Abstract
In the past 16 years, research on mitophagy has increasingly expanded to a wider range of subjects. Therefore, comprehensively analyzing the relevant progress and development trends on mitophagy research requires specific methods. To assess the hotspots, directions, and quality of results in this field worldwide, we used multiple tools to examine research progress and growing trends in research on the matter during the last 16 years (from 2005 to 2020). We also compared the quantity and quality of the literature records on mitophagy published by research institutions in China and other developed countries, reviewed China’s contribution, and examined the gap between China and these developed countries. According to the results of our bibliometric analysis, the United States and its research institutes published the most papers. We identified cell biology as the most commonly researched subject on mitophagy and AUTOPHAGY as the most popular journal for research on mitophagy. We also listed the most cited documents from around the world and China. With gradually increased funding, China is progressively becoming prominent in the field of mitophagy; nevertheless, the gap between her and major countries in the world must be closed.
Highlights
Mitochondria, complex organelles in the cell, keep complex organisms alive and are important biochemical metabolism centers of cells (Zilocchi et al, 2019)
From 2005 to 2020, a total of 5,829 and 5,338 papers on mitophagy were recorded in the web of science (WOS) and PubMed databases, respectively, based on the above retrieval strategy
Our inquiry revealed that researchers from 137 countries were involved in scientific studies on mitochondrial autophagy
Summary
Mitochondria, complex organelles in the cell, keep complex organisms alive and are important biochemical metabolism centers of cells (Zilocchi et al, 2019). Cells develop complex and interconnected regulatory pathways to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis by balancing mitochondrial biogenesis and clearing out damaged mitochondria. Signaling pathways that regulate mitochondrial homeostasis are crucial to cell survival, and their dysfunction is closely associated with aging and the occurrence and development of major diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases (Pamenter et al, 2018; Iwata, 2019). Mitophagy is a form of autophagy that mediates the removal of defective or redundant mitochondria (Doxaki and Palikaras 2020; Wang et al, 2021). It is the only known way to selectively remove entire mitochondria (D’Acunzo et al, 2019). Mitophagy can inhibit the production of excessive reactive oxygen species and retain valuable nutrients (such as oxygen) so that they are not consumed inefficiently, promoting cell survival under various pathological conditions (Cai et al, 2012; Salimi et al, 2019; Ye et al, 2019)
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