The mitochondrial intermembrane space nuclease Nuc1 (endonuclease G) prevents mitophagy-mediated mtDNA escape in yeast

Key Points

• Nuc1 nuclease plays a critical role in preventing mitochondrial DNA escape during mitophagy, protecting cellular integrity.
• A key finding shows that Nuc1 deletion allowed mtDNA to escape, indicating its vital function in maintaining mitochondrial health.
• Assessment using biochemical assays demonstrated that the presence of Nuc1 significantly reduces mtDNA leakage during mitophagy events.
• The findings suggest that Nuc1 could be a potential target for therapeutic strategies aimed at mitochondrial diseases.