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Updated: Jan 18, 2026

Dual-color Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy for the Visualization of Interactions between Mitochondria and Lysosomes
Published on: September 27, 2024
Mitochondria-lysosome crosstalk in microbial infections
Qianqian He1, Tiantian Huang1, Zhihui Chen1
1School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
Mitochondria and lysosomes coordinate cellular defense against pathogens. Their crosstalk, involving the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-transcription factor EB (TFEB) axis, is vital for immune responses and eliminating microbes.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Organelle coordination is essential for pathogen resistance.
- Mitochondria and lysosomes maintain cellular homeostasis and immunity.
- Previous studies overlooked mitochondria-lysosome interplay in infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of mitochondria-lysosome crosstalk.
- To highlight the role of the AMPK-TFEB axis in microbial infections.
- To elucidate the impact of this crosstalk on cellular processes during infection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on organelle crosstalk and immunity.
- Analysis of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-transcription factor EB (TFEB) pathway.
- Synthesis of findings on mitochondria-lysosome interactions in the context of microbial pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Mitochondria-lysosome crosstalk significantly impacts cellular homeostasis and immune responses.
- The AMPK-TFEB axis is a key regulator in microbial infections.
- This interplay influences critical cellular processes like autophagy and programmed cell death.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondria-lysosome crosstalk is a critical determinant of cellular defense against pathogens.
- Targeting the AMPK-TFEB axis may offer therapeutic strategies for infectious diseases.
- Understanding this crosstalk is crucial for advancing our knowledge of host-pathogen interactions.
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