Therapies in inborn errors of oxidative metabolism

Manuel Schiff1, Paule Bénit, Howard T Jacobs

  • 1Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 676, Hôpital Robert Debré, F-75019 Paris, France.

Insights

Mitochondrial diseases are complex and varied, requiring tailored treatments. This review explores current and future therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial dysfunction for diverse patient needs.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Mitochondrial diseases present diverse clinical features and underlying mechanisms.
  • Individual responses to therapies for mitochondrial dysfunction vary significantly.
  • Mitochondrial biology involves over 2000 genes, influenced by epigenetic and environmental factors, contributing to disease complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current and prospective therapeutic approaches for mitochondrial diseases.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies based on targets and mechanisms of action.
  • To provide a broad outlook on the potential applications of novel therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing and emerging therapies for mitochondrial disorders.
  • Analysis of therapeutic strategies by their molecular targets and mechanisms.
  • Synthesis of information on the potential applicability of various treatments.

Main Results:

  • Therapeutic progress has primarily focused on specific mitochondrial disease entities.
  • A wide range of therapeutic targets and mechanisms are being explored.
  • Understanding the complexity beyond ATP deficiency is crucial for effective treatment.

Conclusions:

  • A multifaceted approach is needed to address the complexity of mitochondrial diseases.
  • Future therapies should consider disease-specific and broad-based strategies.
  • Further research is essential to broaden the application of novel mitochondrial therapies.

Related Concept Videos

Inborn Errors of Metabolism01:20

Inborn Errors of Metabolism

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a protein metabolism disorder characterized by high blood levels of the amino acid phenylalanine. This results from a mutation in the gene responsible for phenylalanine hydroxylase, an enzyme that converts phenylalanine into tyrosine. When this enzyme is deficient, phenylalanine builds up in the blood, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, rashes, seizures, growth deficiency, and severe mental retardation. An early diagnosis and a diet restricting phenylalanine intake...
Phase I Oxidative Reactions: Overview01:19

Phase I Oxidative Reactions: Overview

Phase I biotransformation, or functionalization, is a crucial chemical process that converts drugs and other xenobiotics into more water-soluble forms, facilitating expulsion from the body. It involves oxidative, reductive, and hydrolytic reactions that add or unveil polar functional groups on lipophilic substrates. Key players in phase I reactions are the mixed-function oxidases. Situated in liver cell microsomes, these enzymes predominantly carry out drug metabolism. They require molecular...
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Protein Import into the Peroxisomes01:27

Protein Import into the Peroxisomes

Cells contain membrane-bound organelles called peroxisomes that oxidize organic molecules by transferring hydrogen atoms to oxygen, producing hydrogen peroxide. Peroxisomes enzymatically convert the released hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
Peroxisomal Protein Import:
Peroxisomes lack the genetic machinery required to code for their own proteins. Hence, most peroxisomal membrane, lumenal and transmembrane proteins are synthesized in the cytoplasm or ER and transported to the peroxisome...
Redox Reactions01:27

Redox Reactions

Redox reactions are vital biochemical processes that underpin energy metabolism in cells. These reactions involve the transfer of electrons between molecules, occurring in tandem as oxidation and reduction. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, while reduction denotes their gain. This coupling ensures the seamless flow of electrons through metabolic pathways. For example, in bacterial metabolism, glucose undergoes oxidation to carbon dioxide, while oxygen is simultaneously reduced to...
Redox Reactions01:24

Redox Reactions

Oxidation-reduction or redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons from one molecule or atom to another. When an atom gains an electron, another atom must lose an electron, meaning oxidation and reduction must occur together. Since the redox occurs in pairs, the atom that gets oxidized is also called the reducing agent or reductant, and the atom that is reduced is also called the oxidizing agent or oxidant. A straightforward way to remember the definitions of oxidation and reduction is...