Review: Mitochondria and disease progression in multiple sclerosis

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
09:41

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Published on: July 19, 2019

D Mahad1, H Lassmann, D Turnbull

  • 1The Mitochondrial Research Group, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle, UK. d.j.mahad@ncl.ac.uk

Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology
|December 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondrial dysfunction in demyelinated axons contributes to multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. Targeting mitochondria may offer a therapeutic strategy for MS axonal degeneration.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating disease.
  • Axonal dysfunction and degeneration are key drivers of MS progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence and mechanisms of demyelinated axon degeneration in MS.
  • To highlight the role of mitochondria in axonal dysfunction and degeneration in MS.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on mitochondrial roles in demyelinated axons.
  • Analysis of evidence linking mitochondrial dysfunction to axonal vulnerability in MS.

Main Results:

  • Demyelinated axons exhibit mitochondrial changes and sodium channel redistribution.
  • These alterations suggest increased vulnerability to energy deficits.
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction is observed in MS lesions and normal-appearing brain matter.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondrial dysfunction is a significant factor in axonal dysfunction and degeneration in MS.
  • Mitochondria represent a promising therapeutic target for managing MS progression.

More Related Videos

Using Live Cell STED Imaging to Visualize Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Ultrastructure in Neuronal Cell Models08:48

Using Live Cell STED Imaging to Visualize Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Ultrastructure in Neuronal Cell Models

Published on: June 30, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
Mitochondrial Membranes01:45

Mitochondrial Membranes

A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
Mitochondrial Membranes01:45

Mitochondrial Membranes

A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
Mitochondria01:37

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:24

Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting movement, with additional non-motor features. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and cellular dysfunction, including dopaminergic neuron loss, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial impairment.Selective NeurodegenerationA key feature is the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to reduced...
Lysosomal Hydrolases01:22

Lysosomal Hydrolases

Lysosomes are the site for the degradation of macromolecules and biological polymers released during membrane trafficking events such as secretory, endocytic, autophagic, and phagocytic pathways. The membrane-enclosed area of the lysosome, called the lumen, contains hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment. These acid hydrolases are functional at a pH between 4.5 and 5 and are involved in cellular processes such as cell signaling, energy metabolism, restoration of the plasma membrane,...