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Updated: Mar 18, 2026
07:47
Analysis of Brain Mitochondria Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy
Published on: July 9, 2016
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Neuronal mitochondrial dynamics: roles in brain disorders and therapeutic potential
Xing-Xian Zhang1, Jia-Min Du1,2, Shen-Zhan Wang1
1Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
Acta Pharmacologica Sinica
|March 17, 2026
Summary
Mitochondrial dynamics are crucial for brain health. Imbalances in these processes contribute to brain disorders, but targeting them offers promising therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mitochondrial dynamics, encompassing fission, fusion, transport, and mitophagy, are vital for neuronal homeostasis.
- Dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics is increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of various brain disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the molecular mechanisms governing mitochondrial dynamics.
- To clarify the role of mitochondrial dynamics in essential neuronal functions.
- To examine the impact of disrupted mitochondrial dynamics on synaptic function and neuronal injury in brain diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on mitochondrial dynamics.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial fission, fusion, transport, and mitophagy.
- Evaluation of studies linking mitochondrial dynamics to synaptic transmission, vesicle recycling, and calcium buffering.
- Assessment of evidence for mitochondrial dynamics dysfunction in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.
- Review of emerging pharmacological and genetic therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial dynamics.
Main Results:
- Mitochondrial dynamics are fundamental to neuronal function, influencing synaptic transmission, vesicle recycling, and calcium buffering.
- Disruptions in mitochondrial dynamics lead to synaptic dysfunction and neuronal injury, contributing to neurodegeneration and psychiatric conditions.
- Targeting mitochondrial dynamics presents a promising avenue for novel therapeutic interventions in brain disorders.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondrial dynamics play a critical role in maintaining brain health.
- Imbalances in mitochondrial dynamics are key contributors to the pathophysiology of brain disorders.
- Therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating mitochondrial dynamics hold significant potential for treating neurological and psychiatric conditions.
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