Molecular Mechanisms of Mitophagy in Cardiac Health and Disease

Mitophagy, a specialized autophagic process, is essential for maintaining mitochondrial quality control by selectively degrading damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria. This process is crucial for cellular functions such as ATP generation, calcium homeostasis, oxidative stress response, and apoptosis. The myocardium, being a highly oxidative metabolic tissue, relies heavily on mitochondrial function to maintain optimal heart performance. Disruption of mitophagy and the subsequent accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria is implicated in the pathophysiology of various cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of mitophagy in cardiovascular health, yet significant gaps remain in understanding the precise molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways involved. Addressing these gaps is critical for developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting mitophagy to treat cardiovascular diseases.This Research Topic aims to elucidate the most recent advances and novel findings on mitophagy regulation and its role in cardiovascular disease. The primary objectives include identifying the molecular components that regulate the mitochondrial degradation system and understanding their impact on cardiac homeostasis and stress responses. By exploring these areas, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets for drug development and discovery, ultimately contributing to improved cardiovascular health outcomes.To gather further insights into the role of mitophagy in cardiovascular health, we welcome Original Research, Reviews, and Mini Reviews addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Molecular mechanisms of mitophagy in cardiac cells, including PINK1/Parkin-dependent and receptor-mediated pathways• Role of mitophagy in myocardial infarction and cardiomyopathy• Impact of oxidative stress on mitophagy regulation• Therapeutic potential of targeting mitophagy in heart failure• Interplay between mitophagy and other cellular processes in the heart, such as inflammation, metabolic reprogramming, and cell death pathways• Novel biomarkers for mitophagy-related cardiovascular diseases• Drug development strategies focusing on mitophagy modulation• Advances in imaging and methodological approaches for assessing mitophagy in cardiac tissue• Role of mitophagy in aging-related cardiac decline Topic editors: Vijay Ganta, Suowen Xu, Qingchun Zeng, Irene Sambri, Martina Semenzato Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79764/molecular-mechanisms-of-mitophagy-in-cardiac-health-and-disease