# Mitochondria-Plasma Membrane Contact Sites: Emerging Regulators of Mitochondrial Form and Function

## TL;DR

This review explores how mitochondria-plasma membrane contact sites regulate mitochondrial shape and function, focusing on yeast and retinal cells.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the underappreciated role of mitochondria-plasma membrane contact sites in regulating mitochondrial dynamics and lipid metabolism.

## Key findings

- Mitochondria-plasma membrane tethering in yeast regulates mitochondrial dynamics and lipid metabolism.
- Evidence suggests mitochondria-plasma membrane contacts exist in higher eukaryotes, particularly in retinal cells.
- The functional roles of mitochondria-plasma membrane contact sites remain largely unexplored and require further investigation.

## Abstract

Sites of close apposition between organelles, known as membrane contact sites (MCSs), are critical regulators of organelle function. Mitochondria form elaborate reticular networks that perform essential metabolic and signaling functions. Many mitochondrial functions are regulated by MCSs formed between mitochondria and other organelles. In this review, we aim to bring attention to an understudied, but physiologically important, MCS between mitochondria and the plasma membrane (PM). We first describe the molecular mechanism of mitochondria-PM tethering in budding yeast and discuss its role in regulating multiple biological processes, including mitochondrial dynamics and lipid metabolism. Next, we discuss the evidence for mitochondria-PM tethering in higher eukaryotes, with a specific emphasis on mitochondria-PM contacts in retinal cells, and speculate on their functions. Finally, we discuss unanswered questions to guide future research into the function of mitochondria-PM contact sites.