Affiliation:
1. Department of Pediatrics New York University Grossman School of Medicine New York New York USA
2. Department of Anesthesiology New York University Grossman School of Medicine New York New York USA
3. Department of Cell Biology New York University Grossman School of Medicine New York New York USA
Abstract
AbstractCardiolipins are phospholipids that are central to proper mitochondrial functioning. Because mitochondria play crucial roles in differentiation, development, and maturation, we would also expect cardiolipin to play major roles in these processes. Indeed, cardiolipin has been implicated in the mechanism of three human diseases that affect young infants, implying developmental abnormalities. In this review, we will: (1) Review the biology of cardiolipin; (2) Outline the evidence for essential roles of cardiolipin during organismal development, including embryogenesis and cell maturation in vertebrate organisms; (3) Place the role(s) of cardiolipin during embryogenesis within the larger context of the roles of mitochondria in development; and (4) Suggest avenues for future research.
Funder
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
Barth Syndrome Foundation
National Institutes of Health