Mitophagy in Neurodegeneration and Aging

Fivenson EM, et al. Mitophagy in Neurodegeneration and Aging. Neurochem Int. 2017;109:202-209.

Link to Original Publication: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5565781/

myAACD Summary:

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in the onset of age-related diseases, including cognitive conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The maintenance of mitochondrial health is tightly controlled by processes such as mitophagy. Previous studies across species highlight that mitophagy is a sophisticated cellular process that regulates the recycling of mitochondria. Strategies to target healthy mitophagy in older adults may have beneficial effects. 

This paper reviews mitophagy pathways and discusses the role of reduced mitophagy in
hallmarks of aging, such as genomic instability, as well as clinical conditions such as cognitive decline. The potential use of compounds that induce mitophagy, such as NAD+ precursors and Urolithin A (a metabolite derived from pomegranates), is considered along with emerging research in the field.