(Ebook) DNA Damage Controlling Systems in Mitochondria by Dr. Kanchanjunga Prasai ISBN 9789937509947, 9789771477143, 9771477145, 9937509947

(Ebook) DNA Damage Controlling Systems in Mitochondria by Dr. Kanchanjunga Prasai ISBN 9789937509947, 9789771477143, 9771477145, 9937509947

Mitochondria are essential double membrane organelleswithin a cell that harbor their own genetic material, themitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which encodes indispensableprotein components of the electron transport chain (ETC) andoxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Apart from generating themajority of the cell’s adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that drives amultitude of reactions necessary for life, the OXPHOS machineryis also the primary source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). SincemtDNA is located in close proximity to the ROS generating factoryand is also not protected as complex nucleosomes like the nuclearcounterpart, mtDNA is under constant threat not only from ROSbut also from environmental factors like ionizing radiation. Theseendogenous and exogenous agents have the potential to damagemtDNA molecules, which can result in the loss of mtDNA integrity.As mtDNA encodes protein components of the ETC and OXPHOS,failure to tackle mtDNA lesions can lead to disruption of the ETCand enhanced ROS production, which can, in turn, result in energydepletion, cell death, organ dysfunction, and ultimately disease.Therefore, maintaining the stability of mtDNA is critical not onlyfor mitochondrial and cellular function but also for organismalfitness. This book focuses on our current knowledge of differentmtDNA repair mechanisms that help preserve the integrity ofthe mitochondrial genome. Our current comprehension of thedegradation of damaged mtDNA molecules and molecular playersinvolved in the process are discussed. Finally, the roles of sanitationof premutagenic free nucleotides in mitigating mtDNA damage andtranslesion synthesis as an important strategy in tolerating damageto the mitochondrial genome are also summarized.