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ARS Home » Midwest Area » St. Paul, Minnesota » Cereal Disease Lab » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #305987
Title: Mitochondrial dynamics and the cell cycle

Author
item KIANIAN, PENNY - University Of Minnesota
item Kianian, Shahryar

Submitted to: Frontiers in Plant Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/4/2014
Publication Date: 5/27/2014
Citation: Kianian, P., Kianian, S. 2014. Mitochondrial dynamics and the cell cycle. Frontiers in Plant Science. Availeable: http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fpls.2014.00222/full.

Interpretive Summary: Coordination of gene expression between the genomes present in mitochondria and nucleus is of crucial importance for cells of all Eukaryotes. Distruption in this mechanism leads to many diseases in humans (e.g., type II diabetes, Alzheimer, and Parkinson) and many changes in plant phenotypes. Genes controlling nuclear-mitochondrial (NM) compatibility affect interspecific and intergeneric crossability, viability of the hybrid zygote or seed, and are likely involved in the origin and evolution of polyploid Triticeae. This paper summarizes the work in this area as it relates to chromosome movement and segregation.

Technical Abstract: Nuclear-mitochondrial (NM) communication impacts many aspects of plant development including vigor, sterility and viability. Dynamic changes in mitochondrial number, shape, size, and cellular location takes place during the cell cycle possibly impacting the process itself and leading to distribution of this organelle into daughter cells. The genes that underlie these changes are beginning to be identified in model plants such as Arabidopsis. In animals disruption of the drp1 gene, a homolog to the plant drp3A and drp3B, delays mitochondrial division. This mutation results in increased aneuploidy due to chromosome mis-segregation. It remains to be discovered if a similar outcome is observed in plants. Alloplasmic lines provide an opportunity to understand the communication between the cytoplasmic organelles and the nucleus. Examples of studies in these lines, especially from the extensive collection in wheat, point to the role of mitochondria in chromosome movement, pollen fertility and other aspects of development.