Mitochondrial diseases: past, present, and future

Abstract

Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles found in almost all eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria are in charge of mastering and organizing cellular energy production in order to sustain life. Two genomic systems are responsible for mitochondrial biogenesis: nucli-genomes and another set of mitochondrial genes (mtDNA). MtDNA encodes 13 proteins that are required for respiratory chain function. Mitochondria play a role in a variety of cellular processes, including calcium signaling, cell cycle, differentiation, and cell death. Mitochondrial shape indicates good health, and their location in the cell is essential for their function. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to Alzheimer's disease, metabolic disorders, ischemic brain, heart, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this section, we exemplify the clinical implications of mitochondrial diseases in terms of acquired defects