Mechanism of mitochondrial retrograde signaling to the nucleus

Determine the specific molecular mechanisms by which mitochondria influence nuclear gene expression through retrograde signaling under both physiological and pathological conditions.

Background

Photobiomodulation and mitochondrial signaling suggest mitochondria can modulate nuclear transcription via retrograde pathways.

Clarifying retrograde signaling mechanisms is essential for understanding cellular responses to stress, energetic status, and therapeutic light.

References

However, the exact role of retrograde signaling in mitochondrial dysfunction is complex, and the mechanism by which mitochondria influence gene expression is still unclear [1271, 1272].

— Physical Principles of Quantum Biology (2503.11747 - Babcock et al., 14 Mar 2025) in Chapter 16 - Photobiomodulation & Electromagnetic Therapies