The mitochondria of human cells play a central role in the life and death of the cell due to the diverse processes and proteins - such as energy production and cell death regulators - that it houses. The role of mitochondria in cancer progression and tumorigenesis has been widely acknowledged.  A major challenge to the study of mitochondrial processes and the development of mito-targeted therapies is presented by the impermeability of the innermost mitochondrial membrane and its highly negative membrane potential, which exclude most exogenous molecules from the organelle. We have developed a new class of peptide-based mitochondria-targeting vectors that can deliver various cargos to this previously impenetrable organelle.  We have used these vectors to understand the chemical requirements for mitochondrial entry, to study the effects of mitochondrial DNA damage, and to establish the presence of proteins not previously included in the mitochondrial proteome.  Insights into the unique chemical and biochemical features of this organelle gained from the use of these conjugates will be presented.<br/> <br/>

Targeting mitochondrial DNA

254th National Meeting (2017)

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