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Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Different Pathophysiological Conditions 4.0

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 July 2024) | Viewed by 8439

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Council of Research, Bari, Italy
Interests: mitochondrial bioenergetics; mitochondrial metabolism; mitochondrial transport; mitochondrial signaling pathways; mitochondrial dysfunction; neurodevelopmental diseases; oxidative stress; reactive oxygen species; programmed cell death
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Mitochondria are central actors in the bioenergetics of cellular life. They are maternally inherited, multifunctional organelles widely known for generating energy in the form of ATP through the inner membrane mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes that form the functional respirasome. Besides the oxidative phosphorylation process, mitochondrial transport, inter-organelle crosstalk, mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis and degradation all play a critical role in the efficiency and homeostasis of mitochondrial bioenergetics. Damage to these highly energetic and redox-sensitive organelles can result in an increase in the autophagic removal of the mitochondria (mitophagy) and disruption to the mitochondrial network. Mitochondrial dysfunction is now emerging as a major contributor to the pathogenesis of a broad range of human diseases, directly or indirectly, through a wide spectrum of signaling pathways.

Contributions to this Special Issue will provide new insights into mitochondrial bioenergetics to deepen our understanding of its role in health and disease and reveal novel mitochondria-targeting therapeutic opportunities. Original research articles and topical reviews on these and related topics are welcome in this Special Issue.

Due to the success of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd editions, we would like to add more results and new insights from recent research projects.

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/special_issues/Mitochondrial_Bioenergetics

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/special_issues/Mitochondrial_Bioenergetics_2

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/special_issues/Mitochondrial_Bioenergetics_3

Dr. Anna Atlante
Dr. Daniela Valenti
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • mitochondrial ATP generation
  • oxidative phosphorylation machinery
  • mitochondrial quality control
  • mitochondrial dynamic network
  • mitogenesis/mitophagy
  • mitochondrial signaling
  • inter-organelle crosstalk
  • mitochondrial dysfunction
  • mitochondria-targeting therapeutic strategies

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 21444 KiB  
Article
The Protective Effect of Uridine in a Rotenone-Induced Model of Parkinson’s Disease: The Role of the Mitochondrial ATP-Dependent Potassium Channel
by Galina D. Mironova, Alexei A. Mosentsov, Vasilii V. Mironov, Vasilisa P. Medvedeva, Natalia V. Khunderyakova, Lyubov L. Pavlik, Irina B. Mikheeva, Maria I. Shigaeva, Alexey V. Agafonov, Natalya V. Khmil and Natalia V. Belosludtseva
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137441 - 6 Jul 2024
Viewed by 771
Abstract
The effect of the modulators of the mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channel (mitoKATP) on the structural and biochemical alterations in the substantia nigra and brain tissues was studied in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease induced by rotenone. It was found that, [...] Read more.
The effect of the modulators of the mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channel (mitoKATP) on the structural and biochemical alterations in the substantia nigra and brain tissues was studied in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease induced by rotenone. It was found that, in experimental parkinsonism accompanied by characteristic motor deficits, both neurons and the myelin sheath of nerve fibers in the substantia nigra were affected. Changes in energy and ion exchange in brain mitochondria were also revealed. The nucleoside uridine, which is a source for the synthesis of the mitoKATP channel opener uridine diphosphate, was able to dose-dependently decrease behavioral disorders and prevent the death of animals, which occurred for about 50% of animals in the model. Uridine prevented disturbances in redox, energy, and ion exchanges in brain mitochondria, and eliminated alterations in their structure and the myelin sheath in the substantia nigra. Cytochemical examination showed that uridine restored the indicators of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The specific blocker of the mitoKATP channel, 5-hydroxydecanoate, eliminated the positive effects of uridine, suggesting that this channel is involved in neuroprotection. Taken together, these findings indicate the promise of using the natural metabolite uridine as a new drug to prevent and, possibly, stop the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Full article
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14 pages, 5780 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Genistein as a Mitochondrial Modulator and Its Effects on Sperm Quality
by Marilia Ferigolo, Jessica Nardi, Natália Freddo, Alessandra Ferramosca, Vincenzo Zara, Eliane Dallegrave, Mateus Belmonte Macedo, Sarah Eller, Ana Paula de Oliveira, Inara Carbonera Biazus, Francieli Ubirajara India Amaral and Luciana Grazziotin Rossato-Grando
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(18), 14260; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241814260 - 19 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1155
Abstract
Phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, are bioactive compounds found in plants with defense and protection functions. In the human body, they simulate the behavior of the hormone estradiol and can modulate the function of the male hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. This study aims to describe the [...] Read more.
Phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, are bioactive compounds found in plants with defense and protection functions. In the human body, they simulate the behavior of the hormone estradiol and can modulate the function of the male hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. This study aims to describe the effects of genistein on sperm quality of Wistar rats (male/adult) after a short oral administration protocol (50 mg/day, for 5 days), focusing on mitochondrial function. No signs of toxicity were observed in the animals during the period. The testicular mass of rats from the genistein-treated group was lower than that from the control group. Isoflavone increased the number of viable Leydig and Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and primary spermatocytes in the treated group. The rounded spermatid count was similar to the control group, and a decrease in elongated spermatids was observed in the treated group. Genistein treatment increased plasma testosterone levels in the treated group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an in vivo short protocol demonstrating that genistein administration stimulates the overall oxygen consumption in rat seminal samples. Therefore, genistein induced a pro-spermatogenesis effect, enhanced plasma testosterone levels, and increased oxygen consumption, improving sperm mitochondrial efficiency. Similar protocols can be explored in animal and human infertility issues. Full article
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Review

