Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes: Emerging regulators of cardiac microvascular ischemia/reperfusion injury (Review).

Summary: Heart attacks happen when blood flow to the heart stops and then suddenly starts again. This process can severely damage the tiny blood vessels in the heart. Scientists are looking closely at special connection points inside our cells, called MAMs. These points connect two important cell parts: the ER (the cell's factory) and the mitochondria (the cell's power plant). During a heart attack, these connection points help control stress, energy, and calcium levels in the blood vessels. By focusing on these MAMs, doctors hope to find new ways to protect the heart's tiny blood vessels and treat heart disease better.