Crucial to the task of preventing or reducing the burden of neurodegenerative diseases is the ability to elucidate the mechanisms that precipitate the degeneration of brain cells. There is overwhelming evidence implicating mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. The realization that mitochondria are at the intersection of cells’ life and death has made them a promising target for drug discovery and therapeutic interventions. Additionally, the phenomenon of oxidative damage and death of brain cells has also received considerable attention in the search for efficacious therapies for the management of neurodegenerative conditions. This Research Topic in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience is aimed to review and discuss the most relevant data concerning the relationship between mitochondria, oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Further, the pros and cons of mitochondria and/or oxidative stress as therapeutic targets will be debated.
Crucial to the task of preventing or reducing the burden of neurodegenerative diseases is the ability to elucidate the mechanisms that precipitate the degeneration of brain cells. There is overwhelming evidence implicating mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. The realization that mitochondria are at the intersection of cells’ life and death has made them a promising target for drug discovery and therapeutic interventions. Additionally, the phenomenon of oxidative damage and death of brain cells has also received considerable attention in the search for efficacious therapies for the management of neurodegenerative conditions. This Research Topic in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience is aimed to review and discuss the most relevant data concerning the relationship between mitochondria, oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Further, the pros and cons of mitochondria and/or oxidative stress as therapeutic targets will be debated.