Hitchhiker's guide through the axon: transport and local translation of Pink1 mRNA support axonal mitophagy.
Shree Padma MeturDaniel J KlionskyPublished in: Autophagy (2022)
The unique cellular organization and metabolic demands of neurons pose a challenge in the maintenance of neuronal homeostasis. A critical element in maintaining neuronal health and homeostasis is mitochondrial quality control via replacement and rejuvenation at the axon. Dysregulation of mitochondrial quality control mechanisms such as mitophagy has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. To sustain mitophagy at the axon, a continuous supply of PINK1 is required; however, how do neurons maintain a steady supply of this protein at the distal axons? In the study highlighted here, Harbauer et al. show that axonal mitophagy is supported by local translation of Pink1 mRNA that is co-transported with mitochondria to the distal ends of the neuron. This neuronal-specific pathway provides a continuous supply of PINK1 to sustain mitophagy.
Keyphrases
- quality control
- parkinson disease
- nlrp inflammasome
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- optic nerve
- oxidative stress
- spinal cord injury
- spinal cord
- healthcare
- deep brain stimulation
- public health
- binding protein
- cerebral ischemia
- cell death
- mental health
- risk assessment
- health information
- social media
- platelet rich plasma
- blood brain barrier
- brain injury
- endoplasmic reticulum
- small molecule
- optical coherence tomography