Scientists identify key factor in mitochondrial calcium uptake and bioenergetics

Mitochondria are the energy-generating batteries of cells, but they also perform other critical functions, including protecting cells against calcium overload, a significant cause of cell death in certain cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Underlying this safety mechanism is a protein complex known as the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU). New work shows how MCU proteins come together to effect calcium uptake, shedding new light on the physiological role of the MCU complex and its importance to cellular bioenergetics.