Autophagic Punctum
Mitochondrial elongation during autophagy: A stereotypical response to survive in difficult times
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Pages 1251 - 1253
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/auto.7.10.16771
Authors: Ligia C. Gomes and Luca Scorrano
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Abstract:
Mitochondrial morphological and structural changes play a role in several cellular processes, including apoptosis. We recently reported that mitochondrial elongation is also critical to sustain cell viability during macroautophagy. During macroautophagy unopposed mitochondrial fusion leads to organelle elongation both in vitro and in vivo. Longer mitochondria are protected from being degraded and possess more cristae where activity of the ATP synthase is increased, optimizing ATP production in times of nutrient restriction.
Autophagic Punctum to:
LC Gomes, Benedetto G Di, L Scorrano. During autophagy mitochondria elongate, are spared from degradation and sustain cell viability. Nat Cell Biol 2011; 13: 589-98
PMID: 21478857 DOI: 10.1038/ncb2220
