Mitochondrial Dynamics and Apoptosis
Zheng Kai#, Yang Meigui#, Yan Chaojun, Tang Mingliang*, Song Zhiyin*
Mitochondria are double membrane organelles, which provide energy of cells through producing ATP via oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that continuously fuse and divide to meet the energy metabolism and other biological requirements of cells. This biological process is called mitochondrial dynamics. Apoptosis is a programmed cell death, and mitochondria plays an important role in apoptosis. Upon the internal (DNA mutation) or external stimuli, mitochondrial outer membrane permeability changes and releases apoptotic factors, such as cytochromatin c, Smac, AIF, etc., thereby activating apoptosis signaling pathways and promoting apoptosis. During apoptosis, the shape of mitochondria changes from tubular to fragmented, accompanied by mitochondrial cristae remodeling. Mitochondrial dynamics is regulated by Mfn1, Mfn2, OPA1, Drp1 and other GTP proteins, which also regulate apoptosis. In addition, apoptosis regulators, such as Bax, Bak, and bcl-2, can also regulate mitochondrial dynamics. This review discusses the basic knowledge and the relationship between apoptosis and mitochondrial dynamics.
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