Mitophagy: In sickness and in health.

Mitophagy is a conserved, mitochondria-specific autophagic clearance process. We recently discovered an intricate regulatory network that balances mitophagy with mitochondrial biogenesis. Proper coordination of these opposing processes is important for stress resistance and longevity. Nodal regulatory factors that contribute to mitochondrial homeostasis have also been linked to carcinogenesis, highlighting mitophagy as a potential target for therapeutic interventions against cancer.