Mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases

J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2012 Sep;342(3):619-30. doi: 10.1124/jpet.112.192138. Epub 2012 Jun 13.

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases are a large group of disabling disorders of the nervous system, characterized by the relative selective death of neuronal subtypes. In most cases, there is overwhelming evidence of impaired mitochondrial function as a causative factor in these diseases. More recently, evidence has emerged for impaired mitochondrial dynamics (shape, size, fission-fusion, distribution, movement etc.) in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Here, we provide a concise overview of the major findings in recent years highlighting the importance of healthy mitochondria for a healthy neuron.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / pathology*
  • Mitochondrial Dynamics / physiology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / pathology*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Neurons / pathology*
  • Neurons / physiology*