Harmfully Altered Mitochondrial Communication as a Consequence of Age-Related Mitochondrial Dysfunction
As noted here, mitochondria accomplish much more than only manufacturing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to power the cell. Yes, they are power plants, but also communication hubs, generating molecular signals of many sorts that influence other mitochondria, the surrounding cell, and other cells. When mitochondria become dysfunctional in the ways characteristic of aged tissue, these communications are altered in potentially harmful ways. How this all plays out in detail is by no means fully mapped and understood, and this is typical of much of the overlap between degenerative aging and cell biochemistry.
Mitochondria have roles beyond energy generation. They are essential for pathways within cells and organisms that control immunity, stress reactions, metabolism, and cellular fate. To carry out these duties, mitochondria have formed intricate intercellular and intracellular communication systems. Within cells, communication pathways consist of direct connections between mitochondria and other subcellular structures and indirect transportation of ions, metabolites, and other intracellular messengers through vesicles. Mitochondria can trigger stress reactions or other cellular alterations that release mitochondrial cytokine factors outside of cells. These factors can move between different tissues and react to immunological challenges originating from outside of cells.
Mitochondrial communication refers to the processes by which mitochondria share information and energy capacity with neighboring mitochondria. Additionally, it encompasses the physical interactions and exchange of chemicals and metabolites between mitochondria and other organelles. Nevertheless, the process of mitochondrial communication relies on the synchronized effort of numerous elements, and as a result, it is not infallible. The deregulation of communication between mitochondria and host cells has significant implications and serves as a fundamental element in various pathological diseases, including the aging process.
In this review, we comprehensively discuss the signal transduction mechanisms of intercellular and intracellular mitochondrial communication, as well as the interactions between mitochondrial communication and the hallmarks of aging. This review emphasizes the indispensable position of intercellular and intracellular mitochondrial communication in the aging process of organisms, which is crucial as the cellular signaling hubs. In addition, we also specifically focus on the status of mitochondria-targeted interventions to provide potential therapeutic targets for age-related diseases.