Mechanisms of Movement of Mitochondria in the Cell

Abstract

The balance between fusion and division determines most of the functions of mitochondria, controls their bioenergetic function, mitochondrial turnover, and also protects mitochondrial DNA. The division promotes equal segregation of mitochondria into daughter cells during cell division itself and enhances the distribution of mitochondria along the cytoskeletal pathways. In addition, division can help isolate damaged mitochondrial segments and thus promote autophagy. Fusion provides protein complementation, and equal distribution of metabolites. The movement of mitochondria in the dendrites, axons and perikaryons of neurons is an important aspect of the vital activity of nerve cells. Disorders of mitochondrial fusion, division, and mobility can lead to defects in the functioning of the nervous system, which makes it important to study these processes for improving methods of prevention, diagnosis, and correction of neurological diseases.