Role of Mitochondria and ROS in Health and Disease—2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

Mitochondria perform a multitude of essential functions within eukaryotic cells and engage in extensive communication with virtually all other cellular organelles. Their primary role is to generate cellular energy through the process of oxidative phosphorylation. This process is intrinsically linked to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), molecules that have a hormetic behaviour. While excessive ROS can damage cellular components, including the mitochondria themselves, at controlled levels they serve as important regulators of cellular function.

Mitochondria possess an efficient and adaptable antioxidant defence system able to not only neutralise mitochondrial-derived ROS but also contribute to the detoxification of ROS from other intracellular sources, positioning mitochondria as key regulators of cellular redox homeostasis.

Controlled ROS production plays a critical role in cell signalling, acting as secondary messengers in a range of physiological processes, including adaptation to hypoxia, autophagy regulation, immune response modulation, cellular differentiation, longevity, and metabolic adaptation to physical activity.

Under pathological or stress-related conditions, ROS production can become excessive. This disrupts mitochondrial integrity and initiates a deleterious cycle wherein oxidative damage to components of the respiratory chain, and the Krebs cycle leads to further ROS overproduction. This positive feedback loop amplifies oxidative stress, resulting in widespread cellular injury and functional decline. The progressive accumulation of oxidative damage and loss of mitochondrial integrity are central to the development of numerous non-communicable diseases. These insights underscore the urgent need for a deeper understanding of ROS-related signalling pathways and the identification of strategic molecular targets for effective therapeutic intervention.

We invite you to submit to this second edition of the Special Issue your latest research or a review article aimed at elucidating the fundamental role of mitochondria in modulating cellular ROS dynamics. In addition, the Special Issue’s scope has been broadened to encompass the identification and characterisation of natural bioactive compounds derived from plant and animal-based food matrices that exhibit the capacity of modulating mitochondrial function.

Dr. Paola Venditti
Dr. Gaetana Napolitano
Dr. Gianluca Fasciolo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• ROS
• mitochondria
• antioxidants
• oxidative stress
• neurological diseases
• metabolic diseases
• retinal diseases
• mitochondrial disfunctions
• mitochondria endoplasmic reticulum communication
• mitochondrial bioenergetics
• ageing
• physical activity