Guest Editors
Dr. Lei Zhang
Email: stonechang1984@163.com
Affiliation: College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
Homepage:
Research Interests: Proteotoxic stress, ER stress, Mitochondrial damage, Programmed cell death, Ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS)
Summary
Introduction:
Mitochondria are critical in coordination of normal cellular functions due to their multifaceted roles, including energy production, biosynthesis of macromolecules, maintenance of cellular homeostasis, and integration of signaling pathways. Disruption of mitochondrial function can result in cell death and lead to a range of diseases, including metabolic diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the role of mitochondria in cellular homeostasis and disease states will elucidate the pathophysiological relevance of mitochondria in etiologies of diseases and provide promising potential therapeutic targets.
Aim and Scope:
Mitochondria integrate with other cellular compartments by forming a dynamic and interconnected network. This special issue tries to elucidate the essential role of mitochondria in the physiological and pathological states. We aim to advance our understanding of mitochondria in maintaining the cellular function and explore their implication in diseases when they become dysfunctional. The comprehensive overview of mitochondria will also inspire the development of selective therapeutics by targeting mitochondria. We hope this special issue improves our knowledge of mitochondria and provides opportunity for novel treatment of diseases.
Key topics including but not limited to:
1. The regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and its dysregulation in diseases: As a highly plastic organelle, the dynamics of mitochondria are indispensable for them to execute their function properly. Dysfunction of the processes are characterized as one pivotal pathogenesis of diverse diseases.
2. Mitochondria and cell death: Recent studies reveal the essential role of mitochondria in regulation of signaling pathways associated with diverse forms of cell death, including apoptotic and nonapoptotic programmed cell death, which contribute to various diseases.
3. Mitophagy and quality control of mitochondria: Mitophagy selectively degrades damaged mitochondria and guarantees the homeostasis of mitochondria. Mitophagy has been related to the pathogenesis of clinical diseases and manipulation of mitophagy provides a new direction for the treatment of some diseases.
4. Mitochondria and metabolic homeostasis: Mitochondria are the cellular powerhouse that converts the nutrient flux to ATP. Additionally, the mitochondria also produce intermediates for biosynthesis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) as signaling messenger. Alterations of mitochondrial function have been linked to various metabolic disorders, including aging, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
Keywords
Mitochondrial dynamics, Mitophagy, Programmed Cell Death, Cancer, Metabolic Disorder, Neurodegenerative Disorders, Cardiovascular Diseases
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