Mitochondrial control of cellular life, stress, and death

Lorenzo Galluzzi, Oliver Kepp, Christina Trojel-Hansen, Guido Kroemer

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

420 Scopus citations

Abstract

Since the discovery that mitochondrial membrane permeabilization represents a critical step in the regulation of intrinsic apoptosis, mitochondria have been viewed as pluripotent organelles, controlling cell death as well as several aspects of cell survival. Mitochondria constitute the most prominent source of ATP and are implicated in multiple anabolic and catabolic circuitries. In addition, mitochondria coordinate cell-wide stress responses, such as autophagy, and control nonapoptotic cell death routines, such as regulated necrosis. Thus, mitochondria seem to regulate a continuum of cellular functions, spanning from physiological metabolism to stress responses and death. The involvement of mitochondria in both vital and lethal processes is crucial for both embryonic and postembryonic development, as well as for the maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis. In line with this notion, primary mitochondrial defects or alterations in the signaling pathways that converge on or emanate from mitochondria underpin a large number of human diseases, including premature aging, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms that enable mitochondria to sustain cell survival, coordinate stress responses, and mediate cell death, linking these pathways-whenever relevant-to cardiovascular health and disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1198-1207
Number of pages10
JournalCirculation Research
Volume111
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 12 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • caspases
  • cytochrome c
  • inflammasome
  • innate immunity
  • reactive oxygen species

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mitochondrial control of cellular life, stress, and death'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this