Mitochondria: the cell powerhouse and nexus of stress

Mitochondria, sub-cellular organelles originated from primary endosymbiosis, play a vital role in the energy metabolism of eukaryotic cells. Despite many aspects of ATP synthesis have been delineated, regulatory mechanisms responsible for energy synthesis and transfer still remain to be uncovered. In addition to production of energy, mitochondria play a crucial role in entire cell metabolism under both physiological and pathological conditions through their participation in cell death, ion homeostasis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, redox signaling as well as various intracellular signaling pathways. Studies over the last 30 years provide strong evidence that mitochondria are the nexus of various stresses which initiate cell death. The Research Topic “Mitochondria: the cell powerhouse and nexus of stress” presents state-of-the-art studies in mitochondrial research performed by prominent experts from different laboratories around the world. All 13 original research and review articles presented in the topic are dedicated to several aspects of mitochondriology including morphology, dynamics, metabolism, function, and regulation of these organelles under normal and pathophysiological conditions.