Autophagy and bioenergetics in aging

Compromised autophagy and mitophagy are associated with normal aging and are correlated with the development of several age-related diseases. In this chapter, we describe the relationships among autophagy, mitophagy, aging, and age-related disease, and attempt to understand how decreases in the ability of autophagosomes and mitochondria-dedicated mitophagosomes to recycle dysfunctional cellular components lead to their accumulation and exacerbate aging. In addition, we summarize seven tentative mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction and discuss how the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria leads to energy shortages and ages cells. Finally, we highlight how an understanding of the precise interplay between fine-tuned autophagy and drivers of aging-associated pathologies will be crucial for healthy aging.