Nuclear genomic control of naturally occurring variation in mitochondrial function in Drosophila melanogaster.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mitochondria are organelles found in nearly all eukaryotic cells that play a crucial role in cellular survival and function. Mitochondrial function is under the control of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. While the latter has been the focus of most genetic research, we remain largely ignorant about the nuclear-encoded genomic control of inter-individual variability in mitochondrial function. Here, we used Drosophila melanogaster as our model organism to address this question.

Results

We quantified mitochondrial state 3 and state 4 respiration rates and P:O ratio in mitochondria isolated from the thoraces of 40 sequenced inbred lines of the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel. We found significant within-population genetic variability for all mitochondrial traits.

SUBMITTER: Jumbo-Lucioni P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3526424 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature