The GTPase domain of gamma-tubulin is required for normal mitochondrial function and spatial organization

Lisa Lindström, Tongbin Li, Darina Malycheva, Arun Kancharla, Helén Nilsson, Neelanjan Vishnu, Hindrik Mulder, Martin Johansson, Catalina Ana Rosselló, Maria Alvarado-Kristensson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In the cell, γ-tubulin establishes a cellular network of threads named the γ-string meshwork. However, the functions of this meshwork remain to be determined. We investigated the traits of the meshwork and show that γ-strings have the ability to connect the cytoplasm and the mitochondrial DNA together. We also show that γ-tubulin has a role in the maintenance of the mitochondrial network and functions as reduced levels of γ-tubulin or impairment of its GTPase domain disrupts the mitochondrial network and alters both their respiratory capacity and the expression of mitochondrial-related genes. By contrast, reduced mitochondrial number or increased protein levels of γ-tubulin DNA-binding domain enhanced the association of γ-tubulin with mitochondria. Our results demonstrate that γ-tubulin is an important mitochondrial structural component that maintains the mitochondrial network, providing mitochondria with a cellular infrastructure. We propose that γ-tubulin provides a cytoskeletal element that gives form to the mitochondrial network.
Original languageEnglish
Article number37
JournalCommunications Biology
Volume1
Issue numberhttps://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-018-0037-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018 May 3

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Cell and Molecular Biology

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