Targeting allotopic material to the mitochondrial compartment: new tools for better understanding mitochondrial physiology and prospect for therapy

Abstract : Mitochondrial disorders can not be ignored anymore in most medical areas. They include specific and widespread organ involvement, with tissue degeneration or tumor formation, being the target of numerous viruses, e.g. the HIV. Primary or secondary actors, mitochondrial dysfunctions are also supposedly playing a role in the ageing process. Despite the progresses made in the identification of their molecular bases, nearly all remains to be done as regards therapy. Research dealing with mitochondrial physiology and pathology has a long history in France and is thus not a surprise if four French teams, coming from these fundamental domains, are involved in the challenge to find ways to fight these diseases. The directions described are working tracks which promise to be long and full of pitfalls. Being original, they share a part of risk and uncertainty, but they are also with great potential with high stakes if considering the impact of these diseases