The mitokine quest(ion).

Cells and organisms adapt to mitochondrial dysfunction by activating the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR), which is regulated by mitochondrial-to-nuclear communication; and UPR activation can also be transmitted between different cell types suggesting a role in tissue coordination. Shao and colleagues now identify a neuronal circuit and a secreted neuropeptide required for cell non-autonomous UPR regulation.