Tune instead of destroy: How proteolysis keeps OXPHOS in shape

Mitochondria are highly dynamic and stress-responsive organelles that are renewed, maintained and removed by a number of different mechanisms. Recent findings bring more evidence for the focused, defined, and regulatory function of the intramitochondrial proteases extending far beyond the traditional concepts of damage control and stress responses. Until recently, the macrodegradation processes, such as mitophagy, were promoted as the major regulator of OXPHOS remodelling and turnover. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of the OXPHOS system can be greatly modulated by the intrinsic mitochondrial mechanisms acting apart from changes in the global mitochondrial dynamics. This, in turn, may substantially contribute to the shaping of the metabolic status of the cell.

Automated summary

Mitochondria are highly dynamic and stress-responsive organelles that are regulated by a number of different mechanisms for renewal, maintenance, and removal. Recent findings suggest that mitochondrial proteases have regulatory functions that extend beyond traditional concepts of damage control and stress responses. The spatiotemporal dynamics of the OXPHOS system can be modulated by intrinsic mitochondrial mechanisms, which can substantially contribute to shaping the metabolic status of the cell.