The dual roles of mitochondrial fusion proteins in mitochondrial fusion and apoptosis

Mitochondrial dynamics has always been the focus of research, which is not only related to mitochondria themselves, but also is the key to maintaining normal cellular metabolism. Mitochondrial fission and fusion are two important mitochondrial events, in which a series of proteins are involved. Based on previous studies, we have come to the conclusion that mitochondrial fusion proteins not only play an important role in mitochondrial fusion, but also are vital to the changes during apoptosis. This article mainly focuses on Mfn1, Mfn2 and OPA1, and discusses their effects on mitochondrial fusion and apoptosis.