¹Department of Cell Biology, University of Geneva, Genève, Switzerland

Correspondence: Dr J-C Martinou, Department of Cell Biology, University of Geneva, Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland. E-mail: Jean-Claude.Martinou@cellbio.unige.ch

²Current address: Venetian Institute of Molecular Medecine, Via Orus 2, 35 129 Padova, Italy

Abstract

Mitochondria are key players in several cellular functions including growth, division, energy metabolism, and apoptosis. The mitochondrial network undergoes constant remodelling and these morphological changes are of direct relevance for the role of this organelle in cell physiology. Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to a number of human disorders and may aid cancer progression. Here, we summarize the recent contributions made in the field of mitochondrial dynamics and discuss their impact on our understanding of cell function and tumorigenesis.