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18 pages, 2787 KiB  
Review
Sound Matrix Shaping of Living Matter: From Macrosystems to Cell Microenvironment, Where Mitochondria Act as Energy Portals in Detecting and Processing Sound Vibrations
by Daniela Valenti and Anna Atlante
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 6841; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25136841 - 21 Jun 2024
Viewed by 606
Abstract
Vibration and sound are the shaping matrix of the entire universe. Everything in nature is shaped by energy vibrating and communicating through its own sound trail. Every cell within our body vibrates at defined frequencies, generating its peculiar “sound signature”. Mitochondria are dynamic, [...] Read more.
Vibration and sound are the shaping matrix of the entire universe. Everything in nature is shaped by energy vibrating and communicating through its own sound trail. Every cell within our body vibrates at defined frequencies, generating its peculiar “sound signature”. Mitochondria are dynamic, energy-transforming, biosynthetic, and signaling organelles that actively transduce biological information. Novel research has shown that the mitochondrial function of mammalian cells can be modulated by various energetic stimuli, including sound vibrations. Regarding acoustic vibrations, definite types of music have been reported to produce beneficial impacts on human health. In very recent studies, the effects of different sound stimuli and musical styles on cellular function and mitochondrial activity were evaluated and compared in human cells cultured in vitro, investigating the underlying responsible molecular mechanisms. This narrative review will take a multilevel trip from macro to intracellular microenvironment, discussing the intimate vibrational sound activities shaping living matter, delving deeper into the molecular mechanisms underlying the sound modulation of biological systems, and mainly focusing our discussion on novel evidence showing the competence of mitochondria in acting as energy portals capable of sensing and transducing the subtle informational biofields of sound vibration. Full article
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16 pages, 1670 KiB  
Review
Mitochondria: An Emerging Unavoidable Link in the Pathogenesis of Periodontitis Caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis
by Shiyin Luo, Tong Xu, Qifan Zheng, Aijia Jiang, Jiahui Zhao, Yue Ying, Nan Liu, Yaping Pan and Dongmei Zhang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25020737 - 6 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1740
Abstract
Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is a key pathogen of periodontitis. Increasing evidence shows that P. gingivalis signals to mitochondria in periodontal cells, including gingival epithelial cells, gingival fibroblast cells, immune cells, etc. Mitochondrial dysfunction affects the cellular state and participates in [...] Read more.
Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is a key pathogen of periodontitis. Increasing evidence shows that P. gingivalis signals to mitochondria in periodontal cells, including gingival epithelial cells, gingival fibroblast cells, immune cells, etc. Mitochondrial dysfunction affects the cellular state and participates in periodontal inflammatory response through the aberrant release of mitochondrial contents. In the current review, it was summarized that P. gingivalis induced mitochondrial dysfunction by altering the mitochondrial metabolic state, unbalancing mitochondrial quality control, prompting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and regulating mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. This review outlines the impacts of P. gingivalis and its virulence factors on the mitochondrial function of periodontal cells and their role in periodontitis. Full article
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15 pages, 2125 KiB  
Review
MitoNEET Provides Cardioprotection via Reducing Oxidative Damage and Conserving Mitochondrial Function
by Eddie Tam and Gary Sweeney
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010480 - 29 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1171
Abstract
Cardiometabolic diseases exert a significant health impact, leading to a considerable economic burden globally. The metabolic syndrome, characterized by a well-defined cluster of clinical parameters, is closely linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Current treatment strategies often focus on addressing individual [...] Read more.
Cardiometabolic diseases exert a significant health impact, leading to a considerable economic burden globally. The metabolic syndrome, characterized by a well-defined cluster of clinical parameters, is closely linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Current treatment strategies often focus on addressing individual aspects of metabolic syndrome. We propose that exploring novel therapeutic approaches that simultaneously target multiple facets may prove more effective in alleviating the burden of cardiometabolic disease. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that mitochondria can serve as a pivotal target for the development of therapeutics aimed at resolving both metabolic and vascular dysfunction. MitoNEET was identified as a binding target for the thiazolidinedione (TZD) class of antidiabetic drugs and is now recognized for its role in regulating various crucial cellular processes. Indeed, mitoNEET has demonstrated promising potential as a therapeutic target in various chronic diseases, encompassing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In this review, we present a thorough overview of the molecular mechanisms of mitoNEET, with an emphasis on their implications for cardiometabolic diseases in more recent years. Furthermore, we explore the potential impact of these findings on the development of novel therapeutic strategies and discuss potential directions for future research. Full article
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26 pages, 2296 KiB  
Review
Potential Retinal Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease
by Mariana Yolotzin García-Bermúdez, Rupali Vohra, Kristine Freude, Peter van Wijngaarden, Keith Martin, Maj Schneider Thomsen, Blanca Irene Aldana and Miriam Kolko
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(21), 15834; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115834 - 31 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2203
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents a major diagnostic challenge, as early detection is crucial for effective intervention. This review examines the diagnostic challenges facing current AD evaluations and explores the emerging field of retinal alterations as early indicators. Recognizing the potential of the retina [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents a major diagnostic challenge, as early detection is crucial for effective intervention. This review examines the diagnostic challenges facing current AD evaluations and explores the emerging field of retinal alterations as early indicators. Recognizing the potential of the retina as a noninvasive window to the brain, we emphasize the importance of identifying retinal biomarkers in the early stages of AD. However, the examination of AD is not without its challenges, as the similarities shared with other retinal diseases introduce complexity in the search for AD-specific markers. In this review, we address the relevance of using the retina for the early diagnosis of AD and the complex challenges associated with the search for AD-specific retinal biomarkers. We provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and highlight avenues for progress in AD diagnosis by retinal examination. Full article
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