Abstract

Mitochondrial quality control is essential in highly structured cells such as neurons and muscles. In skeletal muscle the mitochondrial shaping machinery and mitophagy are altered in different physiopathological conditions that are characterized by muscle loss and weakness. The abnormal mitochondria signal to the nucleus to induce several signaling pathways that control proteostasis, inflammatory response and senescence. Importantly, the shape of the mitochondrial network more than mitochondrial function is an important factor for the activation of specific pathways that control peculiar phenotypes. Fusion defect triggers sarcopenia and systemic ageing while fission impairment causes myopathy. Here, I will present the latest data that connect mitochondrial network to signaling pathways that controls muscle mass.