The influence of Mitochondrial Positioning on ROS levels and Redox Status of Proteins

Presenter's Name(s)

Haya AlshaabiFollow

Conference Year

January 2019

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

Abstract only.

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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.