Determinants and outcomes of mitochondrial dynamics

Mitochondria are not only central organelles in metabolism and energy conversion but are also platforms for cellular signaling cascades. Classically, the shape and ultrastructure of mitochondria were depicted as static. The discovery of morphological transitions during cell death and of conserved genes controlling mitochon-drial fusion and fission contributed to establishing the concept that mitochondrial morphology and ultra -structure are dynamically regulated by mitochondria-shaping proteins. These finely tuned, dynamic changes in mitochondrial shape can in turn control mitochondrial function, and their alterations in human diseases suggest that this space can be explored for drug discovery. Here, we review the basic tenets and molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial morphology and ultrastructure, describing how they can coordinately define mitochondrial function.

Automated summary

Mitochondria are not only central organelles in metabolism and energy conversion but also platforms for cellular signaling cascades. The shape and ultrastructure of mitochondria are dynamically regulated by mitochondria-shaping proteins, and their alterations in human diseases can be explored for drug discovery.