Modulation of cellular recycling by calcium ion dynamics across cellular compartments
Chinese Academy of SciencesThis study discovers that upon induction of different autophagy processes, mitochondria immediately import calcium and calcium concentrations at the ER membrane start to fluctuate. The major calcium import channel in the inner mitochondrial membrane, mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), is required for mitophagy-inducer-initiated mitochondrial calcium uptake. Inhibiting MCU accelerates mitophagy. In neurons derived from a Parkinson’s patient, mitophagy-inducer-triggered mitochondrial calcium influx is faster, which may slow the ensuing mitophagy.