Roles of mitochondrial DNA in energy metabolism

Abstract

Mitochondria are independent double-membrane organelles responsible for energy production, specifically by completing oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria are essential to regulate energy metabolism, signaling pathways, and cell death. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can be altered by metabolic disorders, oxidative stress, or inflammation in the progression and development of various diseases. In this chapter, we overview the role of mtDNA in energy metabolism and the diseases that are associated with mtDNA abnormality, with a special focus on the major factors which regulate the mechanism of mtDNA in metabolism.