title: Mitochondrial dynamics in peripheral neuropathies.
abstract: CONCLUSIONS
  Mitochondrial dynamics describes the continuous change in the position, size, and shape of mitochondria within cells. The morphological and functional complexity of neurons, the remarkable length of their processes, and the rapid changes in metabolic requirements arising from their intrinsic excitability render these cells particularly dependent on effective mitochondrial function and positioning. The rules that govern these changes and their functional significance are not fully understood, yet the dysfunction of mitochondrial dynamics has been implicated as a pathogenetic factor in a number of diseases, including disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  In recent years, a number of mutations of genes encoding proteins that play important roles in mitochondrial dynamics and function have been discovered in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a hereditary peripheral neuropathy. These findings have directly linked mitochondrial pathology to the pathology of peripheral nerve and have identified certain aspects of mitochondrial dynamics as potential early events in the pathogenesis of CMT. In addition, mitochondrial dysfunction has now been implicated in the pathogenesis of noninherited neuropathies, including diabetic and inflammatory neuropathies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The role of mitochondria in peripheral nerve diseases has been mostly examined in vitro, and less so in animal models.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This review examines available evidence for the role of mitochondrial dynamics in the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathies, their relevance in human diseases, and future challenges for research in this field.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology , Queen Square, London, United Kingdom .
authors.forename: Marija
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sajic
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D063154:Mitochondrial Dynamics; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*