"“Mitochondrial Cells” Can Live Without a Nucleus, and Possess Proteins Encoded by Both Nuclear and Mitochondrial DNA"

Abstract

Nakano first discovered the "Mitochondrial cells" (Mito Cells), which can survive for long term despite lacking a nucleus. However, there was no clear evidence to indicate whether MitoCells were alive. To resolve this question, we constructed a GFP-actin induced Mito Cell (GFP-actin Mito Cell). Herein, we report the molecular analysis of both MitoCells and GFP-actin MitoCells. Our results suggest that MitoCells have the minimum amounts of proteins and DNA needed to sustain life.