Recycling of mitochondria (IMAGE) Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Caption A signal from the insulin receptor (left panel) leads to the release of Pink1 mRNA molecules from the mitochondrial surface, where the mRNAs are bound for transport with the help of adapter proteins. The cell can produce PINK1 protein and defective mitochondria are efficiently removed. If the insulin signal is missing (right panel), the mRNA molecules remain firmly bound to the mitochondria and are unavailable for the production of PINK1 protein. Due to the decreased production of PINK1 protein, the recycling of mitochondria is reduced. (Illustration not to scale.) Credit Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence / Tabitha Hees Usage Restrictions Use of images is limited to editorial coverage of scientific topics relating to the activities of the Max Planck Society. Any kind of commercial use (including, in particular, the exploitation of images by means of sale or incorporation in image databases or image catalogues) as well as any promotional use/use for merchandise purposes, disclosure to third parties or granting of related rights to third parties is expressly not permitted. License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.