When bacteria meet mitochondria: The strange case of the tick symbiont Midichloria mitochondrii
- Author(s)
- Stavru, F; Riemer, J; Jex, A; Sassera, D;
- Details
- Publication Year 2020-04,Volume 22,Issue #4,Page e13189
- Journal Title
- Cellular Microbiology
- Publication Type
- Journal Article
- Abstract
- Mitochondria are key eukaryotic organelles that perform several essential functions. Not surprisingly, many intracellular bacteria directly or indirectly target mitochondria, interfering with innate immunity, energy production or apoptosis, to make the host cell a more hospitable niche for bacterial replication. The alphaproteobacterium Midichloria mitochondrii has taken mitochondrial targeting to another level by physically colonising mitochondria, as shown by transmission electron micrographs of bacteria residing in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. This unique localization provokes a number of questions around the mechanisms allowing, and reasons driving intramitochondrial tropism. We suggest possible scenarios that could lead to this peculiar localization and hypothesize potential costs and benefits of mitochondrial colonisation for the bacterium and its host.
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Research Division(s)
- Population Health And Immunity
- PubMed ID
- 32185904
- Publisher's Version
- https://doi.org/10.1111/cmi.13189
- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
- Refer to copyright notice on published article.
Creation Date: 2020-03-24 01:39:43
Last Modified: 2020-03-24 02:29:15