Mitochondrial Behavior in Axon Degeneration and Regeneration

Mitochondria are essential for neurons due to their high energy consumption, playing a key role in bioenergetic metabolism, calcium homeostasis, and signal transmission. Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs early in axon degeneration, involving oxidative stress, energy deficiency, imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics, defects in transport, and mitophagy dysregulation. Restoring defective mitochondria by enhancing transport, clearing reactive oxidative species (ROS), and improving bioenergetics can greatly contribute to axon regeneration.

• 1
  Aging is associated with mitochondrial transport, with changes in Mfn2 expression affecting mitochondrial morphology and transport in glaucoma.
• 2
  Traumatic brain injury leads to axonal damage and mitochondrial dysfunction due to calcium influx, causing damaged mitochondria and a disorganized cytoskeleton.
• 3
  Spinal cord injury induces mitochondrial permeability transition pores opening, impairing ATP synthesis and releasing ROS and pro-apoptotic proteins.