Miyamoto et al. 29 described another MQC mechanism in which the p53 target gene mitochondria-eating protein (Mieap) induced the accumulation of lysosomal proteins within the mitochondria of colorectal cancer cell lines in response to γ-irradiation, resulting in the elimination of oxidised mitochondrial proteins, repair of the unhealthy mitochondria and improvement of mitochondrial respiration29,30. This evidence concerns the gene SPATA18 and colorectal cancer.