This book provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in mitochondrial biology, highlighting their central roles in cellular function, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic development. Mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, are indispensable for generating the energy required to sustain a wide range of cellular and molecular processes. Beyond energy production, they are increasingly recognized as key regulators of cellular homeostasis, contributing to inter-organelle communication and controlling emerging forms of regulated cell death.

Growing evidence underscores the involvement of mitochondria in aging, exercise and in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including cardiovascular, neurological, renal, and muscular disorders. This volume examines how mitochondrial dysfunction drives disease initiation and progression, and highlights the importance of mitochondrial quality control processes such as mitophagy.

The book is organized into three sections. Section I addresses mitochondria-associated signaling pathways and their roles in disease-related dysfunction, tissue injury, and cell death, with particular emphasis on emerging forms of regulated cell death, including necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis. Section II explores the broader functions of mitochondria in cellular and molecular processes, such as metabolism, biogenesis, and mechanisms underlying tissue resilience. Section III focuses on mitochondrial dynamics in various disease contexts, illustrating how alterations in mitochondrial structure and function contribute to pathological outcomes.

Contributions from leading experts provide insights into innovative therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial pathways. These include approaches aimed at enhancing tissue resilience and addressing modifiable risk factors, particularly in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The volume also examines interactions between mitochondria and other organelles, such as the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum, via specialized contact sites that coordinate cellular activities. Key topics—including calcium signaling, mitochondrial protein biogenesis, and autophagy—are discussed in depth, emphasizing their roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis.

This volume is an essential resource for researchers, clinicians, and students in the biomedical sciences, offering an up-to-date understanding of mitochondrial function in health and disease and outlining promising avenues for future research and therapeutic innovation.

Dr. M.-Saadeh Suleiman PhD, DSc, is an Emeritus Professor of Cardiac Physiology at the Bristol Medical School at the University of Bristol. His research is focused on investigating cellular mechanisms underlying the damaging effects of cardiac insults to help in the design of novel cardio-protective interventions. His basic science research has uncovered important metabolic and ionic aspects relating to cardiac insults and protection, the role of cardiac amino acid transporters and the mitochondria. To achieve this, he has investigated cellular/molecular/structural/functional changes associated with heart failure in different experimental disease models. His clinically based research resulted in key findings including the preferential use of warm blood cardioplegia in coronary disease but not for valve disease. The research also showed that during paediatric heart surgery, the cardiac injury and recovery following ischaemic cardioplegic arrest is dependent on both age and cyanosis, and that cardiopulmonary bypass triggers reoxygenation injury in cyanotic patients. Conceived several clinical trials, provided the scientific rationale, participated in the design of the protocol, acted as chief scientific investigator, and supervised the associated laboratory work. Prof Suleiman is an elected Fellow of The Physiological Society, the European Society of Cardiology, the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences, and the Royal Society of Biology. He is a recipient of Benjamin Meaker's outgoing Professorship for Low- and Middle-Income Countries to establish links and provide advice and support.

Dr. Naranjan S. Dhalla PhD, MD (Hon), DSc (Hon), is a Distinguished Professor of Cardiovascular Sciences at the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba, he is a leading expert in the field of heart research, with a focus on understanding the causes of cardiac dysfunction. He has made significant contributions to our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying heart disease, including the role of oxidative stress, changes in gene expression, and intracellular calcium overload. One of the key findings of Dr. Dhalla's research is the connection between oxidative stress and the development of ischemia-reperfusion injury, a major cause of heart disease. He has also shown that catecholamines, which are hormones produced in response to stress, can cause cardiac dysfunction and lethal arrhythmias. Using cutting-edge research techniques, Dr. Dhalla has shed light on the complex interactions between the heart, its cells, and the signaling pathways that govern its function. His work has identified new targets for interventions, offering hope for the development of more effective therapies for heart disease.