Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
08:40
In Vitro and In Vivo Detection of Mitophagy in Human Cells, C. Elegans, and Mice
Published on: November 22, 2017
18.2K
Mitophagy in Age-Dependent Neurodegeneration.
V S Sukhorukov1,2, A V Egorova1,2, A S Romanenko1,2
1Russian Center of Neurology and Neurosciences, Moscow, 125367 Russia.
Acta Naturae
|January 2, 2026
Summary
Mitophagy, a cellular process, declines with brain aging, worsening mitochondrial dysfunction and increasing neurodegenerative disease risk. Understanding mitophagy pathways is key for developing new therapies for conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Neuronal damage during aging is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Neurons' high energy demand makes them susceptible to age-related oxidative stress and metabolic issues.
- Mitophagy maintains functional mitochondria by removing damaged organelles, preventing dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular and signaling pathways of mitophagy.
- To examine mitophagy dysregulation during physiological and pathological brain aging.
- To identify potential pharmaceutical targets for neurodegenerative diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of molecular and signaling pathways.
- Analysis of mitophagy's role in aging processes.
- Examination of links to neurodegenerative diseases.
Main Results:
- Brain aging is associated with reduced metabolic activity and increased mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Impaired mitophagy contributes to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Dysregulation of mitophagy pathways is evident in both normal and pathological aging.
Conclusions:
- Mitophagy plays a critical role in neuronal health during aging.
- Altered mitophagy contributes to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease pathogenesis.
- Targeting mitophagy pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies for age-related neurodegeneration.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Autophagy
5.6K
Autophagy is a self-digesting process by which a cell protects itself from threats both within and outside the cell, ranging from abnormal proteins to invading bacteria. In this process, obsolete components of the cell and invading microbes are degraded by hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment of the lysosomal lumen.
An autophagic pathway consists of a series of signaling events activated in response to diverse stress and physiological conditions such as food deprivation,...
An autophagic pathway consists of a series of signaling events activated in response to diverse stress and physiological conditions such as food deprivation,...
5.6K
01:37Mitochondria
19.5K
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,...
19.5K
01:36Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome
8.7K
Eukaryotic cells use different mechanisms to eliminate toxic waste obsolete and worn-out substances. Lysosomes play a pivotal role in this, and hence, these substances are carried to the lysosome from other parts of the cell and extracellular space through different pathways. The most elaborately studied pathways to the lysosome are the endocytic pathways.
Endocytosis
In endocytosis, the cell membrane takes up macromolecules and particles from the surrounding medium. Clathrin-mediated...
Endocytosis
In endocytosis, the cell membrane takes up macromolecules and particles from the surrounding medium. Clathrin-mediated...
8.7K
01:18Autophagic Cell Death
4.3K
Christian de Duve discovered “autophagy,” a process in which cellular components are engulfed by membrane-bound organelles called autophagosomes. The autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes to digest the enclosed contents. Autophagy is generally activated in cells to prevent cell death. However, cell death is triggered when the damage is beyond repair.
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and...
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and...
4.3K
01:19Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria
11.8K
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,...
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,...
11.8K