p53-TIGAR axis attenuates mitophagy to exacerbate cardiac damage after ischemia

► p53 was activated and damaged mitochondria were accumulated in ischemic myocardium. ► We found TIGAR was up-regulated by ischemic injury. ► TIGAR inhibited myocyte mitophagy by inactivating ROS signal to Bnip3. ► Accumulation of damaged mitochondria and cell death resulted in cardiac dysfunction. ► Dysregulation of mitochondrial quality by p53/TIGAR is a novel therapeutic target.