Melatonin in Neuroprotection: Mechanisms, Mitochondria, and Therapeutic Potential
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409). This special issue belongs to the section "Mitochondria".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 254
Special Issue Editors
Interests: cerebral hypoxia/ischemia; neuronal death and regeneration; neuroprotection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: brain ischemic injury; neurodegeneration; neuroprotection; neurogenesis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: melatonin; hypertension; renal disease; mitochondria; oxidative stress; neuroinflammation
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Neurodegenerative disorders encompass a range of conditions marked by the progressive loss of neurons, leading to severe disability. Based on their onset and progression, they are primarily categorized as acute forms, which generally have a sudden onset (such as stroke or traumatic brain injury), or chronic forms, which progress slowly (such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Multiple Sclerosis). Despite differences in onset and pace, these forms share common key pathological features, including mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and protein misfolding.
Melatonin has emerged as a multifaceted neuroprotective agent whose actions extend far beyond its canonical role in circadian regulation. Increasing evidence reveals that melatonin exerts potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, with mitochondria representing a primary target of its protective activity. By stabilizing mitochondrial membranes, enhancing electron transport chain efficiency, and reducing reactive oxygen species generation, melatonin helps preserve cellular bioenergetics under pathological conditions. Moreover, its interaction with both membrane-bound receptors and receptor-independent pathways enables broad modulation of neuronal survival signaling. This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying melatonin’s neuroprotective actions, its role in mitochondrial integrity and quality control, and its translational potential in chronic and acute neurological disorders. Through this collection, we aim to deepen the understanding of melatonin’s biological versatility and highlight its promise as a therapeutic candidate for preserving neural function and combating neurodegeneration.
Dr. Walter Balduini
Dr. Silvia Carloni
Dr. Walter Manucha
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- neurodegenerative disorders
- melatonin, neuroprotection
- mitochondria
- oxidative stress
- neuroinflammation
- mitochondrial dynamics
- therapeutic potential
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