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Mechanical force induces mitochondrial fission.

eLife (2017-11-10)
Sebastian Carsten Johannes Helle, Qian Feng, Mathias J Aebersold, Luca Hirt, Raphael R Grüter, Afshin Vahid, Andrea Sirianni, Serge Mostowy, Jess G Snedeker, Anđela Šarić, Timon Idema, Tomaso Zambelli, Benoît Kornmann
ABSTRACT

Eukaryotic cells are densely packed with macromolecular complexes and intertwining organelles, continually transported and reshaped. Intriguingly, organelles avoid clashing and entangling with each other in such limited space. Mitochondria form extensive networks constantly remodeled by fission and fusion. Here, we show that mitochondrial fission is triggered by mechanical forces. Mechano-stimulation of mitochondria - via encounter with motile intracellular pathogens, via external pressure applied by an atomic force microscope, or via cell migration across uneven microsurfaces - results in the recruitment of the mitochondrial fission machinery, and subsequent division. We propose that MFF, owing to affinity for narrow mitochondria, acts as a membrane-bound force sensor to recruit the fission machinery to mechanically strained sites. Thus, mitochondria adapt to the environment by sensing and responding to biomechanical cues. Our findings that mechanical triggers can be coupled to biochemical responses in membrane dynamics may explain how organelles orderly cohabit in the crowded cytoplasm.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Anti-MFF antibody produced in rabbit, Prestige Antibodies® Powered by Atlas Antibodies, affinity isolated antibody, buffered aqueous glycerol solution
Sigma-Aldrich
Monoclonal Anti-α-Tubulin antibody produced in mouse, ascites fluid, clone B-5-1-2