Mitochondria in Health and Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Mitochondria are the “power plants” of cells due to their ability to generate ATP. In addition, mitochondria play an important role in other aspects of cell metabolism and function, including ion homeostasis, cell growth, redox signaling, and cell survival. The structural and functional integrity of mitochondria is maintained by mitochondrial quality control through mitochondrial biogenesis (turnover), dynamics (fission and fusion), and selective mitophagy. Notably, the structural organization and dynamics of mitochondria vary greatly between organ and tissues to meet tissue-specific cellular needs. Mitochondria are also involved in the pathogenesis and progression of numerous human diseases including, among others, cancer, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, traumatic injury, and inflammation. Mitochondrial involvement in these diseases has been attributed to the central role the organelle plays in the sequelae of events that culminate in cell death through various mechanisms such as apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. More recently, it has been shown that also ferroptosis is associated with atypical mitochondrial morphology. Despite the intense focus on the role of mitochondria, the precise niche the organelle play in cell life and death remains unknown. Lack of in-depth knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms of mitochondrial metabolism and the function and interplay between the factors that transform the organelle from cell preservation to cell death compromise the development of new mitochondria-targeted approaches to treat human diseases.

This Special Issue of Cells is designed to highlight all aspects of mitochondrial metabolism and to function under physiological and pathological conditions. We will consider high-quality articles on mitochondrial biology as well as on the role of mitochondria in disease and aging. The Special Issue welcomes studies in the field of mitochondrial research using various cell and animal models, human diseases, and computational modeling. We also welcome studies that describe the application/adaptation of new methodologies and approaches in mitochondrial research.

Prof. Sabzali Javadov
Prof. Andrey V. Kozlov
Prof. Amadou K.S. Camara
Guest Editors

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