We are excited to share a new publication from the Friedland Lab:

“Improving Mitochondrial Function: Current Therapeutic Perspectives in Neurodegenerative Diseases”
by Julia Brechtel, Christine Lietz, Selin Akpinar Adscheid, and Kristina Friedland.

In this review, we highlight mitochondrial dysfunction as a key contributor to neurodegeneration and pathological aging in disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. We discuss how impaired energy production, oxidative stress, disrupted mitophagy, and altered mitochondrial dynamics contribute to neuronal vulnerability and disease progression. In addition, we summarize current and emerging mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies, including phytochemicals, small molecules, lifestyle-based interventions, and innovative next-generation approaches, highlighting their potential to restore mitochondrial function and support future disease-modifying therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.

Scientific abstract for our article:
Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered one of the key drivers of neurodegeneration and pathological aging, characterized by impaired energy production, oxidative stress, disrupted mitophagy, and biogenesis. Because mitochondria regulate bioenergetics, redox balance, and neuronal survival, therapeutic strategies that restore mitochondrial integrity are of growing interest. This review outlines mechanisms of mitochondrial function and failure, links them to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and summarizes evidence on phytochemicals and mitochondria-targeted small molecules, which enhance biogenesis, mitophagy, respiratory efficiency, and antioxidant defence in preclinical models together with lifestyle interventions. Although many compounds demonstrate preventive rather than restorative benefit and clinical evidence remains limited, next-generation approaches, including nanoparticles for mitochondrial delivery, mtDNA editing, and mitochondrial transfer, suggest increasing therapeutic potential. We underline that future success will rely on improved delivery, synergistic combinations, and rigorous clinical trials. Mitochondria-directed therapies may ultimately provide disease-modifying or preventive strategies for neurodegenerative disorders.

The article is available online: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2026.108227