title: Mitochondria-associated membranes: composition, molecular mechanisms, and physiopathological implications.
abstract: CONCLUSIONS
  In all cells, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria are physically connected to form junctions termed mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs). This subcellular compartment is under intense investigation because it represents a "hot spot" for the intracellular signaling of important pathways, including the synthesis of cholesterol and phospholipids, calcium homeostasis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and activity.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The advanced methods currently used to study this fascinating intracellular microdomain in detail have enabled the identification of the molecular composition of MAMs and their involvement within different physiopathological contexts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Here, we review the knowledge regarding (i) MAMs composition in terms of protein composition, (ii) the relationship between MAMs and ROS, (iii) the involvement of MAMs in cell death programs with particular emphasis within the tumor context, (iv) the emerging role of MAMs during inflammation, and (v) the key role of MAMs alterations in selected neurological disorders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Whether alterations in MAMs represent a response to the disease pathogenesis or directly contribute to the disease has not yet been unequivocally established. In any case, the signaling at the MAMs represents a promising pharmacological target for several important human diseases.
authors.affiliation: 1 Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara , Ferrara, Italy .
authors.forename: Carlotta
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Giorgi
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Missiroli
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Patergnani
authors.forename: Jerzy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Duszynski
authors.forename: Mariusz R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Wieckowski
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pinton
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016923:Cell Death; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism; D051336:Mitochondrial Membranes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species