Autophagy and Mitochondria: Targets in Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Background & Objective: Cellular physiology and energy metabolism are maintained by the constant supply of energy furnished by the powerhouses of the cell called mitochondria. Cellular homeostasis depends on the timely clearance of damaged cellular organelles and proteins via pathways including autophagy. Mitochondria and mitochondrial autophagy play a vital role in cellular health and failure of these pathways can have a devastating effect on cellular homeostasis.