Mitochondria-Organelle Communication: A Key to Understanding Metabolic Disease Pathology

Metabolic diseases are complex disorders influenced by genetic predispositions and acquired risk factors. As a result, multiple organs and tissues, such as the liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissues, are affected. These diseases are interconnected, with conditions like obesity significantly increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), which can lead to cardiovascular disease and early mortality. Understanding the underlying pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases is crucial for developing effective treatments. Mitochondria, essential for cellular metabolism and signaling, have been implicated in the dysfunction observed in metabolic diseases. Recent studies suggest that inter-organellar communication, particularly between mitochondria and other organelles, may play a significant role in the pathology of these diseases. The study of membrane contact sites (MCSs) is vital for understanding how these interactions contribute to metabolic disease development. While the mitochondria to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) interaction is well-documented, the role of lipid droplets (LD) in these interactions is less understood. Despite recent findings on altered mitochondria-ER contact sites in T2D patients and animal models, further research is needed to explore how organelle malfunctions and contact site alterations contribute to disease progression.

This Research Topic aims to investigate the implications of mitochondria-related organelle contact sites (mito-MCSs) in the context of metabolic diseases and how these diseases impact mitochondria-organelle interactions across various tissues. The primary objective is to elucidate the importance of mitochondria-organelle communication in the etiology of metabolic diseases. By exploring these interactions, the research seeks to uncover novel therapeutic targets and provide an integrated perspective on mitochondrial connections with other organelles. Specific questions include how mito-MCSs contribute to disease pathology and how metabolic diseases alter these interactions.

To gather further insights into the complex interactions between mitochondria and other organelles in metabolic diseases, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Mitochondria-ER, -LD, and -peroxisome contact sites in metabolic diseases;
- Impacts of pharmacological interventions on mito-MCSs;
- Mechanisms of altered fatty acid transfer from lipid droplets to mitochondria;
- Role of mitochondrial dysfunction in insulin resistance;
- Novel therapeutic targets arising from mito-organelle interactions;
- Comparative studies of mito-MCSs in different tissues affected by metabolic diseases.

Keywords: Mitochondria, organelle interactions, metabolic diseases, membrane contact sites, endoplasmic reticulum, lipid droplet, peroxisome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.