Aging is a degenerative process associated with several phenotypes among which are increases in accumulation of misfolded and damaged proteins. Several studies have shown associations of altered mitochondrial DNA and structure, oxidative phosphorylation function, and ROS production with aging. In this study, Zhou et al explore the role of mitochondria in regulating protein aggregate distribution during cell division. This is in fact the first account of a framework mechanism for proteome quality control and its role in aging and cell rejuvenation.