mdivi-1

Mdivi-1 is a **cell-permeable small molecule** widely used as a research tool and putative **selective inhibitor of mitochondrial fission**. It was originally characterized as an inhibitor of the **dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)** GTPase, a key mediator of mitochondrial division/fission in yeast and mammalian cells. Mdivi-1 was observed to inhibit Drp1/Dnm1-mediated mitochondrial fission, promote mitochondrial elongation, and suppress apoptotic events such as mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and cytochrome c release. More recent studies show Mdivi-1 also **reversibly inhibits mitochondrial respiratory chain Complex I**, impacting mitochondrial respiration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, at concentrations used to inhibit fission. Its action on Complex I is independent of Drp1 and may explain many reported biological effects. Mdivi-1 demonstrates **neuroprotective** and **cytoprotective** roles in preclinical models of **ischemic stroke**, **neurodegenerative diseases** (such as Huntington’s and Parkinson’s), **cardiac injury**, and certain **cancers** by protecting mitochondria, reducing apoptosis, and attenuating oxidative stress. Mdivi-1 is not clinically approved and is used exclusively in research settings[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

mitochondrial division inhibitor 1