Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2023, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (1): 94-101.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.343884

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Crosslink between mutations in mitochondrial genes and brain disorders: implications for mitochondrial-targeted therapeutic interventions

Jaspreet Kalra*, †   

  1. Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Ghal Kalan, Moga, Punjab, India
    †Current address: Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
  • Online:2023-01-15 Published:2022-06-16
  • Contact: Jaspreet Kalra, PhD, kalrajaspreet03@gmail.com.

Abstract: At the present, association of mitochondrial dysfunction and progression of neurological disorders has gained significant attention. Defects in mitochondrial network dynamics, point mutations, deletions, and interaction of pathogenomic proteins with mitochondria are some of the possible underlying mechanisms involved in these neurological disorders. Mitochondrial genetics, defects in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation machinery, and reactive oxygen species production might share common crosstalk in the progression of these neurological disorders. It is of significant interests to explore and develop therapeutic strategies aimed at correcting mitochondrial abnormalities. This review provided insights on mitochondrial dysfunction/mutations involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and epilepsy with a special focus on Parkinson’s disease pathology. Along with the deleterious effects of mitochondrial mutations in aforesaid neurological disorders, this paper unraveled the available therapeutic strategy, specifically aiming to improve mitochondrial dysfunction, drugs targeting mitochondrial proteins, gene therapies aimed at correcting mutant mtDNA, peptide-based approaches, and lipophilic cations. 

Key words: adenosine-triphosphate deficiency, mitochondrial fission/fusion, mitochondrial mutations, neurodegenerative disorders, oxidative phosphorylation, therapeutic interventions