Orchestrating the network of molecular pathways affecting aging: Role of nonselective autophagy and mitophagy

Laura Knuppertz; Heinz D Osiewacz

doi:10.1016/j.mad.2016.01.003

Orchestrating the network of molecular pathways affecting aging: Role of nonselective autophagy and mitophagy

Mech Ageing Dev. 2016 Jan:153:30-40. doi: 10.1016/j.mad.2016.01.003. Epub 2016 Jan 24.

Authors

Laura Knuppertz¹, Heinz D Osiewacz²

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Molecular Biosciences and Cluster of Excellence Frankfurt Macromolecular Complexes, Department of Biosciences, J. W. Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany.
² Institute of Molecular Biosciences and Cluster of Excellence Frankfurt Macromolecular Complexes, Department of Biosciences, J. W. Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany. Electronic address: osiewacz@bio.uni-frankfurt.de.

PMID: 26814678
DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2016.01.003

Abstract

Autophagy is best known as a mechanism involved in cellular recycling of biomolecules during periods of nutritional starvation. More recently, an additional function of autophagy emerged: the selective degradation of functionally impaired or surplus proteins, organelles and invading bacteria. With this function autophagy is integrated in a network of pathways involved in molecular and cellular quality control with a key impact on development and aging. Impairments in the autophagic machinery lead to accelerated aging and the development of diseases. Here we focus on the role of nonselective autophagy and mitophagy, the selective autophagic degradation of mitochondria, on aging and lifespan of biological systems.

Keywords: Aging; Autophagy; Mitochondria; Mitophagy.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Aging*
Animals
Autophagy*
Disease Models, Animal
Environment
Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Humans
Longevity
Mice
Mitochondria / physiology*
Mitophagy*
Mutation
Parkinson Disease / metabolism
Systems Biology