Regulation of mitochondrial metabolism by ER Ca2+ release: an intimate connection

New live-cell imaging techniques indicate that mitochondria exist in the living cell as a continuous interconnected mitochondrial reticulum, or 'MR', closely associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Ca2+ ions released from the ER in response to hormonal stimulation might thus be preferentially transferred into the mitochondrial matrix causing the local activation of ATP synthesis. Ca2+ uptake into the MR might also subtly modify the activity of ER Ca2+ release channels and thus the dynamics of cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations and waves.