Mitochondrial dynamics pathway

Mitochondrial dynamics refers to the regulated processes of fission (division) and fusion (joining) of mitochondria, as well as their transport and turnover (mitophagy), which are critical for mitochondrial function, cellular energy production, quality control, and cell fate. These processes are orchestrated by key GTPase proteins (DRP1, MFN1, MFN2, OPA1) and their adaptors, whose activity is tightly controlled by cellular signaling and whose dysfunction is implicated in a wide range of human diseases including cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic syndrome[1][2][3][4][5][7][8]. While several components of mitochondrial dynamics present promising drug targets, the pathway itself is a system-level process and not a singular molecular entity.

Other names

Mitochondrial fusion-fission pathwayMitochondrial dynamicsMitochondrial quality control pathway

Inhibition of GTPase activity of fusion/fission proteins (e.g., DRP1, OPA1) Modulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation Scavenging of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) Promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis (e.g., via PGC-1α activation) Modulation of mitochondrial quality control and apoptotic signaling