Perspective: Mitochondria-ER contacts in metabolic cellular stress assessed by microscopy

This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular Stress Response in Health and Disease.The interplay of mitochondria with the endoplasmic reticulum and their connections, called mitochondria-ER contacts (MERCs) or mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs), are crucial hubs in cellular stress. These sites are essential for the passage of calcium ions, reactive oxygen species delivery, the sorting of lipids in whole-body metabolism. In this perspective article, we focus on microscopic evidences of the pivotal role of MERCs/MAMs and their changes in metabolic diseases, like obesity, diabetes, and neurodegeneration.This research was funded by FFARB 2017 of A.S., ex 60% grants of University of Brescia (Italy) of A.S. and R.R. and Spanish “Ministerio de Economía Industria y Competitividad” (MINEICO) that includes FEDER funds (SAF2015-63904-R) and from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie agreement 721236-TREATMENT of M.M.Peer reviewe