Mitochondria-derived vesicles: potential nano-batteries to recharge the cellular powerhouse

Abstract

Mitochondria dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in various pathogenic processes. The mechanism governing mitochondrial quality control serves as an adaptive response, ensuring the preservation of mitochondrial morphology, quantity, and overall function, crucial for cell survival. The generation of mitochondria-derived vesicles (MDVs) is one of the processes of mitochondrial quality control. Recent literature has suggested MDV heterogeneity; however, the detailed characteristics of various MDV subtypes still need to be studied better. Recent studies have shown that MDVs also play a role in inter-organelle communication for mitochondria besides quality control. For instance, Hazan et al. demonstrated that functional mitochondria from Saccharomyces cerevisiae release vesicles independent of the fission machinery. These vesicles, falling within the typical size range of MDVs, were selectively loaded with mitochondrial proteins, especially with functional ATP synthase subunits. Intriguingly, these MDVs maintained membrane potential and could generate ATP. Moreover, MDVs could fuse with naïve mitochondria, transferring their ATP generation machinery. Lastly, this study revealed a potential delivery mechanism of ATP-producing vesicles, presenting a promising avenue to rejuvenate ATP-deficient mitochondria. Overall, this study unveils a novel mechanism for inter-organelle communication by vesicles, which is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and could also be important in pathological conditions.