What role does mitochondrial stress play in neurodegenerative diseases?

The essential need for mitochondrial function has been extensively shown to relate to neuronal health. Neurodegeneration and neurodegeneration-related diseases have been associated with multiple mitochondrial dysfunctions. This review highlights key findings related to commonly studied mitochondrial dysfunctions: imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics, mutations in the mitochondrial genome, excessive reactive oxygen species, and misfolded protein associations/interactions with the mitochondria. Future research in mitochondrial function will help elucidate complex neurodegenerative events while impacting both individual and societal health.