Mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial quality control

Mitochondria are cellular energy powerhouses that play important roles in maintaining cell survival, cell death and cellular metabolic homeostasis. Timely removal of damaged mitochondria via autophagy (mitophagy) is thus critical for cellular homeostasis and function. Mitochondria are reticular organelles that have high plasticity for their dynamic structures and constantly undergo fission and fusion as well as movement through the cytoskeleton. In this review, we discuss the most recent progress on the molecular mechanisms and roles of mitochondrial fission/fusion and mitochondrial motility in mitophagy. We also discuss multiple pathways leading to the quality control of mitochondria in addition to the traditional mitophagy pathway under different conditions.

Graphical abstract

Highlights • Mitochondrial dynamics including mitochondrial fission/fusion and mitochondrial movement regulate mitochondrial homeostasis and quality. • Damaged mitochondria are removed via multiple mechanisms including mitophagy, mitochondrial derived vesicles and mitochondrial spheroids. • Mitophagy can occur in a Parkin-dependent or independent manner. • Parkin also regulates the formation of mitochondrial derived vesicles and mitochondrial spheroids.