Mitochondrial Autophagy

[MichaelPenn]

For several years now, I've maintained an especially strong interest in mitochondria, considering their critical importance to the human body and their potential role in the aging process at large. Recently, after taking an undergraduate cell biology course, I've started doing some investigation into mitophagy, specifically. However, I'm encountering difficulty in both finding quality, relevant resources and interpreting the data provided by the ones that I do manage to come across. I acknowledge that, in order to fully understand the material, I will surely need to complete additional upper-level courses, but I'm looking to set this in motion so that I can try to unlock this subject as I progress through my education, as well as learn as much as I can independently (and with the help of SFN members).

 

Right now, I'm seeking to learn about the fundamental aspects of mitochondrial autophagy. If anyone can lend a hand or point me in the direction of appropriate resources, I would be greatly appreciative. First and foremost, I am curious as to how the cell determines that it is time for a mitochondrion to be degraded. What is it exactly that sets off the process? How much do we know about it? I suspect that being able to fully comprehend the system that instructs the cell to have a mitochondrion degraded would open the door to the investigation of altering that process - either by preventing or encouraging it, as appropriate. I figure that, if mitochondria become less efficient over time, inducing autophagy in an affected mitochondrion may have beneficial effects. See the snippets below:

 

"Mitophagy may be a process of mitochondrial quality control. Alternatively, it might be a cellular response that becomes active to prevent cell death when cells sense the accumulation of damaged mitochondria (see, for example, mitoptosis)." - http://www.copewithc...i?key=mitophagy

"Whilst lack of mitophagy seems to be deleterious, understanding the interplay between autophagy, mitochondrial performance, and cell pathology is a much-needed area of research." Mitophagy. Tolkovsky AM. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2009 Sep;1793(9):1508-15. Epub 2009 Mar 13. Review.

Once again, I appreciate any and all assistance. Thank you!

Edited January 2, 2012 by Michael Kovich