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Updated: May 7, 2026

Visualizing Mitophagy with Fluorescent Dyes for Mitochondria and Lysosome
Published on: November 30, 2022
Perturbed mitochondrial Ca2+ signals as causes or consequences of mitophagy induction
Alessandro Rimessi1, Massimo Bonora, Saverio Marchi
1Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of General Pathology; Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation (ICSI); Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA); University of Ferrara; Ferrara, Italy.
Abstract:
Mitophagy is an essential process that maintains mitochondrial quality and number, thus limiting cellular degeneration. Along with apoptosis, mitophagy participates in cellular fate decisions by eliminating damaged mitochondria. A variety of mitochondrial parameters, such as structure, membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species, are key determinants in triggering the mitophagic machinery. These parameters are also important regulators of the mitochondrial capacity for calcium (Ca (2+)) uptake. Rapid Ca (2+) accumulation in the mitochondrial matrix allows for prompt stimulation of the organelle. This process requires a close morphofunctional coupling between mitochondria and the main intracellular Ca (2+) stores. In mitophagy, the role of Ca (2+) remains obscure. What role does mitochondrial Ca (2+) play in metabolic sensing or in mitochondrial remodeling? Is endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Ca (2+) crosstalk involved? These are some of the questions that we address in this review.
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