Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2025

Author Spotlight: Decoding Mitochondrial Aging
Published on: June 30, 2023
Mitochondria in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on Mitophagy
Jangampalli Adi Pradeepkiran1, Javaria Baig1, Ashley Seman1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β and phosphorylated τ protein aggregates in the brain, which leads to the loss of neurons. Under the microscope, the function of mitochondria is uniquely primed to play a pivotal role in neuronal cell survival, energy metabolism, and cell death. Research studies indicate that mitochondrial dysfunction, excessive oxidative damage, and defective mitophagy in neurons are early indicators of AD. This review article summarizes the latest development of mitochondria in AD: 1) disease mechanism pathways, 2) the importance of mitochondria in neuronal functions, 3) metabolic pathways and functions, 4) the link between mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy mechanisms in AD, and 5) the development of potential mitochondrial-targeted therapeutics and interventions to treat patients with AD.
Related Concept Videos
Mitochondria
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria
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,...
Mitochondrial Membranes
The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...

