More than one hundred years after their discovery, mitochondria remain at the centre of research for human health and disease. Famously (though somewhat superficially) referred to as the ‘powerhouses of the cell’, these dynamic organelles of prokaryotic origin have been found to be involved in a variety of eukaryotic cell processes, including apoptosis, calcium homeostasis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and cell signalling. With such critical cellular involvement, it comes as no surprise that the frequent synthesis and renewal of mitochondria is essential for cells to meet physiological demands.
Recognising this significance, the October issue of FEBS Open Bio puts the spotlight on ‘Mitochondrial Biogenesis’. Guest editor, Prof. Johannes Herrmann, introduces this special issue with an enticing editorial [1], providing a comprehensive overview of current research in the field, followed by a fascinating interview conducted by FEBS Open Bio staff editor Ioannis Tsagakis [2].
The issue continues with five thematic articles that focus on different aspects of mitochondrial biogenesis:
- Wiedemann et al. discuss the structure and function of β-barrel outer membrane proteins, emphasising the role of the SAM complex in their assembly [3].
- In their review, Zarges and Riemer focus on the mitochondrial disulfide relay – a critical machinery for the import and oxidative folding of proteins in the intermembrane space. They discuss the system’s biological importance and highlight pathologies associated with its defects [4].
- Herrmann et al. explore protein translocation into the inner mitochondrial membrane. They review three distinct pathways of insertion that facilitate a protein’s correct topological organisation [5].
- Barrientos and coworkers detail factors involved in the assembly of mitochondrial ribosomes, and highlight the recent discoveries of iron–sulphur clusters and redox-sensitive cysteines [6].
- Finally, in an original research article, Chacinska and colleagues investigate a key player involved in the translocation of mitochondrial proteins across the inner mitochondrial membrane – the TIM23 complex. Using computational tools, the authors present models of the TIM23 complex in human cells and compare it to its yeast counterpart [7].
We invite you to read the full issue here.
To accompany this special issue, FEBS Open Bio will be holding a free webinar hosted by guest editor, Prof. Johannes Herrmann. The session will include insightful presentations from authors of the special issue and a roundtable discussion, providing an opportunity to engage with your questions on different aspects of ‘Mitochondrial Biogenesis’.
Follow FEBS Open Bio on X and LinkedIn to be notified of registration details and ensure you don’t miss this exciting event!
Issue cover art by Tuong-Vy (Athena) Phan who flawlessly illustrates the mitochondria as the beating heart of the cell.
[1] https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2211-5463.13884
[2] https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2211-5463.13879
[3] https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2211-5463.13905
[4] https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2211-5463.13839
[5] https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2211-5463.13806
[6] https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2211-5463.13844
[7] https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2211-5463.13840
Top image by Tuong-Vy (Athena) Phan.
Join the FEBS Network today
Joining the FEBS Network’s molecular life sciences community enables you to access special content on the site, present your profile, 'follow' contributors, 'comment' on and 'like' content, post your own content, and set up a tailored email digest for updates.