Keeping mitochondria in shape: a matter of life and death

Abstract

Background: Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that participate in energy conversion, metabolism, signaling and apoptosis. To fulfill their multiple tasks, mitochondria come in varied morphologies and ultrastructures resulting from the equilibrium between fusion and fission, Furthermore, they are in close contact with the endoplasmic reticulum generating an essential interface in cell physiology and death.

Materials and methods: In this review we will discuss the impact of our findings on the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial morphology and tethering to the endoplasmic reticulum on cell death.

Results and conclusions: The work reviewed here supports a key role for mitochondrial dynamics in cell life and death and in disease.

Keywords: Apoptosis; ER-mitochondria tethering; autophagy; cristae; fusion fission; mitochondria.