Authors
Shuang Liu, Han Song, Chen Jia, Fang Cui, Min Shi
Published in
Mitochondrion. Pages 102229. Oct 25, 2026. Epub Oct 25, 2026.
Abstract
Microtubules are polymeric structures composed of α and β-tubulin heterodimers, which be characterized by a hollow, tubular shape. These structures play a critical role in maintaining cell morphology, separating chromosomes during cell division, and transporting materials within the cell. Given their central role in cell division, microtubules represent a significant therapeutic target in oncology. Mitophagy is a selective autophagic process responsible for the degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria. It contributes to the regulation of cellular energy metabolism, homeostasis, differentiation, and development. This pathway is mediated by specific molecular regulators, including NIP3-like protein X (NIX)/BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase (Parkin), and FUN14 Domain Containing 1 (FUNDC1). Mitochondrial trafficking within the cell is largely dependent on microtubules. Moreover, microtubule dynamics-polymerization and depolymerization-impact various aspects of mitochondrial function, including fission, fusion, the recruitment of autophagy receptors, and autophagosome formation. Dysregulation of microtubule-mediated mitophagy has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases affecting tissues such as lung, liver, and heart. This review briefly summarizes recent advances in understanding the roles of microtubules and mitophagy in related diseases, with the aim of providing insights for future clinical diagnosis and treatment.
PMID:
42927824
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 26 Oct 2026.
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