Mitophagy, Mitochondrial Dynamics, and Homeostasis in Cardiovascular Aging

Figure 1

Unbalanced mitochondrial dynamics and turnover during aging. Mitochondrial homeostasis is maintained by a series of protective mechanisms. There is an overall decline of mitochondrial function with aging. A mitochondrial quality control system fails to repair mitochondrial defects. A mitochondrial network is progressively compromised due to loss of balanced mitochondrial fission and fusion. Inefficient mitophagy finally leads to buildup of dysfunctional mitochondria. UPS: ubiquitin-proteasome system; UPRmt: mitochondrial unfolded protein response.