Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026

In Vitro and In Vivo Detection of Mitophagy in Human Cells, C. Elegans, and Mice
Published on: November 22, 2017
Orchestrating the network of molecular pathways affecting aging: Role of nonselective autophagy and mitophagy
Laura Knuppertz1, Heinz D Osiewacz1
1Institute of Molecular Biosciences and Cluster of Excellence Frankfurt Macromolecular Complexes, Department of Biosciences, J. W. Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany.
Abstract:
Autophagy is best known as a mechanism involved in cellular recycling of biomolecules during periods of nutritional starvation. More recently, an additional function of autophagy emerged: the selective degradation of functionally impaired or surplus proteins, organelles and invading bacteria. With this function autophagy is integrated in a network of pathways involved in molecular and cellular quality control with a key impact on development and aging. Impairments in the autophagic machinery lead to accelerated aging and the development of diseases. Here we focus on the role of nonselective autophagy and mitophagy, the selective autophagic degradation of mitochondria, on aging and lifespan of biological systems.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Autophagy
An autophagic pathway consists of a series of signaling events activated in response to diverse stress and physiological conditions such as food deprivation,...
Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome
Endocytosis
In endocytosis, the cell membrane takes up macromolecules and particles from the surrounding medium. Clathrin-mediated...
Autophagic Cell Death
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and...
Mitochondria
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria
Sorting of outer membrane proteins:
Mitochondrial outer membrane proteins are of two types: the transmembrane, beta-barrel porins, and the membrane-anchored, alpha-helical proteins. Beta-barrel porin precursors are translocated by the TOM complex and inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane by the SAM complex. In contrast,...

