Mitochondrial dynamics in neurodegenerative diseases: Research hotspots and trends from 2005 to 2025

Abstract

Background: Dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics, including fusion/fission, transport, mitophagy and biogenesis, plays a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases. However, a systematic quantitative mapping of the knowledge structure (i.e., key research themes, foundational references, and citation/collaboration clusters) and evolving research trends (i.e., research hotspots over time) in this research field is lacking.

Methods: Empirical and review article on mitochondrial dynamics in neurodegenerative diseases, which published in English from 2005 to 2025, were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus. BibliometriX, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace were applied to perform the bibliometric analysis and science mapping. Scientific performance analyses, collaborative networks of authors/institutions/countries, reference co-citation networks, keyword bursts analysis were conducted.

Results: A total of 834 documents were included, revealing a rapid growth in scientific productivity from 2005 to 2025. The United States, China, and Germany were the most productive countries, with institutions such as Case Western Reserve University and Texas Tech University serving as major hubs. Co-citation and keyword burst analyses reveal a distinct temporal shift: from foundational studies of fusion/fission machinery and oxidative stress toward an integrated Mitochondrial Quality Control paradigm encompassing mitophagy, dynamics, and biogenesis. Key emerging hotspots include mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial transport, and quality control mechanisms. Translational frontiers prioritize enhancing PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, inhibiting Drp1-driven excessive fission, and activating PGC-1α-dependent biogenesis.

Conclusion: This bibliometric study maps the intellectual structure and evolutionary trajectory of mitochondrial dynamics research in neurodegenerative diseases. It documents a field-wide paradigm shift toward a translational agenda centered on the MQC framework. Furthermore, the findings highlight the necessity of integrating pharmacological interventions with lifestyle modifications and precision medicine approaches to overcome translational barriers and develop effective disease-modifying strategies.

Keywords: Bibliometric analysis; Mitochondrial biogenesis; Mitochondrial dynamics; Mitochondrial quality control; Mitophagy; Neurodegenerative diseases.