Mitochondria as Central Regulators of Human Physiology and Disease: Implications for Immunity, Neurological Function, Sensory Systems, and Cellular Homeostasis
Abstract Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles best known for generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through oxidative phosphorylation, but their functions extend far beyond energy production. They regulate apoptosis, calcium homeostasis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, innate immune responses, and cellular metabolism, making them central coordinators of cellular function. Because tissues with high metabolic demands rely heavily on mitochondrial ATP, impaired mitochondrial function contributes to the development of disorders affecting the nervous, immune, muscular, cardiovascular, lymphatic, endocrine, sensory, and integumentary systems. This review examines the diverse roles of mitochondria in host–pathogen interactions, cerebrospinal fluid physiology, glymphatic and lymphatic function, skeletal muscle performance, skin homeostasis, histamine metabolism, psoriasis, vision, hearing, endocrine physiology, and mitochondrial genetics. Understanding these interconnected path...