Mitochondrial dysfunction
In the last decade, there has been an increased appreciation for mitochondria as central hubs in a diversity of processes, such as cellular energy, immunity, and signal transduction. As such, mitochondrial dysfunction underlies many diseases, including primary (mutations in genes encoding mitochondrial proteins), and secondary mitochondrial diseases (mutations in non-mitochondrial genes critical for mitochondrial biology), as well as complex diseases with mitochondrial dysfunction (chronic or degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and cancer). Evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction may precede other pathological signs, and be modulated by genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Though mitochondrial dysfunction is a major factor in many disease states, it is often overlooked – or its mechanism unclear – limiting clinical consideration.
This collection aims to gather research providing insight into the mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction and potential therapeutic options.
Editors
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Hirofumi Arakawa
National Cancer Center, Japan & Tokyo Medical and Dental University
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Cecilia Giulivi
University of California Davis, USA
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Kezhong Zhang
Wayne State University School of Medicine, USA
