New Insights into the Role of Mitochondria in Muscle Pathophysiology

Over the last decades there have been big strides in defining the role of mitochondria in muscle physiology. However, it remains unclear how these organelles are linked with the development of various muscle pathophysiology where irregular mitochondrial function and structure are evident. With this deficit, increasing number of studies have sought to understand underlying mechanisms on what causes mitochondrial defects, as well as their associated impacts on muscle weakness and dysregulation in a wide range of disease settings.

Emerging evidence has shown that cellular dysfunction and disease can be caused not only by mitochondrial impairments (e.g., oxidative stress), but also by mitochondrial miscommunication with other organelles, as well as vasculature or systemic components (e.g., exosome). Nevertheless, fewer studies have been accomplished to understand these mitochondrial roles in muscle diseases and pathophysiology. Therefore, this Topic aims to provide new insights into the roles of mitochondria in muscle pathophysiology, which will prove useful for not only muscle scientists and physiologists, but also mitochondrial society.

In this Research Topic, we welcome investigators whose research focuses on mitochondria, muscle physiology, neurodegenerative diseases, chronic diseases, and/or other specific muscle diseases (e.g., cachexia, Fredrich’s ataxia, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy). Here we will consider original research manuscripts and review papers, among other article types.

Keywords: Mitochondria, muscle disease, aging, neurodegenerative disease, chronic disease

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.