Unsolved mysteries and controversies of mitochondria in the heart – A virtual special issue in JMCC: Part II

Abstract

Five years ago, JMCC published a special issue that reviewed a number of exciting advancements in basic and translational research of mitochondrial biology [ [1] Murphy E. Solving mitochondrial mysteries. J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol. 2015; 78: 1-2 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (7) Google Scholar ]. It seemed that, with these breakthrough discoveries, many mysteries surrounding mitochondrial function and regulation were solved or could be solved by now. Undoubtedly, tremendous progress has been made during the past few years from widespread cutting-edge investigations on this research area; nevertheless, mysteries and controversies remain in several critical questions. New evidence either challenged the previous conclusions or introduced alternative explanations for established theories. Therefore, it is pertinent and valuable to the scientific community that we bring forth the current state of a few questions in mitochondria research and their controversies and future perspectives. In this “virtual” special issue, we invite experts in the mitochondrial research field to write short reviews or viewpoint articles on several topics that are being debated. Specifically, we focus on: (1) the still elusive molecular identity of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) and its seemingly paradoxical roles in regulating physiological cell energetics/metabolism and pathological cell injury/death; (2) the confusions regarding the physiological functions of mitochondrial calcium uniporter in cardiac energetics; (3) the opposite views over whether increased or decreased mitochondrial calcium underlies oxidative stress in the failing heart; (4) the intertwined canonical and non-canonical functions of mitochondrial dynamics proteins and their participation in disease development. Taken together, this special issue will serve as a platform for the “virtual conversation and debate” among investigators with different or complementary opinions on these critical topics. The goals are to foster collaboration and stimulate innovative ideas on the new frontiers and hot topics in cardiovascular mitochondrial research.