title: Effects of lipids on mitochondrial functions.
abstract: Mitochondria contain two membranes: the outer and inner membrane. Whereas the outer membrane is particularly enriched in phospholipids, the inner membrane has an unusual high protein content and forms large invaginations termed cristae. The proper phospholipid composition of the membranes is crucial for mitochondrial functions. Phospholipids affect activity, biogenesis and stability of protein complexes including protein translocases and respiratory chain supercomplexes. Negatively charged phospholipids such as cardiolipin are important for the architecture of the membranes and recruit soluble factors to the membranes to support mitochondrial dynamics. Thus, phospholipids not only form the hydrophobic core of biological membranes that surround mitochondria, but also create a specific environment to promote functions of various protein machineries. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Lipids of Mitochondria edited by Guenther Daum.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Christoph U
authors.initials: CU
authors.lastname: Mårtensson
authors.affiliation: Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Kim Nguyen
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Doan
authors.affiliation: Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany. Electronic address: thomas.becker@biochemie.uni-freiburg.de.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Becker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002308:Cardiolipins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism*; D051336:Mitochondrial Membranes / Q000378:metabolism; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000378:metabolism*; D021381:Protein Transport / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D002308:Cardiolipins; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; D010743:Phospholipids
keywords: Cardiolipin; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial dynamics; Protein import; Respiratory chain