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Updated: Dec 15, 2025

Author Spotlight: Regulation and Dysregulation of ER-Mitochondria Contacts — Implications for Neurodegenerative Disease Pathogenesis
Published on: October 11, 2024
Chemical Modulation of Mitochondria-Endoplasmic Reticulum Contact Sites
Ana Paula Magalhães Rebelo1, Federica Dal Bello1, Tomas Knedlik1
1Department of Biology, University of Padua, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padua, Italy.
Abstract:
Contact sites between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are points in which the two organelles are in close proximity. Due to their structural and functional complexity, their exploitation as pharmacological targets has never been considered so far. Notwithstanding, the number of compounds described to target proteins residing at these interfaces either directly or indirectly is rising. Here we provide original insight into mitochondria-ER contact sites (MERCs), with a comprehensive overview of the current MERCs pharmacology. Importantly, we discuss the considerable potential of MERCs to become a druggable target for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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