Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 27, 2026

Sensitive Measurement of Mitophagy by Flow Cytometry Using the pH-dependent Fluorescent Reporter mt-Keima
Published on: August 12, 2018
The research Progress on microtubules and Mitophagy-related diseases
Shuang Liu1, Han Song2, Chen Jia1
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China.
Abstract:
Microtubules are polymeric structures composed of α and β-tubulin heterodimers, which be characterized by a hollow, tubular shape. These structures play a critical role in maintaining cell morphology, separating chromosomes during cell division, and transporting materials within the cell. Given their central role in cell division, microtubules represent a significant therapeutic target in oncology. Mitophagy is a selective autophagic process responsible for the degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria. It contributes to the regulation of cellular energy metabolism, homeostasis, differentiation, and development. This pathway is mediated by specific molecular regulators, including NIP3-like protein X (NIX)/BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase (Parkin), and FUN14 Domain Containing 1 (FUNDC1). Mitochondrial trafficking within the cell is largely dependent on microtubules. Moreover, microtubule dynamics-polymerization and depolymerization-impact various aspects of mitochondrial function, including fission, fusion, the recruitment of autophagy receptors, and autophagosome formation. Dysregulation of microtubule-mediated mitophagy has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases affecting tissues such as lung, liver, and heart. This review briefly summarizes recent advances in understanding the roles of microtubules and mitophagy in related diseases, with the aim of providing insights for future clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Destabilization of Microtubules
Microtubule Formation
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,...
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules
Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

