Abstract

Mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells, are crucial for energy production, calcium homeostasis, and apoptosis regulation. Their dynamic properties, including fusion, fission, and biogenesis, play pivotal roles in maintaining cellular function and survival. In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark feature, contributing to disease pathogenesis and progression.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a critical component in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews the current understanding of mitochondrial dynamics in neurodegeneration and discusses their implications for drug development. Mitochondria play essential roles in cellular energy metabolism, calcium buffering, and apoptosis regulation, processes that are disrupted in diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and ALS. Dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics, including fusion, fission, and biogenesis, contributes to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. Targeting mitochondrial dynamics presents a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating neurodegenerative processes and improving disease outcomes. This review explores recent advances in understanding mitochondrial dynamics in neurodegeneration and discusses potential therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondrial function.