Prof. Volkmar Weissig's Interview: Is it time for mitochondria to take centre stage?
It is a great pleasure to announce that the interview of Professor Volkmar Weissig, president of the World Mitochondria Society, has been published in Presciber Journal.
In his interview, Prof. Weissig discusses the profound impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on human health. He highlights a landmark case from the 1950s that first linked malfunctioning mitochondria to human disease, spurring extensive research over subsequent decades.
"There may not be any disease that does not, in one way or another, involve dysfunctional mitochondria".
Prof. Weissig elaborates on the widespread prevalence of primary mitochondrial disorders (PMDs) and the role of dysfunctional mitochondria in common diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. He emphasizes the critical importance of mitochondria in cellular energy production and their involvement in numerous physiological and pathological processes.
The interview also highlights the historical evolution of mitochondrial research, from their identification as the "powerhouse of the cell" to their recent recognition as crucial players in immunity and cellular signaling. Prof. Weissig shares insights into innovative therapeutic approaches, including gene therapy and mitochondrial transplantation, that hold promise for treating mitochondrial diseases.
This interview sheds light on the essential role of mitochondria in health and disease and highlights ongoing efforts to translate mitochondrial research into clinical therapies, aiming to improve the quality of life for patients with mitochondrial disorders.
Read the full interview: https://doi.org/10.1002/psb.2128.
