Mitochondrial responsibility in ageing process: innocent, suspect or guilty.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cell Biology
• Mitochondrial Biology

Background:

• Cellular damage from stressors, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), accumulates with age.
• Mitochondrial dysfunction, affecting electron transport chain, biogenesis, turnover, and apoptosis, is increasingly recognized as a key factor in aging.
• Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular metabolism and ROS production, influencing organismal aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the central role of mitochondria in the aging process across various model organisms.
• To discuss whether mitochondrial dysfunction is a cause or consequence of aging.
• To highlight potential therapeutic targets within mitochondria for extending healthspan.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on aging and mitochondrial function.
• Analysis of studies across diverse model organisms (yeast, worm, fruit fly, mice).
• Discussion of the interplay between mitochondrial health and aging phenotypes.

Main Results:

• Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in various aging phenotypes.
• Interventions like caloric restriction, exercise, and plant-derived compounds can modulate mitochondrial activity (biogenesis, mitophagy).
• Mitochondria are central to metabolic regulation relevant to aging.

Conclusions:

• Mitochondria are critical determinants of aging, influencing lifespan and healthspan.
• Targeting mitochondrial pathways offers potential for anti-aging interventions.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the causal relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and aging.