title: Mitochondrial DNA: A disposable genome?
abstract: In mammalian cells, mitochondria are the only organelles besides the nucleus that house genomic DNA. The mammalian mitochondrial genome is represented by prokaryotic-type, circular, highly compacted DNA molecules. Today, more than a half-century after their discovery, the biology of these small and redundant molecules remains much less understood than that of their nuclear counterparts. One peculiarity of the mitochondrial genome that emerged in recent years is its disposable nature, as evidenced by cells abandoning a fraction of their mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in response to various stimuli with little or no physiological consequence. Here, we review some recent developments in the field of mtDNA biology and discuss emerging questions on the disposability and indispensability of mtDNA.
authors.affiliation: University of South Alabama, Patt Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions, Biomedical Sciences Department, 5721 USA Drive N, HAHN 4021, Mobile, AL 36688-0002, USA. Electronic address: ishokolenko@southalabama.edu.
authors.forename: Inna N
authors.initials: IN
authors.lastname: Shokolenko
authors.affiliation: University of South Alabama, Departments of Physiology and Cell Biology, 5851 USA Dr. North, MSB 3074, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; University of South Alabama, Departments of Center for Lung Biology, 5851 USA Dr. North, MSB 3074, Mobile, AL 36688, USA. Electronic address: malexeye@southalabama.edu.
authors.forename: Mikhail F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Alexeyev
keywords: Extramitohondrial mtDNA; Mitochondrial DNA; mtDNA copy number; mtDNA degradation; mtDNA maintenance