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. 2010 Jul 14:1:20.
doi: 10.3389/fphys.2010.00020. eCollection 2010.

From isolated to networked: a paradigmatic shift in mitochondrial physiology

Miguel A Aon  1
Affiliations

From isolated to networked: a paradigmatic shift in mitochondrial physiology

Miguel A Aon. Front Physiol. .

Abstract

A new paradigm of mitochondrial function in networks is emerging which includes, without undermining, the glorious and still useful paradigm of the isolated mitochondrion. The mitochondrial network paradigm introduces new concepts, tools, and analytical techniques. Among them is that mitochondrial function in networks exhibits interdependence and multiplicative effects based on synchronization mechanisms, which involve communication between mitochondrial neighbors. The collective dynamics of these networks become advantageous for coordinating function spanning from the cell, to the tissue, and the organ. However, under severely stressful conditions the network behavior of mitochondria may become life threatening.

Keywords: collective dynamics; emergent network properties; energy supply and demand; reactive oxygen species; systems biology.

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References

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