Lead researcher
Dr Bryan Leaw
Main finding
Mitochondria are fast emerging as playing crucial roles in the pathogenesis of perinatal brain injury. Here we present published pathways on their involvement in cell death, excitotoxicity, as well as how impairments in normal mitochondria processes such as autophagy, mitophagy, biogenesis and fusion/fission can result or contribute to a disease state. Finally, we review current and future therapies targeting these pathways.
Centre
The Ritchie Centre
Research group
Fetal and Neonatal Health
Journal and article title
Most surprising
Multiple therapies targeting mitochondria are already in clinical trials, with some showing early promise. There are a myriad of experimental therapies being assessed at both the in vitro and in vivo level that could ultimately prove to have clinical efficacy.
Future implications
There are many new avenues for reducing the impact of perinatal brain injury and subsequent complications later in life.
Disease/health impact
Perinatal brain injury
