Loss of iron triggers PINK1/Parkin‐independent mitophagy

In this study, we develop a simple assay to identify mitophagy inducers on the basis of the use of fluorescently tagged mitochondria that undergo a colour change on lysosomal delivery. Using this assay, we identify iron chelators as a family of compounds that generate a strong mitophagy response. Iron chelation-induced mitophagy requires that cells undergo glycolysis, but does not require PINK1 stabilization or Parkin activation, and occurs in primary human fibroblasts as well as those isolated from a Parkinson's patient with Parkin mutations. Thus, we have identified and characterized a mitophagy pathway, the induction of which could prove beneficial as a potential therapy for several neurodegenerative…

• P
  Pfizer
• A
  AstraZeneca
• G
  GlaxoSmithKline
• MK
  Merck KGaA
• WT
  Wellcome Trust

  Awards: 097945, 097945/B/11/Z
• MR
  Medical Research Council