Joost bonsen mitochondrial disease

Over the past three decades, mitochondria have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for common diseases, driven by substantial advancements in both mitochondrial biology and clinical research.^1,2,3 (See Fig.

1) Evolving from their bacterial ancestor, mitochondria have retained a limited yet unique genomic material known as the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), capable of self-replication and encoding indispensable constituents of respiratory complexes located on the inner mitochondrial membrane.^4,5,6 Thus, as essential endosymbionts within eukaryotic cells, mitochondria are recognized as the powerhouses orchestrating cellular activities.^7,8 This central function is well-established on the electrochemical gradient generated by the respiratory chain.^6,9,10 Mitochondria also play critical roles in mediating lipid metabolism, Ca²⁺ homeostasis, and apoptosis.^2,11 The concept of mitochondrial dysfuncti