Local mitochondrial physiology defined by mtDNA quality guides purifying selection.

ABSTRACT: The mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) encodes essential subunits of the electron transport chain and ATP synthase. Mutations in these genes impair oxidative phosphorylation, compromise mitochondrial ATP production and cellular energy supply, and can cause mitochondrial diseases. These consequences highlight the importance of mtDNA quality control (mtDNA-QC), the process by which cells selectively maintain intact mtDNA to preserve respiratory function. Here, we developed a high-throughput flow cytometry assay for Saccharomyces cerevisiae to track mtDNA segregation in cell populations derived from heteroplasmic zygotes, in which wild-type (WT) mtDNA is fluorescently labeled and mutant mtDNA remains unlabeled. Using this approach, we observe purifying selection against mtDNA lacking subunits of co

SUBMITTER: Thoma F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12810922 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature