Discovery of Genes Activated by the Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response
Author Information
Author(s): Aldridge Jonathan E., Horibe Tomohisa, Hoogenraad Nicholas J.
Primary Institution: Department of Biochemistry, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Hypothesis
Do genes encoding mitochondrial proteins involved in quality control get up-regulated by the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR)?
Conclusion
The study found that mtUPR responsive genes all contain a CHOP element in their promoters, indicating a CHOP-dependent pathway for gene activation.
Supporting Evidence
- Six additional mtUPR responsive genes were discovered, all containing a CHOP element in their promoters.
- Genes without a CHOP element were not up-regulated by mtUPR.
- Mutation of conserved elements near the CHOP site reduced mtUPR responsiveness.
Takeaway
When mitochondria are stressed, certain genes that help fix problems get turned on, but they need a special signal to do so.
Methodology
The study involved bioinformatics analysis of gene promoters and experimental validation using promoter-luciferase constructs in transfected cells.
Limitations
The study does not identify the specific transcription factors that bind to the MURE1 and MURE2 elements.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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