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Review
. 2015 Nov;1847(11):1347-53.
doi: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2015.05.022. Epub 2015 Jun 4.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in aging: Much progress but many unresolved questions

Brendan A I Payne  1 , Patrick F Chinnery  2
Affiliations
Review

Mitochondrial dysfunction in aging: Much progress but many unresolved questions

Brendan A I Payne et al. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2015 Nov.

Abstract

The free radical theory of aging is almost 60 years old. As mitochondria are the principle source of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), this hypothesis suggested a central role for the mitochondrion in normal mammalian aging. In recent years, however, much work has questioned the importance of mitochondrial ROS in driving aging. Conversely new evidence points to other facets of mitochondrial dysfunction which may nevertheless suggest the mitochondrion retains a critical role at the center of a complex web of processes leading to cellular and organismal aging.

Keywords: Aging; DNA; Mitochondrial.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The sedentary elderly mitochondrion. Schematic shows key mitochondrial changes in a sedentary elderly individual. Solid arrows indicate likely casual relationships, whereas dashed arrows are more speculative relationships. Green boxes indicate those processes which are likely to be subject to improvement by endurance exercise or increased physical activity. Panel insert shows the expected decline in mitochondrial capacity with age in active and sedentary individuals.
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