The critical role of cardiolipin in metazoan differentiation, development, and maturation

Abstract

Cardiolipins are phospholipids that are central to proper mitochondrial functioning. Because mitochondria play crucial roles in differentiation, development, and maturation, we would also expect cardiolipin to play major roles in these processes. Indeed, cardiolipin has been implicated in the mechanism of three human diseases that affect young infants, implying developmental abnormalities. In this review, we will: (1) Review the biology of cardiolipin; (2) Outline the evidence for essential roles of cardiolipin during organismal development, including embryogenesis and cell maturation in vertebrate organisms; (3) Place the role(s) of cardiolipin during embryogenesis within the larger context of the roles of mitochondria in development; and (4) Suggest avenues for future research.

The Role of Cardiolipin in Mitochondrial Function and Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…The reduction in CL content may result from increased CL degradation catalyzed by calcium-independent phospholipase A2γ (iPLA2γ) [57]. Alterations/mutations in enzymes responsible for CL biosynthesis or remodeling lead to aberrant CL [58]. For instance, mutations in TAFAZZIN lead to CL deficiency in the cardiomyopathy Barth syndrome [59].…”