Where the endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondrion tie the knot: The mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM)

► This review describes the discovery of the mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM). ► The MAM accommodates lipid metabolism, but also ER-mitochondria calcium signaling. ► Oxidoreductases (e.g. Ero1α) and chaperones (e.g. calnexin) regulate MAM signaling. ► Targeting to the MAM depends on redox, phosphorylation or palmitoylation. ► MAM tethers play important roles in neurodegenerative diseases.