Role of mitochondria in physiological activities, diseases, and therapy

Mitochondria, often referred to as the "powerhouses of the cell," are responsible for producing the majority of cellular energy in the form of ATP. However, recent research has revealed that their functions extend far beyond energy production. Mitochondria play crucial roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis, regulating cell death, and participating in signal transduction pathways. Dysfunction of mitochondria has been implicated in a wide range of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, cancer, and aging.

The review highlights the importance of mitochondrial dynamics, which involve processes such as fission, fusion, and mitophagy. These processes are essential for maintaining mitochondrial health and cellular function. For instance, mitochondrial fission and fusion help regulate the shape, size, and distribution of mitochondria within cells, while mitophagy ensures the removal of damaged mitochondria to prevent the accumulation of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS).

The review also explores the link between mitochondrial dysfunction and various diseases. In neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, impaired mitochondrial function has been shown to contribute to neuronal damage and cognitive decline. Similarly, in cardiovascular diseases, mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation, exacerbating conditions such as atherosclerosis and stroke. Metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus are also closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, which affects insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. Cancer cells often exhibit altered mitochondrial metabolism to support rapid proliferation. Targeting mitochondrial function in cancer cells has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy, with potential applications in both cancer treatment and prevention. Additionally, mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of aging, contributing to the decline in cellular function and the development of age-related diseases.

The review further discusses emerging therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria, including the use of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants, modulation of mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial genome editing, and mitochondrial transplantation. These approaches aim to restore mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance cellular health. Targeted antioxidants like MitoQ and SS-31 reduce oxidative damage in disease models. Mdivi-1, which inhibits mitochondrial fission, shows therapeutic benefits in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Cutting-edge mitochondrial genome editing techniques like DdCBEs and TALEDs correct mitochondrial DNA mutations. Mitochondrial transplantation introduces healthy mitochondria into damaged cells, offering a novel treatment for severe mitochondrial dysfunction.

In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of mitochondria, from their basic structure and functions to their roles in various diseases and the emerging therapeutic strategies targeting them. By highlighting the interplay between mitochondrial function and disease, and by discussing the latest therapeutic modalities, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of mitochondrial medicine and the betterment of patient outcomes.

See the article: 

Role of mitochondria in physiological activities, diseases, and therapy

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43556-025-00284-5