Mitochondria moving between cells and being recycled when protein import fails

Transferred import-defective mitochondria are highly fragmented and destined for canonical lysosomal degradation.

• Bidirectional mitochondrial trafficking occurs between cells with import-defective and import-competent mitochondria.
• Mitochondria transferred from import-competent cells produce reactive oxygen species and are sent to cells experiencing import failure.
• Newly transferred mitochondria accumulate in previously uncharacterized structures called mitochondrial degradation bodies (MDBs).
• Distinct mechanisms are involved in the regulation and consequences of mitochondrial transfer during import dysfunction.

Simplified