Mitochondrial DNA damage and atherosclerosis

•Emerging evidence indicates that mtDNA damage can directly promote atherosclerosis.•mtDNA damage and dysfunction increase inflammation.•Mitochondrial dysfunction does not necessarily lead to increased oxidative stress.•Protective mitochondrial pathways are potential therapeutic targets.

Mitochondria are often regarded as the cellular powerhouses through their ability to generate ATP, the universal fuel for metabolic processes. However, in recent years mitochondria have been recognised as critical regulators of cell death, inflammation, metabolism, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, mitochondrial dysfunction directly promotes cell death, inflammation, and oxidative stress and alters metabolism. These are key processes in atherosclerosis and there is now evidence that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and promotes atherosclerosis directly. In this review we discuss the recent evidence for and mechanisms linking mtDNA defects and atherosclerosis and suggest areas of mitochondrial biology that are potential therapeutic targets.