Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 1, 2025

Experimental Protocol for Detecting Mitochondrial Function in Hepatocytes Exposed to Organochlorine Pesticides
08:39

Experimental Protocol for Detecting Mitochondrial Function in Hepatocytes Exposed to Organochlorine Pesticides

Published on: September 16, 2020

8.1K

Targeting mitochondria in dermatological therapy: beyond oxidative damage and skin aging

Tongyu C Wikramanayake1,2, Jérémy Chéret1, Alec Sevilla1

  • 1Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|March 7, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mitochondria play a key role in skin aging and diseases by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). New

Area of Science:

  • Mitochondrial dermatology
  • Cutaneous physiology
  • Skin aging and diseases

Background:

  • Mitochondria generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contribute to skin aging and DNA damage.
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in skin diseases and cancers, beyond aging.
  • Current dermatotherapeutics often modulate mitochondrial function, but rarely target mitochondria directly.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore mitochondrial functions in skin beyond energy and ROS production.
  • To identify potential therapeutic targets and lead compounds for a 'mitochondrial dermatology' approach.
  • To advocate for a shift towards mitochondrial medicine in dermatological research.

Main Methods:

  • Review of PubMed search results on mitochondrial functions in skin.
  • Evaluation of various compounds (hormones, retinoids, etc.) as lead compounds.
  • Identification of the mitochondrial protein MPZL3 as a potential drug target.

Main Results:

  • Mitochondria are crucial for keratinocyte differentiation, epidermal barrier, and appendage homeostasis.
  • Several compounds, including thyroid hormones and retinoids, show potential for mitochondrial modulation.
  • MPZL3 emerges as a novel target for future dermatological therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Dermatological research should increasingly focus on mitochondrial medicine.
  • A 'mito-centric' approach utilizing lead agents, protein targets, and computational design is promising.
  • Targeting mitochondria offers a rationale for novel therapeutic strategies in dermatology.
Keywords:
Reactive oxygen species (ROS)alopeciaappendageepidermishair folliclemitochondriamyelin protein zero-like 3 (MPZL3)sebaceous glandskin cancer

More Related Videos

Stimulation of Stem Cell Niches and Tissue Regeneration in Mouse Skin by Switchable Protoporphyrin IX-Dependent Photogeneration of Reactive Oxygen Species In Situ10:05

Stimulation of Stem Cell Niches and Tissue Regeneration in Mouse Skin by Switchable Protoporphyrin IX-Dependent Photogeneration of Reactive Oxygen Species In Situ

Published on: May 8, 2020

2.0K
Method for the Assessment of Effects of a Range of Wavelengths and Intensities of Red/near-infrared Light Therapy on Oxidative Stress In Vitro08:16

Method for the Assessment of Effects of a Range of Wavelengths and Intensities of Red/near-infrared Light Therapy on Oxidative Stress In Vitro

Published on: March 21, 2015

8.9K

Related Concept Videos

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...
15.2K
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,...
15.4K
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,...
12.6K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.9K
Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria01:19

Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria

Mitochondrial precursors are translocated to the internal subcompartments via independent mechanisms involving distinct protein machineries called translocases.
Sorting of outer membrane proteins:
Mitochondrial outer membrane proteins are of two types: the transmembrane, beta-barrel porins, and the membrane-anchored, alpha-helical proteins. Beta-barrel porin precursors are translocated by the TOM complex and inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane by the SAM complex. In contrast,...
6.0K
The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane01:28

The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

The inner mitochondrial membrane is the primary site of ATP synthesis. The inner membrane domain that forms a smooth layer adjacent to the outer membrane is called the inner boundary membrane. This domain contains membrane transporters that drive metabolites in and out of the mitochondria.  In contrast, the inner membrane network that invaginates into the matrix space is called the cristae membrane. This domain accounts for principle mitochondrial function as it accommodates the protein...
3.7K