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Mitophagy

Meaning

Mitophagy is a specialized, selective form of autophagy, the cellular self-digestion process, specifically targeting damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria for degradation and recycling. This mechanism is critical for maintaining a healthy population of mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouses, thereby ensuring efficient cellular energy production and preventing the release of pro-inflammatory or pro-apoptotic signals. It is a fundamental process in cellular quality control and longevity.