Beyond the energy needs – what can diseases tell us about the role of mitochondria in muscle repair

Description

Abstract

Skeletal muscle relies on mitochondria to produce energy needed for its contractility. Muscle mitochondria are also signaling hubs that regulate structural and functional changes in the muscle in response to physical activity. However, all the mechanical load and activity can cause sarcolemmal tear which impacts on muscle function in many muscle diseases. We have identified that a novel role of mitochondria in the muscle is to facilitate repair of such sarcolemmal injuries and defect in this contributes to muscle diseases. Therefore, to develop therapies that can improve sarcolemmal integrity in muscular dystrophies, there is an unmet need to better understand the underlying mechanism. I will discuss our effort that led to the identification of this new role of mitochondria, and what we have learned since about this mechanism by way of muscle diseases linked to mitochondrial deficiency in handling calcium, membrane potential, and its dynamics. If you wish to meet Jyoti Jaiswal, please contact Bénédicte Chazaud ([email protected]).