Real-time assessment of mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy dynamics at the single-cell level.

ABSTRACT: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is present in multiple copies within cells and is required for mitochondrial ATP generation. Even within individual cells, mtDNA copies can differ in their sequence, a state known as heteroplasmy. The principles underlying dynamic changes in the degree of heteroplasmy remain incompletely understood, due to the inability to monitor this phenomenon in real time. Here, we employ mtDNA-based fluorescent markers, microfluidics, and automated cell tracking, to follow mtDNA variants in live heteroplasmic yeast populations at the single-cell level. This approach, in combination with direct mtDNA tracking and data-driven mathematical modeling reveals asymmetric partitioning of mtDNA copies during cell division, as well as limited mitochondrial fusion and fission frequencie

SUBMITTER: Roussou R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11574196 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature