Mitochondrial homeostasis: The interplay between mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis

• Published in: Experimental gerontology 2014-08, Vol.56, p.182-188
• Main Authors: Palikaras, Konstantinos, Tavernarakis, Nektarios
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age Factors; Ageing; Aging - metabolism; Aging - pathology; Animals; Autophagy; Energy Metabolism; Homeostasis; Humans; Mitochondria; Mitochondria - metabolism; Mitochondria - pathology; Mitochondrial Degradation; Mitochondrial Proteins - metabolism; Mitochondrial Turnover; Mitophagy; Parkin; PGC-1α; PINK1; Signal Transduction
• ISSN: 0531-5565; 1873-6815
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2014.01.021

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles and their proper function is crucial for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy are two pathways that regulate mitochondrial content and metabolism preserving homeostasis. The tight regulation between these opposing processes is essential for cellular adaptation in response to cellular metabolic state, stress and other intracellular or environmental signals. Interestingly, imbalance between mitochondrial proliferation and degradation process results in progressive development of numerous pathologic conditions. Here we review recent studies that highlight the intricate interplay between mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy, mainly focusing on the molecular mechanisms that govern the coordination of these processes and their involvement in age-related pathologies and ageing. •Mitochondrial quality control mechanisms preserve cellular homeostasis.•Mitochondrial dysfunction triggers mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy.•PINK1/Parkin and BNIP3/BNIP3L regulate mitophagy.•PGC-1α is the core regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis.•Mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy are tightly coupled processes.