Abstract:Abstract: Mitochondria is the central hub of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and plays a crucial role in generating cellular energy and as the primary energy providers for almost all eukaryotic cells. The aging process is characterized by a decline in mitochondrial function and the accumulation of damaged mitochondria. Mitophagy serves as the primary mechanism through which cells eliminate aging-related damaged mitochondria. Inadequate mitochondrial autophagy and the accumulation of damaged mitochondria can be indicative of the aging process. Therefore, investigating the mechanisms and regulatory pathways of mitophagy and identifying strategies to modulate this process are of paramount importance in delaying the aging process. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular regulatory networks connecting mitophagy and aging, as well as discusses strategies to manipulate mitophagy for the purpose of delaying the aging process. Additionally, this review explores future prospects in this field. The aim is to advance the development of targeted mitochondrial autophagy for the treatment of age-related diseases.
