Perspective: Mitochondria-ER contacts in metabolic cellular stress assessed by microscopy
This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular Stress Response in Health and Disease. ; The interplay of mitochondria with the endoplasmic reticulum and their connections, called mitochondria-ER contacts (MERCs) or mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs), are crucial hubs in cellular stress. These sites are essential for the passage of calcium ions, reactive oxygen species delivery, the sorting of lipids in whole-body metabolism. In this perspective article, we focus on microscopic evidences of the pivotal role of MERCs/MAMs and their changes in metabolic diseases, like obesity, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. ; This research was funded by FFARB 2017 of A.S., ex 60% grants of University of Brescia (Italy) of A.S. and R.R. and Spanish "Ministerio de Economía Industria y Competitividad" (MINEICO) that includes FEDER funds (SAF2015-63904-R) and from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie agreement 721236-TREATMENT of M.M. ; Peer reviewed