Mitochondria can adapt to changing intracellular and extracellular demands through an expanding list of mechanisms. CHCHD10 (Coiled-coil helix Coiled-coil helix domain containing protein 10) and MNRR1 (Mitochondrial Nuclear retrograde regulator 1) (also known as CHCHD2) are both members of the twin CX9C family of proteins that modulate of mitochondrial function by acting in two compartments – the nucleus and mitochondria. A loss-of-function of either of the proteins results in a cellular degenerative phenotype with neurons being most vulnerable. Recently we have uncovered a novel MNRR1-dependent signaling pathway resulting in cellular inflammation. We are identifying how the interactions between CHCHD10 and MNRR1 contribute to cellular inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases, causally associated with these twins.
