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Role of mitofusin 2 in cardiovascular oxidative injury

Abstract

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles with constant shape changes regulated by fusion and fission events. In addition to regulating mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial fusion/fission is involved in fundamental mitochondrial biological processes, including mitochondrial metabolism, energization, respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mtDNA stability. Dysfunction of mitochondrial dynamics has been implicated in various human diseases, especially in neurodegenerative diseases. Emerging evidence indicates that impaired expression of mitochondrial fusion proteins or their malfunction participates in oxidative stress-induced cardiovascular injury. This review will focus on recent advances of mitochondrial fusion in regulating various cellular processes in cardiovascular system.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by Major State Basic Research Development Program of China (2007CB512100) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (30770870, 30500182 & 30971062).

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The authors declare no conflict of interests related to this study.

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Correspondence to Rui-Ping Xiao.

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Zheng, M., Xiao, RP. Role of mitofusin 2 in cardiovascular oxidative injury. J Mol Med 88, 987–991 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00109-010-0675-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00109-010-0675-5

Keywords

  • Mitochondria
  • Mitofusin
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Oxidative stress