Fig. 3
From: Transcriptome-wide analyses indicate mitochondrial responses to particulate air pollution exposure
Schematic representation of the hypothesised pathway by which PM exposure alters mitochondrial functioning and genome maintenance. Within the mitochondria, PM can interact with the electron transport chain inducing increased levels of ROS production. ROS can damage mtDNA leading to further mitochondrial dysfunctioning and ROS production. To repair or eliminate damaged cellular components, the electron transport genes are upregulated to provide the required energy. Elimination of damaged mtDNA and perturbation of mtDNA replication results in a reduction of mtDNA content. Eventually, accumulation of mitochondrial damage can lead to mitochondrial apoptotic signalling. TCA: Tri Carbonic Acid cycle; ETC: electron transport chain; mtDNA: mitochondrial DNA