Regulation of the actin-based dynamics of mitochondria by myosin XIX

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Mitochondria supply the energy that is needed to keep eukaryotic cells alive. Furthermore, they are involved in intermediary metabolism, calcium signaling, and apoptosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to pleiotropic defects in multicellular organisms with some tissues being more affected than others often giving rise to degenerative diseases. The morphology of mitochondria and distribution within cells is highly dynamic and regulated. Motor molecules move mitochondria along microtubules and actin filaments. In mammalian cells mitochondrial movement along microtubules is relatively well established. The relevant motor molecules have been identified and their mode of association with mitochondria has been partially elucidated. On the other hand, the movement of mitochondria along actin filaments is little studied. Myosin XIX (Myo19), a recently discovered member of the actin-based motor molecule superfamily, has been reported to associate with mitochondria. We plan to study the contribution of Myo19 to the dynamics and movement of mitochondria. Further, we will try to elucidate how Myo19 is interacting with mitochondria. Preliminary data suggest that a mitochondrial protein is involved that is also binding to a microtubule-based motor. This finding raises the question of how actin- and microtubule-dependent movements of mitochondria are coordinated.