Mitochondrial compartmentalization: emerging themes in structure and function

Within cellular structures, compartmentalization is the concept of spatial segregation of macromolecules, metabolites, and biochemical pathways. Therefore, this concept bridges organellar structure and function. Mitochondria are morphologically complex, partitioned into several subcompartments by a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in biochemical sciences (Amsterdam. Regular ed.) 2021-11, Vol.46 (11), p.902-917
Main Authors: Iovine, Joseph C., Claypool, Steven M., Alder, Nathan N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
bioenergetics
cristae
macromolecular trafficking
mitochondria
Mitochondria - metabolism
Mitochondrial Membranes - metabolism
Mitochondrial Proteins - metabolism
morphogenesis
ultrastructure
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Summary:Within cellular structures, compartmentalization is the concept of spatial segregation of macromolecules, metabolites, and biochemical pathways. Therefore, this concept bridges organellar structure and function. Mitochondria are morphologically complex, partitioned into several subcompartments by a topologically elaborate two-membrane system. They are also dynamically polymorphic, undergoing morphogenesis events with an extent and frequency that is only now being appreciated. Thus, mitochondrial compartmentalization is something that must be considered both spatially and temporally. Here, we review new developments in how mitochondrial structure is established and regulated, the factors that underpin the distribution of lipids and proteins, and how they spatially demarcate locations of myriad mitochondrial processes. Consistent with its pre-eminence, disturbed mitochondrial compartmentalization contributes to the dysfunction associated with heritable and aging-related diseases. Mitochondria contain two membranes that partition the organelles into compositionally and functionally distinct subcompartments that are defined by a topologically complex ultrastructure.In addition to their morphological complexity, mitochondria are pleomorphic, undergoing morphogenesis events with an extent and frequency that is only now becoming fully appreciated.The protein complexes that define inner membrane morphology form an interactive network with lipid interactions, and new insights are illuminating how they establish and regulate compartmentalization.The general determinants of compartmentalization, as well as the factors that govern protein and lipid distribution, have recently been identified.Novel research on the functional relevance of compartmentalization has highlighted a key role of regulated cristae subcompartment structure in bioenergetics and in human diseases.
ISSN:0968-0004
1362-4326
DOI:10.1016/j.tibs.2021.06.003