Molecular cross talk among the components of the regulatory machinery of mitochondrial structure and quality control

Abstract

Mitochondrial dysfunction critically impairs cellular health and often causes or affects the progression of several diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Thus, cells must have several ways to monitor the condition of mitochondrial quality and maintain mitochondrial health. Accumulating evidence suggests that the molecular machinery responding to spontaneous changes in mitochondrial morphology is associated with the routine mitochondrial quality control system. In this short review, we discuss recent progress made in linking mitochondrial structural dynamics and the quality control system. Mitochondria: shape shifts provide clues to cellular health The health of mitochondria is important for cellular health, and is maintained by the same mechanisms that control their shape. Mitochondria continuously divide, fuse, elongate, and shrink, forming ever-changing networks inside cells. Damaged mitochondria produce toxic byproducts and have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Although changes in mitochondrial structure are known to be related to cellular health, the detailed mechanisms are not well understood. In a review, Woong Sun and Hyo Min Cho at the Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, detail how mitochondrial fusion, division, and recycling are controlled, what signals are used to dispose of damaged mitochondria, and how the shape-control mechanisms also regulate mitochondrial quality. This review will help us to more clearly understand the structure-function relationship of mitochondria.