ERS International Congress, Paris 2018

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Mitochondrial dysfunction as a driver of lung disease

Symposium
Chairs: R. Chambers (London, United Kingdom), C. Dela Cruz (New Haven, United States of America)
Aims: to describe the pathogenic roles of mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic respiratory diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction is emerging as a driver of lung diseases. Recent studies on the mitochondrial dysfunction in diseases such as cancer and ageing have profoundly increased our understanding of how mitochondrial function regulates multiple cell functions, including energy production, apoptosis, calcium and reactive oxygen species signalling, and the generation of biosynthesis intermediates. Maintaining mitochondrial function is thus critical for ensuring proper organ function. An improved understanding of the mitochondrial dysfunction in lung diseases may promote the identification of novel therapeutic options for chronic respiratory diseases. It may also lead the way to considering repurposing already approved drugs such as metformin.

An introduction to mitochondria in lung biology and disease S. Meiners (München, Germany)
Metabolic control of longevity N. Sommer (Gießen, Germany)
Lung fibrosis - a disease of mitochondrial dysfunction A. Mora (Pittsburgh, United States of America)
Role of mitochondria in the activation of immune cells in the lung A. Tzouvelekis (Athens, Greece)