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REVIEW: Mitochondria as a Signaling Hub and Target for Phenoptosis Shutdown


P. V. Zolotukhin, A. A. Belanova, E. V. Prazdnova, M. S. Mazanko, M. M. Batiushin, V. K. Chmyhalo, and V. A. Chistyakov*

Southern Federal University, Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia; fax: +7 (863) 297-5070; E-mail: vladimirchi@sfedu.ru

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received June 22, 2015; Revision received December 28, 2015
Mitochondria have long been studied as the main energy source and one of the most important generators of reactive oxygen species in the eukaryotic cell. Yet, new data suggest mitochondria serve as a powerful cellular regulator, pathway trigger, and signal hub. Some of these crucial mitochondrial functions appear to be associated with RNP-granules. Deep and versatile involvement of mitochondria in general cellular regulation may be the legacy of parasitic behavior of the ancestors of mitochondria in the host cells. In this regard, we also discuss here the perspectives of using mitochondria-targeted compounds for systemic correction of phenoptotic shifts.
KEY WORDS: mitochondria, regulation, systems biology, mitochondrial targeting, Skulachev ions, phenoptosis

DOI: 10.1134/S0006297916040039