Integrating sex and gender in mitochondrial science. Issue 26 (April 2022) - Junker, Alex
Abstract : Mitochondria play vital roles in the production of energy and sex hormones. To date, little is known about how sex and gender influence mitochondrial biology in humans. Here, we first explore available evidence of sex differences across domains of mitochondrial biology. The existing literature largely approaches sex through a binary construct (female/male) that assumes clear dichotomous distribution of sex characteristics, including chromosomes, gonads, and hormones, which only partially captures reality. We extend this biological discussion by considering how gender may influence mitochondrial biology in ways that binary categories risk misattributing to sex. Integrating gender/sex considerations in mitochondrial science provides a framework to begin mapping the diversity of mitochondrial biology and recalibrations across the human population.