ORP1L mediated PI(4)P signaling at ER-lysosome-mitochondrion three-way contact contributes to mitochondrial division

Mitochondrial division is not an autonomous event but involves multiple organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and lysosomes. Whereas the ER drives the constriction of mitochondrial membranes, the role of lysosomes in mitochondrial division is not known. Here, using super-resolution live-cell imaging, we investigate the recruitment of lysosomes to the site of mitochondrial division. We find that the ER recruits lysosomes to the site of division through the interaction of VAMP-associated proteins (VAPs) with the lysosomal lipid transfer protein ORP1L to induce a three-way contact between the ER, lysosome, and the mitochondrion. We also show that ORP1L might transport phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI(4)P) from lysosomes to mitochondria, as inhibiting its transfer or depleting PI(4)P at the mitochondrial division site impairs fission, demonstrating a direct role for PI(4)P in the division process. Our findings support a model where the ER recruits lysosomes to act in concert at the fission site for the efficient division of mitochondria. Membrane contact sites between organelles have specialized functions that are only beginning to be understood. Here, the authors show that ORP1L mediates lysosome recruitment and PI(4)P signaling at endoplasmic reticulum-lysosome-mitochondria three-way contact sites involved in mitochondrial division.

Automated summary

The study reveals that during mitochondrial division, the endoplasmic reticulum recruits lysosomes through the interaction of VAPs with ORP1L, creating a three-way contact between the ER, lysosomes, and mitochondria. Additionally, ORP1L may transport PI(4)P from lysosomes to mitochondria, demonstrating a direct role of PI(4)P in the fission process of mitochondria.