Mitochondrial dynamics are essential for maintaining organelle stability and function. Through fission, fusion and mitophagic events, optimal populations of mitochondria are retained. Subsequently, alterations in such processes can have profound effects on the individual mitochondrion and the cell within which they reside. Neurons are post-mitotic energy-dependent cells and, as such, are particularly vulnerable to alterations in cellular bioenergetics and increased stress that may occur as a direct or indirect result of mitochondrial dysfunction. The trafficking of mitochondria to areas of higher energy requirements, such as synapses, where mitochondrial densities fluctuate, further highlights the importance of efficient mitochondrial dynamics in neurons. PD (Parkinson's disease) is a common progressive neurodegenerative disorder which is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons within the substantia nigra. Complex I, the largest of all of the components of the electron transport chain is heavily implicated in PD pathogenesis. The exact series of events that lead to cell loss, however, are not fully elucidated, but are likely to involve dysfunction of mitochondria, their trafficking and dynamics.
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December 2013
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Conference Article|
November 20 2013
Monitoring mitochondrial dynamics and complex I dysfunction in neurons: implications for Parkinson's disease
Eve M. Simcox;
Eve M. Simcox
*Newcastle University Centre for Brain Ageing and Vitality, Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K.
†Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K.
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Amy Reeve;
Amy Reeve
*Newcastle University Centre for Brain Ageing and Vitality, Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K.
†Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K.
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Doug Turnbull
Doug Turnbull
1
*Newcastle University Centre for Brain Ageing and Vitality, Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K.
†Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K.
1To whom correspondence should be addressed (emaildoug.turnbull@newcastle.ac.uk)
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Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
August 21 2013
Online ISSN: 1470-8752
Print ISSN: 0300-5127
© The Authors Journal compilation © 2013 Biochemical Society
2013
Biochem Soc Trans (2013) 41 (6): 1618–1624.
Article history
Received:
August 21 2013
Citation
Eve M. Simcox, Amy Reeve, Doug Turnbull; Monitoring mitochondrial dynamics and complex I dysfunction in neurons: implications for Parkinson's disease. Biochem Soc Trans 1 December 2013; 41 (6): 1618–1624. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20130189
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