Mitochondria as a pharmacological target: Magnum overview

Abstract

Mitochondria, responsible for energy metabolism within the cell, act as signaling organelles. Mitochondrial dysfunction may lead to cell death and oxidative stress and may disturb calcium metabolism. Additionally, mitochondria play a pivotal role in cardioprotective phenomena and a variety of neurodegenerative disorders ranging from Parkinson's to Alzheimer's disease. Mitochondrial DNA mutations may lead to impaired respiration. Hence, targeting the mitochondria with drugs offers great potential for new therapeutic approaches. The purpose of this overview is to present the recent state of knowledge concerning the interactions of various substances with mitochondria. © 2013 IUBMB Life, 65(3):273-281, 2013 Copyright © 2013 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.