Remodelling of mitochondrial function by import of specific lipids at multiple membrane-contact sites

Abstract

Organelles form physical and functional contact between each other to exchange information, metabolic intermediates, and signaling molecules. Tethering factors and contact site complexes bring partnering organelles into close spatial proximity to establish membrane contact sites (MCSs), which specialize in unique functions like lipid transport or Ca²⁺ signaling. Here, we discuss how MCSs form dynamic platforms that are important for lipid metabolism. We provide a perspective on how import of specific lipids from the ER and other organelles may contribute to remodeling of mitochondria during nutrient starvation. We speculate that mitochondrial adaptation is achieved by connecting several compartments into a highly dynamic organelle network. The lipid droplet appears to be a central hub in coordinating the function of these organelle neighborhoods.

Keywords: autophagy; endoplasmic reticulum (ER); lipid droplets (LDs); membrane contact sites; metabolic adaptation; mitochondria; mitochondrial shape; organelle-network; starvation.