Mitochondria and Monoamines - Better Together

Monoamines, phylogenetically ancient molecules that predates the evolution of the nervous system, were likely co-opted to function as neurotransmitters. Monoamines retain “pre-nervous” trophic-factor actions influencing development and growth, whilst exerting pleiotropic neurotransmitter effects on diverse brain functions and behavior. In my talk I will discuss our results about the influence of the monoamines, serotonin and norepinephrine on the energy producing organelle, mitochondria, and on a neuron’s stress buffering capacity. Mitochondria have recently emerged as important targets to consider both from the perspective of pathogenesis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. Mitochondria contribute to the buffering of stress-associated allostatic load, and mitochondrial dysfunction can hamper stress-adaptation and enhance risk for psychopathology. In this regard the influence of monoaminergic pathways on mitochondrial biogenesis and functions has broad ranging implications for both understanding pathophysiological mechanisms and targets for therapy of relevance for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases.