Abstract:
Cellular stress is a common feature of various diseases and aging, leading to impaired cellular function, damage, and, ultimately, disease progression. Mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, play a central role in maintaining cellular homeostasis but are also significantly affected by stress conditions. Recent research has revealed that mitochondrial morphology, especially their elongation, is crucial for maintaining mitochondrial function and overall cellular health.
In this review, we explore the concept of targeting mitochondrial elongation as a potential therapeutic intervention to mitigate cellular stress. We will discuss the mechanisms linking mitochondrial elongation to stress resistance, including enhancing oxidative phosphorylation, reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), maintaining mitochondrial DNA integrity, and promoting mitophagy.
Furthermore, we will provide an overview of pharmacological agents, genetic manipulations, and lifestyle interventions that have shown promise in inducing mitochondrial elongation and improving cellular stress tolerance. Understanding the role of mitochondrial elongation in cellular stress and exploring therapeutic strategies to enhance it could lead to novel interventions for a wide range of age-related diseases and conditions associated with cellular stress.
Keywords: Mitochondrial elongation; cellular stress; mitochondria; oxidative stress; mitophagy; therapeutic intervention.
