Mitochondrial dysfunction is a causative and/or exacerbating feature of many pathologies. We discuss below approaches to modulate mitochondrial dysfunction that involve (1) increasing their energetic efficiency by targeting gene expression regulators such as PPAR or AMPK, (2) using antioxidant compounds to reduce the toxic reactive oxygen species mitochondria produce under stress, or (3) modulating aspects on the innate mitochondrial quality control system. The latter comprise linked processes of biogenesis, dynamic morphological changes, and elimination of defective mitochondria by mitophagy. We discuss representative compounds in all three classes.
