Mitochondrial membrane lipid remodeling in pathophysiology: A new target for di...

• Author(s): Monteiro, João P. ; Oliveira, Paulo J. ; Jurado, A. S.
• Date: 2013
• Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10316/25581
• Origin: Estudo Geral - Universidade de Coimbra
• Subject(s): Mitochondrial membrane lipids; Cardiolipin; Apoptosis; Aging; Pathology
• Document Type: Other
• Language: English

Description

Mitochondria are arbiters in the fragile balance between cell life and death. These organelles present an intricate membrane system, with a peculiar lipid composition and displaying transverse as well as lateral asymmetry. Some lipids are synthesized inside mitochondria, while others have to be imported or acquired in the form of precursors. Here, we review different processes, including external interventions (e.g., diet) and a range of biological events (apoptosis, disease and aging), which may result in alterations of mitochondrial membrane lipid content. Cardiolipin, the mitochondria lipid trademark, whose biosynthetic pathway is highly regulated, will deserve special attention in this review. The modulation of mitochondrial membrane lipid composition, especially by diet, as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of some pathologies will be also addressed. Work at the authors laboratory is supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and FEDER/COMPETE (research Grants PTDC-QUI-QUI-101409-2008; PTDC/QUI-BIQ/ 103001/2008 and Pest-C/SAU/LA0001/2013-2014). J.P.M. acknowledges FCT for Ph.D. Grant SFRH/BD/37626/2007.