Mitochondrial abnormalities in neurological disorders

Mitochondria are essential organelles to physiological brain function. Their dysfunctions have been extensively associated with diverse neurological disorders. In this chapter, mitochondrial function and metabolism, including the organelle structure, biogenesis, fission, fusion, and mitophagy, are first reviewed under physiological conditions. The involvement of mitochondria in brain and aging is also briefly summarized. Lastly, reports of mitochondrial abnormalities in the pathological mechanisms of various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy, are reviewed. By the end of the chapter, numerous evidences are provided that corroborate the involvement of diverse mitochondrial pathways in these diseases, which can be explored for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.