About this Research Topic

Background

Mitochondria are important organelles that provide energy to cells. Both mitochondrial function and biogenesis are crucial in determining their morphology, number, and localization/positioning. Alterations in mitochondrial function or biogenesis play a critical role in the pathobiology of various diseases/conditions including cancers, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, brain disorders, cardiac disorders, liver dysfunction, lung dysfunction, insulin resistance, and obesity. Oxidative stress-stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production can result in ATP depletion and the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular apoptosis. The key drivers underpinning mitochondrial dysfunction are redox imbalance, the imbalance of mitochondrial fission and fusion, dysregulated mitophagy, and mitochondrial DNA damage. Novel pharmacological interventions to improve mitochondrial function may be helpful in fighting against various diseases.

Mitochondria are important organelles for maintaining cellular homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction in diseases is an emerging area of research and holds great promise for future therapies. Here we shall focus the key factors involved in mitochondrial dysfunction in diseases which includes mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitochondrial dynamics such as fission, fusion and mitophagy, and mtDNA damage. Also, new strategies and novel therapeutic interventions aiming to improve mitochondrial function in fighting against various diseases will be highlighted under this topic.

This collection of articles will cover all aspects of mitochondrial dysfunction related disorders along with recent advances in mitochondria-targeted pharmacological options. Studies carried out with crude extracts/multiherbal preparations/multiple compounds or Original Research based solely on in silico techniques will not be considered for review. Clinical reports and/or meta-analysis will also not be considered, because our section does not include clinical pharmacology. Here, we welcome submissions of Original Research, Reviews, Mini Reviews and Opinion/Commentary
articles focusing on, but not limited to, the following subtopics:

• Exploring the novel targets and signaling pathways aimed at modulating mitochondrial dysfunction in various diseases
• Imaging advances/novel tools to study and detect mitochondrial damage in various diseases
• Exploring potentials of novel pharmacological approaches targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in various diseases

Keywords: mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, DNA damage, cancers, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, brain disorders, cardiac disorders, liver dysfunction, lung dysfunction, insulin resistance, obesity, and novel therapeutics

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