Mitochondrial integrity

Mitochondrial integrity refers to the structural and functional stability of the mitochondria, which is essential for maintaining cellular energy production and metabolic homeostasis (Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 2018). This physiological state is defined by the maintenance of an electrochemical gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane (mitochondrial membrane potential) and the physical enclosure of pro-apoptotic factors such as cytochrome c (PubMed, PMID: 31065101). Loss of mitochondrial integrity is a hallmark of various pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease), cardiovascular conditions (e.g., ischemia-reperfusion injury), and general aging (Science, 2015). Although it is a physiological state rather than a single molecular entity, preserving mitochondrial integrity is a major therapeutic objective in drug discovery. Pharmacological interventions aim to maintain this integrity by stabilizing mitochondrial membranes, inhibiting the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), or protecting mitochondrial DNA from oxidative damage (Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2014). For example, elamipretide (SS-31) binds specifically to cardiolipin within the inner mitochondrial membrane to optimize electron transport chain function and prevent the collapse of mitochondrial cristae structure (Biochemical Pharmacology, 2020).

Other names

Mitochondrial healthMitochondrial stabilityMitochondrial homeostasisMitochondrial membrane integrity

Stabilization of cardiolipin-containing membranes, inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, reduction of mitochondrial oxidative stress, and enhancement of electron transport chain efficiency (Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2014; Nature Reviews Cardiology, 2019).