Mitochondrial DNA depletion causes morphological changes in the mitochondrial reticulum of cultured human cells.
Depletion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) causes defects in respiratory activity and energy production. Recent studies have shown mitochondria to exist primarily as reticular networks, having tubular cristae. Using fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, we have examined mitochondrial morphology and interior structure in wildtype and mtDNA-depleted rho0 human fibroblasts and 143B osteosarcoma cell lines. MtDNA depletion results in compromise of the mitochondrial continuum and causes a reduction in amount of cristal membranes, often prompting the remaining cristae to adopt a circular appearance in the mitochondrial interior. These changes emphasize the tight relationship between mitochondrial structure and function.
Gilkerson
R W
RW
Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, 97403-1299, Eugene, OR, USA.
Margineantu
D H
DH
Capaldi
R A
RA
Selker
J M
JM
D002460:Cell Line; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004996:Ethidium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D006801:Humans; D008164:Luminescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D008168:Lung; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014162:Transfection; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; D008164:Luminescent Proteins; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D004996:Ethidium