Mitophagy and the therapeutic clearance of damaged mitochondria for neuroprotection.

Mitochondria are the foremost producers of the cellular energy currency ATP. They are also a significant source of reactive oxygen species and an important buffer of intracellular calcium. Mitochondrial retrograde signals regulate energy homeostasis and pro-survival elements whereas anterograde stimuli can trigger programmed cell death. Maintenance of a healthy, functional mitochondria network is therefore essential, and several mechanisms of mitochondrial quality control have been described. Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to several neurodegenerative conditions including Parkinson, and Huntingdon diseases as well as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Understanding the mechanisms governing mitochondrial quality control may reveal novel strategies for pharmacological intervention and disease therapy.