Neuro-Mitochondrial Nexus: Decoding the Role in Disorders

Mitochondria are central to neuronal health, serving as the primary energy producers within cells. This vital role makes them a focal point in understanding various neurological disorders. Across conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, neuroinflammatory disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, stroke, and traumatic brain injury (TBI), mitochondrial dysfunction emerges as a common thread. In Alzheimer's disease, for instance, dysfunctional mitochondria contribute to the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and tau protein tangles, accelerating neurodegeneration. Similarly, in Parkinson's disease, mitochondrial impairment disrupts cellular energy production, exacerbating the loss of dopaminergic neurons and leading to motor dysfunction. ALS, characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons, also exhibits mitochondrial dysfunction, further contributing to the disease pathology. Additionally, in conditions like multiple sclerosis and neuroinflammatory disorders, dysfunctional mitochondria exacerbate inflammation and neuronal damage. The role of mitochondria extends beyond neurodegenerative diseases; in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and intellectual disabilities, disturbances in mitochondrial dynamics impact neuronal connectivity and synaptic function. Furthermore, mitochondrial impairment plays a significant role in acute neurological insults like stroke and TBI, exacerbating neuronal injury and complicating recovery processes. Despite the challenges posed by mitochondrial dysfunction in neurological disorders, there is growing interest in mitochondrial therapeutics as a promising avenue for neuroprotection and disease modification. Investigating the neuroprotective potential of mitochondrial-targeted interventions opens new avenues for therapeutic development and offers hope for mitigating the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction across a spectrum of neurological conditions.