Positive-strand RNA virus replication invariably occurs in association with host cell membranes, which are induced to proliferate and rearrange to form vesicular structures where the virus replication complex is assembled. In particular, carnation Italian ringspot virus (CIRV) replication takes place on the mitochondrial outer membrane in plant and yeast cells. In this work, the model host was used to investigate the effects of CIRV p36 expression on the mitochondrial structure and function through the determination of mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial respiratory parameters, and respiratory chain complex activities in p36-expressing cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMitochondria and mitochondrial proteins represent a group of promising pharmacological target candidates in the search of new molecular targets and drugs to counteract the onset of hypertension and more in general cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Indeed, several mitochondrial pathways result impaired in CVDs, showing ATP depletion and ROS production as common traits of cardiac tissue degeneration. Thus, targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyocytes can represent a successful strategy to prevent heart failure.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMitochondrial diseases (MDs) may result from mutations affecting nuclear or mitochondrial genes, encoding mitochondrial proteins, or non-protein-coding mitochondrial RNA. Despite the great variability of affected genes, in the most severe cases, a neuromuscular and neurodegenerative phenotype is observed, and no specific therapy exists for a complete recovery from the disease. The most used treatments are symptomatic and based on the administration of antioxidant cocktails combined with antiepileptic/antipsychotic drugs and supportive therapy for multiorgan involvement.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe m.3243A>G mutation within the mitochondrial mt-tRNALeu gene is the most prevalent variant linked to mitochondrial encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome. This pathogenic mutation causes severe impairment of mitochondrial protein synthesis due to alterations of the mutated tRNA, such as reduced aminoacylation and a lack of post-transcriptional modification.
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