Molecular mechanisms linking mitochondrial dysfunction to depression: recent progress

Depression, a prevalent mental disorder, remains incompletely understood in terms of its pathogenesis. Growing evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of depression. As the primary energy producers of cells, dysfunctional mitochondria exhibit impaired energy metabolism, mitochondrial autophagy imbalance, and elevated oxidative stress, contributing to neuronal dysfunction and exacerbating depressive symptoms. Investigating the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction in depression not only helps to clarify the pathogenesis of depression but also provides a theoretical basis for the development of new antidepressant drugs targeting mitochondria. This review systematically examines the link between mitochondrial dysfunction and depression, and explores its potential molecular mechanisms, offering new perspectives for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.