Pearling drives mitochondrial DNA nucleoid distribution - PubMed

5 hours ago

Mitochondrial DNA-containing nucleoids require proper distribution for mitochondrial function and inheritance, but the mechanisms behind this were previously unknown.
The study identifies a biophysical instability called 'pearling', where mitochondria transition from tubular shapes to regularly spaced beads, which regulates nucleoid distribution.
Pearling establishes a characteristic length scale, facilitates nucleoid disaggregation, and precisely spaces nucleoids apart.
Calcium influx triggers pearling onset, while lamellar cristae invaginations influence its prevalence and help maintain nucleoid spacing after recovery.
Disruption of mitochondrial calcium influx or inner membrane cristae integrity leads to abnormal nucleoid clustering.
The findings propose pearling as a key mechanism controlling nucleoid distribution and inheritance, offering regulatory insights.

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