Mitochondria: Starving to reach quorum?

摘要

Why might mitochondria fuse?Mammalian mitochondria continuouslyundergo fusion in vivo, a processaccomplished by an elaborate machinery of energy-dependant GTPaseproteins. These proteins are extensivelypost-translationally regulated and thefusion process involves actively mergingboth inner and outer mitochondrialmembranes to shape extensive networks. Executing this energeticallycostly process must hold an essentialphysiological function. Recent reportsdemonstrate that cells with fusionincompetent mitochondria fail to thrive,especially under challenging conditions. Bacteria, the ancestors of mitochondria, also undergo life-promotingnetworking under challenging conditions.