Mechanisms and Novel Therapeutic Targets and Approaches for Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Neurological and Cardiovascular Diseases

Mitochondria are indispensable organelles involved in numerous cellular processes such as ATP production, cellular metabolism control, apoptosis regulation, and calcium homeostasis. The significance of maintaining mitochondrial health is underscored by their crucial role in various cellular functions, alongside the detrimental effects observed when their function is compromised. Recently, the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction has become increasingly evident in various diseases, with disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cardiovascular diseases like myocardial ischemia demonstrating strong links to mitochondrial abnormalities. These conditions share common pathological features such as energy deficits, oxidative stress due to elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), and disrupted calcium regulation, contributing significantly to disease progression.

This Research Topic aims first to collect cutting-edge research that delves into the mechanistic details underpinning mitochondrial dysfunction in both neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Secondly, it seeks to identify and discuss novel therapeutic avenues that specifically target mitochondrial dysfunction, with the ultimate goal of mitigating or halting the progression of these debilitating conditions.

To gather further insights within the realms of neurology and cardiology, we welcome original research, reviews, and mini-review articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases
• Innovative strategies to enhance mitochondrial biogenesis and function
• The role of mitochondrial dynamics and quality control in disease progression
• Therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondrial issues such as ROS production and calcium homeostasis
• Nutritional strategies and pharmacological interventions to enhance mitochondrial health
• Biomarkers for mitochondrial dysfunction in neurological and cardiovascular diseases
• Preclinical and clinical studies on therapies targeted at mitochondria
• Mitochondria-targeted drug delivery systems
• The impact of lifestyle and environmental factors on mitochondrial function

Keywords: Cardiovascular Diseases, Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Ca2+ Homeostasis, Oxidative Stress, Drug target, Mitochondrial dysfunction, Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

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.