Mitochondria as a Hub for Neurodegenerative Disorders

Mitochondria comprise a multitude of cellular functions, including central metabolic activities, ion homeostasis, amino acid biosynthesis, protein homeostasis, regulation of cellular proliferation, as well as cell death. These organelles do not only compartmentalize these essential biochemical reactions but are - depending on the metabolic needs of the cells - dynamically interconnected with each other, forming an extended mitochondrial network. This network is functionally interconnected to virtually all other organelles via membrane contact sites, further emphasizing their central role in cellular physiology. In turn, mitochondrial dysfunction has severe cellular consequences, resulting in or accelerating a wide range of human diseases, and triggering cellular aging. Due to the high energy demand of neurons, these cells are particularly vulnerable to mitochondrial malfunction, highlighted by the close relation between neurodegenerative diseases and mitochondrial defects.

This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive collection of articles addressing the diverse roles of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. A focus is given on molecular mechanisms and mitochondrial pathways leading to neuronal dysfunction, neuronal aging, and neuronal cell death.

We seek for Original Research, Review, Mini-Review, Hypothesis and Theory, Perspective, Clinical Trial, Case Report, Systematic Reviews and Opinion articles that address the role of mitochondria in neurodegenerative diseases. Topics for this article collection include, but are not limited to:

1) Alteration of oxidative phosphorylation and energy metabolism in neurodegeneration

2) Oxidative stress in neurodegeneration

3) Mitochondrial lipids in neurodegenerative diseases

4) Proteinopathies and alterations in mitochondrial protein homeostasis

5) Mitochondrial fusion and fission in neurodegenerative diseases

6) Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) integrity and mitochondrial translation in neurodegeneration

7) Mitophagy and lysosomal breakdown of mitochondrial proteins in neurodegeneration

8) Mitochondrial membrane contact sites and neurodegenerative disorders

9) Ageing as a decisive risk factor for mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegeneration

10) Model organisms to decipher mitochondrial malfunction in neuronal disorders

11) Diagnosis and potential treatment of mitochondrial defects in neurodegeneration