Biotechnology Bulletin ›› 2015, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (6): 42-47.doi: 10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2015.06.005

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research Advances in the Regulation Mechanism of Mitophagy

Wang Zhishu, Tan Xiaorong, Liu Huanhuan   

  1. College of Biological Engineering,Henan University of Technology,Zhengzhou 450001
  • Received:2014-11-09 Online:2015-06-19 Published:2015-06-20

Abstract: Mitochondria provide energy and materials for cells, while a variety of factors can lead to damage, aging and dysfunction of mitochondria, and they are potentially dangerous for the cells and must be cleared promptly. Mitophagy can fulfill above task and maintain cell homeostasis. Under some severe conditions, mitophagy supplies living-essentials by degrading mitochondria and helps the cells survive. Additionally mitophagy may play a role in controlling the quantity and quality of mitochondria through degrading some normal mitochondria. There are different pathways and mechanisms in different organisms. In yeast, mitophagy is mainly regulated by phosphorylation of Atg32. In mammals, mitophagy is protein-mediated by Parkin-PINK1, Nix and FUNDC1 respectively. Research on mitophagy in plants is mainly focused on Arabidopsis thaliana only, and the mechanism is not well understood yet. Here we review the research advances in mitophagy in yeast, mammals and plants, with focus on the mechanisms and factors involved.

Key words: mitophagy, yeast, mammal, plant