Summary and conclusions

Abstract

Over the last few decades there has been an explosion in the amount of research dedicated to understanding the role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. This research has centred predominantly on Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases, but as we investigate further the importance of mitochondrial function for neuronal survival, more diseases emerge for which pathogenesis seems centred on the mitochondrion. Before one can comprehend the importance of mitochondrial function for neuronal health one must fi rst understand the mitochondrion. Thus the fi rst section of this book aimed to introduce mitochondria, discussing their functions and genetics and highlighting their importance for all cells including neurons.