부산대학교 도서관

Recent advances highlight the role of mitochondrial dynamics proteins and mitochondrial fusion/fission in cell physiology and diverse human pathologies. Significant progress in structural and biochemical investigations has illuminated the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial fusion and fission that will inform rational strategies for drug targeting. Small molecules targeting mitochondrial dynamics proteins have demonstrated promising pharmacological activity and highlight the druggability of these proteins. Pharmacological restoration of deregulated mitochondrial dynamics decreased the progression of various pathologies. The importance of mitochondrial dynamics, the physiological process of mitochondrial fusion and fission, in regulating diverse cellular functions and cellular fitness has been well established. Several pathologies are associated with aberrant mitochondrial fusion or fission that is often a consequence of deregulated mitochondrial dynamics proteins; however, pharmacological targeting of these proteins has been lacking and is challenged by complex molecular mechanisms. Recent studies have advanced our understanding in this area and have enabled rational drug design and chemical screening strategies. We provide an updated overview of the regulatory mechanisms of fusion and fission proteins, their structure–function relationships, and the discovery of pharmacological modulators demonstrating their therapeutic potential. These advances provide exciting opportunities for the development of prototype therapeutics for various diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]