From Synthesis to Utilization: The Ins and Outs of Mitochondrial Heme

Authors

Samantha A. Swenson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Courtney M. Moore, Georgia Institute of TechnologyFollow
Jason R. Marcero, University of GeorgiaFollow
Amy E. Medlock, University of GeorgiaFollow
Amit R. Reddi, Georgia Institute of TechnologyFollow
Oleh Khalimonchuk, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2020

Citation

Cells 2020, 9, 579

Comments

© 2020 by the authors.

Open access

doi:10.3390/cells9030579

Abstract

Heme is a ubiquitous and essential iron containing metallo-organic cofactor required for virtually all aerobic life. Heme synthesis is initiated and completed in mitochondria, followed by certain covalent modifications and/or its delivery to apo-hemoproteins residing throughout the cell. While the biochemical aspects of heme biosynthetic reactions are well understood, the trafficking of newly synthesized heme—a highly reactive and inherently toxic compound—and its subsequent delivery to target proteins remain far from clear. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about heme biosynthesis and trafficking within and outside of the mitochondria.