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Upstream Pathways Controlling Mitochondrial Function in Major Psychosis: A Focus on Bipolar Disorder
Alencar Kolinski Machado1, Alexander Yongshuai Pan2, Tatiane Morgana da Silva3
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Both authors contributed equally to this article.
Summary
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor in bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SCZ), impacting energy, cell survival, and neurotransmission. Understanding its upstream causes is vital for developing new treatments for these complex psychotic disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is prevalent in bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SCZ).
- Mitochondria are crucial for cellular energy and regulate reactive oxygen species, cell cycle, survival, calcium homeostasis, and neurotransmission.
- The complexity of BD and SCZ is mirrored in the intricate regulation of mitochondrial function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the upstream factors controlling mitochondrial function in the context of psychotic disorders.
- To highlight the significance of understanding these factors for disease progression, biomarker identification, and therapeutic development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on genetic, dynamic, and homeostatic regulators of mitochondrial function.
- Analysis of how these upstream components contribute to the pathophysiology of BD and SCZ.
Main Results:
- Identified key upstream regulators of mitochondrial function: mutations in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial dynamics, and intracellular calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis.
- Emphasized the multifaceted role of mitochondria beyond energy production in cellular health and neuronal function.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the upstream control of mitochondrial function is essential for elucidating the mechanisms underlying BD and SCZ.
- Targeting these upstream factors holds potential for developing novel biomarkers and therapeutics for psychosis.
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