Mitochondria as a therapeutic target for common pathologies

Abstract

Although the development of mitochondrial therapies has largely focused on diseases caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA or in nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins, it has emerged that mitochondrial dysfunction also contributes to the pathology of many common disorders, including neurodegeneration, metabolic disease, heart failure, ischaemia-reperfusion injury and protozoal infections. Mitochondria therefore represent an important drug target for these highly prevalent diseases. Several strategies aimed at therapeutically restoring mitochondrial function are emerging and a small number of agents have entered clinical trials. This review will discuss the opportunities and challenges faced for the further development of a mitochondrial pharmacology for common pathologies.

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