Mitochondrial complex I in focus: mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of urinary system diseases

Recent research findings on the role of mitochondrial complex I (CI) in promoting renal cell carcinoma metastasis have been published in Nature. Mitochondria, as essential intracellular organelles in mammalian cells, play a pivotal role in orchestrating biological oxidation processes and are crucial for maintaining cellular metabolic homeostasis. Severe mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly involving CI, can lead to the development of urinary system diseases by initiating a cascade of events such as inflammation, impaired mitochondrial autophagy, and related processes. This article explores the involvement of CI in the pathogenesis and progression of urinary system diseases. It begins by introducing fundamental theories related to CI research in urinary system diseases, including its evolution, structure, function, and role in cellular metabolism. The epidemiology of CI-associated urinary system diseases, encompassing both neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions and their associated risk factors, is subsequently discussed. The article further elaborates on the pathological mechanisms, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic strategies targeting CI in these diseases. In conclusion, this review addresses the controversies and future directions within this research domain, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the CI in urinary system diseases. It also emphasizes potential avenues for future research and translational applications.