Can endogenous gaseous messengers control mitochondrial biogenesis in mammalian cells?
Mitochondria have been identified as the site of oxidative energy metabolism and of numerous biosynthetic and degradative reactions, which depend on a distinctive mitochondrial structure, with different enzymes and reactions localised in discrete membranes and aqueous compartments. Synthesis and import of mitochondrial components are required for mitochondrial proliferation, but rather than producing new organelles, these processes may facilitate the growth of preexisting mitochondria. Recent evidence indicates that these events are regulated in a complex way by several agonists and environmental conditions, through activation of specific transcription factors and signaling pathways. Some of these are now being elucidated. Generation of nitric oxide (NO) appears to be a novel player in this scenario, possibly acting as a unifying molecular switch to trigger the whole process of the mitochondrial biogenesis.
Nisoli
Enzo
E
Department of Preclinical Sciences, Center for Study and Research on Obesity, LITA Vialba, Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy. enzo.nisoli@unimi.it
Clementi
Emilio
E
Tonello
Cristina
C
Moncada
Salvador
S
Carruba
Michele O
MO
D000818:Animals; D019069:Cell Respiration / Q000502:physiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D004777:Environment; D005740:Gases; D006801:Humans; D008322:Mammals; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000502:physiology*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; D015398:Signal Transduction; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000502:physiology
D005740:Gases; D009569:Nitric Oxide; C496319:NOS2 protein, human; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II