Microscopic image of a mitochondrion: The endoplasmic reticulum is shown in red, the mitochondria in green. Credit: Dr. Verian Bader, Winklhofer Lab

The structural and functional characteristics of mitochondria shape their role as signaling organelles, with far-reaching effects regarding immune responses, inflammatory processes, and diseases. A research team led by Professor Konstanze F. Winklhofer at the Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, provides an overview of the many functions of mitochondria in intracellular signaling. The researchers have reported their findings in the journal Molecular Cell.

"Mitochondria function as signaling platforms within cells," explains Winklhofer. "They link metabolic states with inflammatory or stress responses, thereby influencing the cell’s fundamental decisions."

Thus, mitochondria are both targets for external signals as well as sources of signaling components themselves. Metabolic changes, disruptions to protein quality control, or damage to mitochondrial DNA trigger specific stress responses that reach the cell nucleus, where they modify gene expression patterns. Examples of this include the integrated stress response and mitochondrial unfolded protein response, both of which help recreate cellular equilibrium.

At the same time, mitochondria can emit their own signals by releasing molecules such as reactive oxygen species, metabolites, or nucleic acids. These signals influence fundamental cellular decisions, from adaptive responses to programmed cell death.

Anterograde and retrograde communication between mitochondria and the nucleus. Credit: Molecular Cell (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2026.01.008

Mitochondria and the immune system

The article places special emphasis on the role of mitochondria in innate immune signaling. Because of their evolutionary origin, they contain bacterial-like molecular signatures, which if released, the cell can identify as danger signals. When these signals are emitted in the event of stress or damage, they activate immune and inflammatory signal pathways.

"Mitochondria can specifically enhance immune responses, but also fuel chronic inflammation if these processes are not properly regulated," says Anna Meichsner, first author of the review. They can thus be both helpful and harmful. "This makes them an important interface between cellular stress, immune responses, and disease development." Persistent or misdirected signals of chronic inflammation are connected with metabolic, neurodegenerative, or inflammatory diseases.

"Better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of mitochondrial signal pathways is crucial for comprehending their role in health and disease," explains Winklhofer. "In the long term, this could provide a basis for targeted intervention in pathological signaling processes."

Publication details

Anna Meichsner et al, Mitochondria as sources and targets of cellular signaling, Molecular Cell (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2026.01.008

Citation: From metabolism to disease: Mitochondria’s hidden signaling networks unveiled (2026, January 29) retrieved 29 January 2026 from https://phys.org/news/2026-01-metabolism-disease-mitochondria-hidden-networks.html

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