European researchers investigated the mechanism underlying mitochondrial membrane fusion. The results, apart from granting fundamental biological insight, open up new avenues for therapy.
Mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles of the cell, constitute a dynamic compartment that frequently changes shape through fission and fusion events of their membranes. These processes are also essential for all mitochondrial functions, including oxidative phosphorylation and apoptosis. Furthermore, impaired mitochondrial fusion and fission lead to numerous pathologies and severe neurodegenerative syndromes such as Parkinson's and Charcot-Marie-Tooth diseases.
Further details: Mitochondrial fusion unveiled