Astrocytic mitochondrial frataxin-A promising target for ischemic brain injury

CNS Neurosci Ther. 2023 Mar;29(3):783-788. doi: 10.1111/cns.14068. Epub 2022 Dec 22.

Abstract

In the ischemic brain, hypoxia leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, insufficient energy production, and astrocyte activation. Yet, most studies investigating mitochondrial dysfunction in cerebral ischemia have focused exclusively on neurons. This review will highlight the importance of the morphological, molecular, and functional heterogeneity of astrocytes in their role in brain injuries and explore how activated astrocytes exhibit calcium imbalance, reactive oxygen species overproduction, and apoptosis. In addition, special focus will be given to the role of the mitochondrial protein frataxin in activated astrocytes during ischemia and its putative role in the pharmacological management of cerebral ischemia.

Keywords: astrocytes; frataxin; ischemia; mitochondria.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytes / metabolism
  • Brain Injuries / drug therapy
  • Brain Injuries / metabolism
  • Brain Ischemia* / drug therapy
  • Brain Ischemia* / metabolism
  • Frataxin
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / physiology
  • Mitochondrial Proteins* / drug effects
  • Mitochondrial Proteins* / metabolism

Substances

  • Mitochondrial Proteins