Cardiolipin clustering promotes mitochondrial membrane dynamics.

A recent preprint abstract discusses the role of cardiolipin (CL), a phospholipid found in mitochondria, in regulating mitochondrial membrane dynamics. The study used molecular dynamics simulations and cryoEM imaging to investigate the interactions between CL and the mitochondrial fusion protein Optic Atrophy 1 (OPA1). The findings suggest that CL localizes near the membrane-binding sites of OPA1 and plays a role in controlling membrane-shaping mechanisms. The study also observed that the replacement of CL by monolyso-cardiolipin (MLCL) compromises the stability of protein-membrane interactions. This research provides insights into how biological membranes regulate mitochondrial homeostasis. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]