The structural and functional characteristics of mitochondria shape their role as signaling organelles, with far-reaching effects regarding immune responses, inflammatory processes, and diseases. A research team led by Professor Konstanze F. Winklhofer at the Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, provides an overview of the many functions of mitochondria in intracellular signaling. The researchers have reported their findings in the journal Molecular Cell.