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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,...

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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,...

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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,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

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

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Mitochondrial dynamics and neurodegeneration.

¹Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Lane 235, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. bingwei@stanford.edu

Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports

|April 8, 2009

Summary

Mitochondrial dynamics, involving fission and fusion, are crucial for neuronal health. Imbalances in these processes are linked to neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Neuroscience
Mitochondrial Biology

Background:

Mitochondria are vital organelles involved in energy production, biosynthesis, calcium buffering, and apoptosis.
Mitochondria exist as dynamic networks, constantly undergoing fission and fusion.
Mitochondrial dynamics are essential for neuronal function, impacting synaptic transmission, plasticity, and survival.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the role of mitochondrial dynamics in neuronal physiology and neurodegenerative diseases.
To highlight the link between imbalanced mitochondrial fission/fusion and neurodegeneration.
To explore the therapeutic potential of modulating mitochondrial dynamics.

Main Methods:

Genetic studies in model organisms identified core components of the mitochondrial fission/fusion machinery.

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Analysis of human genetic mutations linked to neurodegenerative disorders.

Review of recent studies implicating mitochondrial dynamics in common neurodegenerative diseases.

Main Results:

Mutations in fission/fusion genes are associated with rare neurodegenerative diseases like Charcot-Marie-Tooth and optic atrophy.
Aberrant mitochondrial fission/fusion is implicated in the pathogenesis of common neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease.
Mitochondrial dynamics represent a novel paradigm in neurodegenerative disease research.

Conclusions:

Mitochondrial dynamics play a critical role in neuronal health and disease.
Therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial fission/fusion may offer new avenues for treating neurodegenerative conditions.