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Mitochondrial signaling in the vascular endothelium: beyond reactive oxygen species
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Mitochondrial signaling in the vascular endothelium: beyond reactive oxygen species

Andrew O. Kadlec, Andreas M. Beyer, Karima Ait-Aissa and David D. Gutterman
Basic research in cardiology, Vol.111(3), pp.26-26
03/01/2016
DOI: 10.1007/s00395-016-0546-5
PMCID: PMC6749826
PMID: 26992928
url
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/6749826View
Open Access

Abstract

Traditionally, the mitochondria have been viewed as the cell's powerhouse, producing energy in the form of ATP. As a byproduct of ATP formation, the mitochondrial electron transport chain produces substantial amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). First thought to be toxic, recent literature indicates an important signaling function for mitochondria-derived ROS, especially in relation to cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. This has spawned an evolution to a more contemporary view of mitochondrial function as a dynamic organelle involved in key regulatory and cell survival processes. Beyond ROS, recent studies have identified a host of mitochondria-linked factors that influence the cellular and extracellular environments, including mitochondria-derived peptides, mitochondria-localized proteins, and the mitochondrial genome itself. Interestingly, many of these factors help orchestrate ROS homeostasis and ROS-related signaling. The paradigm defining the role of mitochondria in the vasculature needs to be updated yet again to include these key signaling factors, which serves as the focus of the current review. In describing these novel signaling factors, we pay specific attention to their influence on endothelial homeostasis. Therapies targeting these pathways are discussed, as are emerging research directions.
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems Cardiovascular System & Cardiology Life Sciences & Biomedicine Science & Technology

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