Phosphatidic Acid and Cardiolipin Coordinate Mitochondria! Dynamics

Membrane organelles comprise both proteins and lipids. Remodeling of these membrane structures is controlled by interactions between specific proteins and lipids. Mitochondria' structure and function depend on regulated fusion and the division of both the outer and inner membranes. Here we discuss recent advances in the regulation of mitochondria' dynamics by two critical phospholipids, phosphatidic acid (PA) and cardiolipin (CL). These two lipids interact with the core components of mitochondria' fusion and division (Opal, mitofusin, and Drpl) to activate and inhibit these dynamin-related GTPases. Moreover, lipid-modifying enzymes such as phospholipases and lipid phosphatases may organize local lipid composition to spatially and temporarily coordinate a balance between fusion and division to establish mitochondria' morphology.