Parkin‐independent mitophagy— FKBP 8 takes the stage

Abstract

Although the Parkin/ PINK 1 pathway has received considerable attention in recent years as a key regulator of mitophagy in mammals, it is important to recognize that multiple mitophagy receptors like BNIP 3, NIX , and FUNDC 1 exist that can promote the selective clearance of mitochondria in the absence of Parkin. In this issue, Bhujabal et al expand the repertoire of Parkin‐independent mitophagy receptors to include the anti‐apoptotic protein, FKBP 8. The authors demonstrate that FKBP 8 interacts preferentially with LC 3A via its LIR motif to destroy damaged mitochondria. During the process, FKBP 8 escapes from the destruction presumably to prevent apoptosis during mitophagy .