FIG. 8.

Life cycle of mitochondria. Mitochondrial biogenesis requires new syntheses and transport of proteins and lipids. Old and dysfunctional mitochondria are eliminated by the autophagic process. Between their birth and death, mitochondria carry out essential cellular processes, which requires proper maintenance of mitochondrial activity. Through a spatio-temporal regulation of shape and location (mitochondrial dynamics), mitochondria maximize their functional efficiency and life span. Therefore, mitochondrial homeostasis, including biogenesis, dynamics, and autophagic removal, needs to be regulated in a coordinated manner, and dysregulation of any of these processes leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and disease conditions. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the web version of this article at www.liebertonline.com/ars).