is considered a vital component of various processes including normal cell turnover, proper development and functioning of the immune system, hormone-dependent atrophy, embryonic development and chemical-induced cell death. Inappropriate apoptosis is a factor in many human conditions including neurodegenerative diseases, ischemic damage, autoimmune disorders and many types of cancer. The ability to modulate the life or death of a cell is recognized for its immense therapeutic potential. Therefore, research continues to focus on the elucidation and analysis of the cell cycle machinery and signaling pathways that control cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

https://www.creative-bioarray.com/cell-apoptosis-assays.htm

https://www.creative-bioarray.com/oncology.htm

Share interesting but useful information!