Bioenergetic roles of mitochondrial fusion

Mitochondria are bioenergetic hotspots, producing the bulk of ATP by the oxidative phosphorylation process. Mitochondria are also structurally dynamic and undergo coordinated fusion and fission to maintain their function. Recent studies of the mitochondrial fusion machinery have provided new evidence in detailing their role in mitochondrial metabolism. Remarkably, mitofusin 2, in addition to its role in fusion, is important for maintaining coenzyme Q levels and may be an integral player in the mevalonate synthesis pathway. Here, we review the bioenergetic roles of mitochondrial dynamics and emphasize the importance of the in vitro growth conditions when evaluating mitochondrial respiration. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘EBEC 2016: 19th European Bioenergetics Conference, Riva del Garda, Italy, July 2–6, 2016,’ edited by Prof. Paolo Bernardi. •Mitochondria form a dynamic network within the cell as a result of balanced fusion and fission.•Mitochondrial dynamics and OXPHOS activity are highly interdependent.•Specific cell culture conditions are required to reveal Mfn2 KO MEFs bioenergetics defects.