Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of aging and age-related disorders. In addition to the production of cellular energy currency (ATP), mitochondria are a major signaling hub that orchestrates multiple cellular processes essential to cellular health.  Any damage to mitochondrial integrity is sensed by the cell wherein the damaged mitochondria are degraded by lysosomes in a process called mitophagy. 

This process is tightly controlled by E3 ligases and deubiquitinases of the ubiquitin proteasome system. Compounds that induce mitophagy can improve mitochondrial health and promote healthy aging.