Mitochondrial stress management: a dynamic journey

• Main Authors: Miriam Valera-Alberni, Carles Canto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shared Science Publishers OG 2018-10-01
• Series: Cell Stress
• Subjects: mitochondria; mitochondrial dynamics; oxidative stress; unfolded protein response; mitophagy; mitochondrial biogenesis
• Online Access: http://www.cell-stress.com/researcharticles/mitochondrial-stress-management-a-dynamic-journey/

Mitochondria undergo continuous challenges in the course of their life, from their generation to their degradation. These challenges include the management of reactive oxygen species, the proper assembly of mitochondrial respiratory complexes and the need to balance potential mutations in the mitochondrial DNA. The detection of damage and the ability to keep it under control is critical to fine-tune mitochondrial function to the organismal energy needs. In this review, we will analyze the multiple mechanisms that safeguard mitochondrial function in light of in crescendo damage. This sequence of events will include initial defense against excessive reactive oxygen species production, compensation mechanisms by the unfolded protein response (UPRmt), mitochondrial dynamics and elimination by mitophagy.