Molecular mechanism studies of mammalian sterile20‐like protein kinase 3 in mitochondrial dynamics (961.2)
Wei Lin, Chiun‐Jye Yuan · The FASEB Journal · 2014
Mammalian sterile20‐like protein kinase 3 (Mst3) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that plays roles in various biological functions, including cell migration, cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. In preliminary studies we have shown that Mst3 may play a role in mediating the activity of mitochondrial OXPHOS system. Mitochondrion is a highly dynamic organelle that frequently proceeds fusion and fission to maintain its function and to adapt the metabolic needs of the cells. Dys‐regulation of mitochondrial morphology usually associates with many diseases, including diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. However, how Mst3 regulates the mitochondrial function and dynamics remains unknown so far. In this study we found that the mitochondria in HeLa cells with selective knockdown of Mst3 exhibited more fragmented morphology compared to that of HeLa cells. Further studies shown that the proteins controlling the mitochondrial fusion and fission were altered by the selective knockdown of Mst3. These results suggest that Mst3 may not only play a role in regulating mitochondrial OXPHOS system, but also mediating mitochondrial morphological dynamics. Studies are undergoing to further elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying Mst3‐mediated mitochondrial function and dynsmics.