The mitophagy receptors BNIP3 and NIX mediate tight attachment and expansion of the isolation membrane to mitochondria

BNIP3 and NIX are the main receptors for mitophagy, but their mechanisms of action remain elusive. Here, we used correlative light EM (CLEM) and electron tomography to reveal the tight attachment of isolation membranes (IMs) to mitochondrial protrusions, often connected with ER via thin tubular and/or linear structures.

Citation:
Yamashita SI, Arai R, Hada H, Padman BS, Lazarou M, et al. The mitophagy receptors BNIP3 and NIX mediate tight attachment and expansion of the isolation membrane to mitochondria. J Cell Biol. 2025;224(7).

Keywords:
Mitochondria; autophagy-related-protein-1; metabolism; genetics; intracellular signaling peptides; proteins

Abstract:
BNIP3 and NIX are the main receptors for mitophagy, but their mechanisms of action remain elusive. Here, we used correlative light EM (CLEM) and electron tomography to reveal the tight attachment of isolation membranes (IMs) to mitochondrial protrusions, often connected with ER via thin tubular and/or linear structures.