Pharmaceutical Roots to Mitochondrial Routes: Targeting Neurodegeneration

Mitochondria besides being the powerhouse of the cell are also involved in performing a multitude of critical cellular functions. Any failure in maintenance of these organelles is implicated in multiple human pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders. Over the past two decades, significant efforts have been made to investigate the pharmacodynamic propensity of various potential compounds, which could be engaged as efficient therapeutic approach in modulating mitochondrial dynamics during neuronal dysfunctions.

This review comprehensively overviews the contribution of potential compounds that could be employed as mitochondrial medicine in reversing neurological pathologies, with special focus on their significant roles as: metabolic antioxidants, conjugated molecules for mitochondrial function modulation, mitochondrial targeted peptides, optogenetic based induction of the mitochondria, potential mitochondrial biomarkers and other advanced transportation systems for mitochondrial delivery to brain.

The manuscript discusses the mechanism of action of potential compounds (natural and pharmacologically synthesized), and other advance approaches that could efficiently modulate mitochondrial machinery in terms of regulating mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy, bioenergetics pathways, oxidative stress, calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial DNA stability.

The optimal maintenance of mitochondrial dynamics offered by variety of mitochondria targeting compounds highlights their prospective value for considering them as futuristic neurotherapeutic agents, which could be considered in managing neurodegenerative conditions.