Martin Picard: Mitochondrial Psychobiology, Neuroplasticity, Stress, and Brain Health

Mitochondria are best known as the powerplants within cells. But recent research is revealing that mitochondria play fundamental roles in regulating the structure and function of neuronal networks and the behaviors that those networks control. Martin Picard directs the Mitochondrial Psychobiology Group at Columbia University. In this episode I talk with Dr. Picard about: the biogenesis and movement of mitochondria within cells, the disposal of damaged mitochondria, the diversity of mitochondria within and amongst neurons in the brain, how this diversity contributes to neuroplasticity, and how aberrancies in mitochondria are involved in mental and neurodegenerative disorders. We also talk about how ‘bad’ and ‘good’ stress affect mitochondria. 

LINKS:

Reviews on Mitochondrial Diversity and Psychobiology:

file:///Users/markmattson/Downloads/s42255-023-00783-1%20(1).pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9692202/pdf/nihms-1844878.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7339630/pdf/nihms-1529320.pdf

Mitochondrial Diversity and Anxiety:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10415311/pdf/41467_2023_Article_39941.pdf

Human Brain Map of Mitochondrial Diversity:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10942385/pdf/nihpp-2024.03.05.583623v1.pdf