Mitochondria Play an Unexpected Role in Killing Bacteria

Andy

Andy

Retired committee member
I think apoptosis and autophagy play a role in fighting "invaders" (esp. viruses, don't know about bacteria), and the mitochondria play a role there.
 
Prusty found that HHV6 released a substance that inhibits mitochondria. David Attenborough always says the bugs will outsurvive us because they are more adaptable.
More evidence that more research at cellular level is required.
 
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Yes, viruses like EBV, HIV, and some HHV (I forgot which one) produce proteins that can open endoplasmic reticulum (ER) receptors that release Calcium; if those stores are emptied the cell opens calcium channels in the plasma membrane (through which, I guess, the virus can send its DNA/RNA). The released calcium from the ER can be taken up by the mitochondrion which, in turn, can produce autophagy signals. I can't remember exactly (if increased or decreased), but ATP plays a role here. (If it was decreased ATP, that would mean inhibited kinases, amongst others, I guess.)
There are certainly other pathways that a virus can use. May depend on the virus.

I don't know how it is with bacteria though.

When I read this my sponatenous thought was viruses know exactly how the signaling pathways work - we don't (yet).
 
This should not be in "unrelated to ME/CFS". This may just be the crux of the issue.

Mitochondria evolved from microbes, so it makes sense that they would perform a function like this. Since the mitochondria are the main site of energy production it's plausible that chronic infection could reduce their energy production since they're spending their resources fighting infections.
 
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