Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the role of mitochondria as central regulators of cellular homeostasis and key contributors to disease development and drug-induced toxicities. Across a wide range of disorders affecting the nervous, cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, and reproductive systems, mitochondrial dysfunction represents a common pathological denominator. Core mechanisms include impaired bioenergetics, oxidative and nitrosative stress, dysregulated calcium signaling, altered mitochondrial dynamics, defective mitophagy, and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and inflammation.

Given their pivotal role in these processes, mitochondria have emerged as attractive therapeutic targets in molecular and translational pharmacology. Growing pharmacological evidence supports the development of strategies aimed at preserving or restoring mitochondrial function to prevent disease progression and mitigate drug-related adverse effects.

This Special Issue aims to provide an overview of mitochondrial-related signaling pathways, emerging biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction, and pharmacological interventions targeting mitochondrial integrity and function. Particular emphasis is placed on translational and preclinical studies, including natural bioactive compounds, synthetic and repurposed drugs, and mitochondria-targeted therapeutic approaches.

By bringing together original research articles and reviews, this Special Issue seeks to promote innovation in mitochondria-centered pharmacological research and further advance our knowledge of this subject.

We invite the submission of original research articles and reviews relevant to this theme.

Prof. Dalia O. Saleh
Guest Editor