Description
Mitochondria are essential organelles in eukaryotic cells that control such diverse processes as energy metabolism, calcium buffering, and cell death. Recent studies have revealed that changes in mitochondrial morphology by fission and fusion, a process known as mitochondrial dynamics, is particularly important for neuronal function and survival. Defects in this process are commonly found in neurodegenerative diseases, offering a new paradigm for investigating mechanisms of neurodegeneration. To provide researchers working on neurodegenerative diseases and mitochondria with updated information on this rapidly progressing field, we have invited experts in the field to critically review recent progresses and identify future research directions. The topics include genetics of mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics, autophagy, apoptosis, and axonal transport, and its role in neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. 1. Genetics of mitochondrial fission and fusion; Angus McQuibban 2. Relationship between mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics; Rodrigue Rossignol 3. Mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy; Orian S. Shirihai 4. Mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis; Richard Youle 5. Mitochondrial dynamics and axonal transport; Zuhang Sheng 6. Mutations in mitochondrial fusion machinery linked to neurological diseases; Pascal Reynier 7. Mitochondrial dynamics and Parkinson’s disease; Charleen Chu 8. Mitochondrial fission and fusion defects in Alzheimer’s disease; Stuart Lipton 9. Mitochondrial dynamics and Huntington’s disease; Mervyn J. Monteiro
