When and why are mitochondria paternally inherited?

• Published in: Current opinion in genetics & development Vol. 80; p. 102053
• Main Authors: Munasinghe, Manisha, Ågren, J. Arvid
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-06-2023
• Subjects: DNA, Mitochondrial - genetics; Genes, Mitochondrial - genetics; Genome, Mitochondrial - genetics; Inheritance Patterns - genetics; Mitochondria - genetics; Paternal Inheritance
• ISSN: 0959-437X; 1879-0380; 1879-0380
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102053

In contrast with nuclear genes that are passed on through both parents, mitochondrial genes are maternally inherited in most species, most of the time. The genetic conflict stemming from this transmission asymmetry is well-documented, and there is an abundance of population-genetic theory associated with it. While occasional or aberrant paternal inheritance occurs, there are only a few cases where exclusive paternal inheritance of mitochondrial genomes is the evolved state. Why this is remains poorly understood. By examining commonalities between species with exclusive paternal inheritance, we discuss what they may tell us about the evolutionary forces influencing mitochondrial inheritance patterns. We end by discussing recent technological advances that make exploring the causes and consequences of paternal inheritance feasible.
•Uniparental inheritance of mitochondrial genomes helps mitigate intragenomic conflict and allows for selection against selfish mutations.•Exclusive paternal inheritance of mitochondrial genomes is rare and found only in certain plant species.•The evolution of paternal inheritance is poorly understood but may be influenced by genome size and instability.•The Cucurbitaceae family offers a favorable system to explore the evolution of paternal inheritance.