Understanding the Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Stress and Its Association with Human Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Mitochondria are essential organelles responsible for the production of energy in the form of ATP in eukaryotic cells. In addition to energy production, mitochondria play a crucial role in various cellular processes, such as calcium signalling, heme biosynthesis, the synthesis and breakdown of lipids and amino acids, and the regulation of programmed cell death. Therefore, the maintenance of mitochondrial integrity is important for optimal cellular function and the prevention of the development of diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial stress is the impairment of the normal function of mitochondria caused by various factors such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial DNA mutations, and impaired mitochondrial proteostasis. Mitochondrial stress can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, which has been implicated in various human diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. Therefore, cells develop defensive systems to recover the mitochondrial function upon mitochondrial stress, which can mitigate the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction. Some of the key mitochondrial stress responses are mitochondrial biogenesis, the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR^MT). These responses aim to restore normal mitochondrial function, clear damaged mitochondria, and prevent further damage. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of the mitochondrial stress response is essential for the development of therapeutic approaches to treat diseases associated with mitochondrial stress and dysfunction.

This Special Issue will cover a selection of recent research topics and current review articles related to the underlying mechanisms in mitochondrial stress and its association with human diseases. The topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

1. Mechanisms of mitochondrial stress and its effects on cellular processes.

2. Mitochondrial stress and its association with human diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

3. Diagnostic tools and biomarkers for assessing mitochondrial stress and dysfunction.

4. Therapeutic approaches to mitigate the effects of mitochondrial stress and prevent the development of associated human diseases.

5. Mitochondrial stress and its association with ageing and age-related diseases

Dr. Jaeseok Han
Guest Editor

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• mitochondrial stress
• mitochondrial quality control
• mitophagy
• mitochondrial unfolded protein response
• mitochondrial fission and fusion
• mitochondria-related diseases