Mitochondrial-nuclear genetic coevolution: exploring mechanisms and evolutionary implications

Interactions between the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes coordinate our energy production and are vital for life. Recent findings suggest that mitochondrial genetic effects on fitness are common, highlighting the joint mitochondrial-nuclear (mito-nuclear) genotype as a key unit of selection. Such findings challenge the traditional view that mitochondria are passive bystanders in the evolutionary process. Nonetheless, the evolutionary dynamics of mito-nuclear gene complexes remain poorly understood. I will provide important insights into these dynamics by using fresh approaches to explore the modes and mechanisms of mito-nuclear coevolutions, and the role of mitochondrial genetic variation in regulating nuclear gene expression.