We have long known that mitochondria are the “powerhouse of the cell”. Importantly, mitochondria play critical roles in both aging and disease. Indeed, a decline in mitochondria function contributes to chronic inflammation, cellular senescence, and reduced stem cell activity associated with aging. The unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway regulates a large gene set involved in the UPR, but also in innate immune response, metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) defense. The importance of mitochondrial signaling to the nucleus and vice versa is evident as impaired mitochondrial function leads to telomere dysfunction and conversely, cells with impaired nuclear excision DNA repair exhibit mitochondrial dysfunction. Currently, development of drugs targeting mitochondria function to treat diseases such as cancer and obesity are underway. In this Research Topic, we aim to highlight novel pharmacologic targets, drugs, and clinical applications of existing therapeutics targeting mitochondria. We invite researchers from all backgrounds to a rich interdisciplinary discussion related to the mitochondrial function in relation to aging and disease. Primary research articles, reviews, and systematic reviews are welcome. Submissions are encouraged, but not limited to, the following topics: 1. Applications of drugs targeting mitochondria with implications for cancer treatment and anti-aging.2. Novel mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in inflammation and ROS defense.3. Insights into mitochondrial modulation of stem cell differentiation in aging and cancer.4. Pleiotropic effects mitochondrial dysfunction and mechanisms to mediate potential consequences.5. Cellular basis of multi-drug oncologic treatments involving mitochondrial mediators.
We have long known that mitochondria are the “powerhouse of the cell”. Importantly, mitochondria play critical roles in both aging and disease. Indeed, a decline in mitochondria function contributes to chronic inflammation, cellular senescence, and reduced stem cell activity associated with aging. The unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway regulates a large gene set involved in the UPR, but also in innate immune response, metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) defense. The importance of mitochondrial signaling to the nucleus and vice versa is evident as impaired mitochondrial function leads to telomere dysfunction and conversely, cells with impaired nuclear excision DNA repair exhibit mitochondrial dysfunction. Currently, development of drugs targeting mitochondria function to treat diseases such as cancer and obesity are underway. In this Research Topic, we aim to highlight novel pharmacologic targets, drugs, and clinical applications of existing therapeutics targeting mitochondria. We invite researchers from all backgrounds to a rich interdisciplinary discussion related to the mitochondrial function in relation to aging and disease. Primary research articles, reviews, and systematic reviews are welcome. Submissions are encouraged, but not limited to, the following topics: 1. Applications of drugs targeting mitochondria with implications for cancer treatment and anti-aging.2. Novel mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in inflammation and ROS defense.3. Insights into mitochondrial modulation of stem cell differentiation in aging and cancer.4. Pleiotropic effects mitochondrial dysfunction and mechanisms to mediate potential consequences.5. Cellular basis of multi-drug oncologic treatments involving mitochondrial mediators.