What are the main pathways leading to mitochondria-associated cellular dysfunction?

The main pathways leading to mitochondrial-associated cellular dysfunction include: calcium overload and mPTP pore opening, defects in mitochondrial fission and fusion mitochondrial permeability, and cytochrome c release and apoptosis activation. When there's an excess of calcium inside the mitochondria, it can lead to the opening of a pore called the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). This pore allows the uncontrolled flow of ions and molecules, disrupting the mitochondria's function and potentially leading to cell damage or death. Mitochondria continuously undergo processes of fission and fusion. When these processes are disrupted, it can affect the overall health and longevity of the mitochondria. Lastly, under certain conditions, (e.g. cellular stress or damage) cytochrome c, a protein normally found in mitochondria, can leak out into the cell's cytoplasm. Once in the cytoplasm, cytochrome c triggers a cascade of events that lead to apoptosis.