Presentation Title
The influence of Mitochondrial Positioning on ROS levels and Redox Status of Proteins
Abstract
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that function as a primary source of ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondria are not stationary in the cell but rather move in directed motions by the action of microtubule motors depending on cellular needs. There is strong evidence in the literature that restricting mitochondria to the perinuclear space reduces ATP levels in the cell periphery and as a result compromises cell migration. However, the influence of restricting the mitochondria around the nucleus on ROS levels and redox signaling has not been investigated. In this study, I quantified the effects of restricting mitochondria around the nucleus on spatial ROS levels using fluorescence microscopy. I also measured the influence of perinuclear restriction of mitochondria on redox status of proteins such as PRXs using protein western blotting. Finding from this study will provide significant evidence on the role of positioning mitochondria on dictating subcellular ROS levels and redox signaling which are important for numerous cellular activities such as cell migration, tumor metastasis and tumorigenesis.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Brian Cunniff
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Biological Sciences, Integrated
Primary Research Category
Biological Sciences
Secondary Research Category
Health Sciences
The influence of Mitochondrial Positioning on ROS levels and Redox Status of Proteins
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that function as a primary source of ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondria are not stationary in the cell but rather move in directed motions by the action of microtubule motors depending on cellular needs. There is strong evidence in the literature that restricting mitochondria to the perinuclear space reduces ATP levels in the cell periphery and as a result compromises cell migration. However, the influence of restricting the mitochondria around the nucleus on ROS levels and redox signaling has not been investigated. In this study, I quantified the effects of restricting mitochondria around the nucleus on spatial ROS levels using fluorescence microscopy. I also measured the influence of perinuclear restriction of mitochondria on redox status of proteins such as PRXs using protein western blotting. Finding from this study will provide significant evidence on the role of positioning mitochondria on dictating subcellular ROS levels and redox signaling which are important for numerous cellular activities such as cell migration, tumor metastasis and tumorigenesis.