Here we review recent progress regarding a link between mitochondria and autophagy in yeast and multicellular eukaryotes. In particular, fundamental principles underlying mitophagy, and mitochondrial quality control are emphasized. Accumulating evidence also implicates nonselective autophagy in the management of mitochondrial fitness. Conversely, mitochondria are suggested to serve as signaling platforms vital for regulating autophagy. These interdependent relationships are likely to coordinate metabolic plasticity in the cell.
Mitochondria and autophagy are elaborately linked homeostatic elements that act in response to changes in cellular environment such as energy, nutrient, and stress. How cells integrate these double membrane-bound systems still remains elusive.
Interplay between mitochondria and autophagy seems to be evolutionarily conserved. Defects in one of these elements could simultaneously impair the other, resulting in risk increments for various human diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biochemistry of Mitochondria.