Mapping the evolution of mitochondrial dynamics research: A bibliometric analysis of global trends and collaborations

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial dynamics is an important field in cell biology, encompassing mitochondrial fission and fusion. The balance between fission and fusion is responsible for the stability of the mitochondrial network and can be a regulator of mitochondrial function. Recent studies have emphasized that an imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics is the root cause of dysfunction and is involved in various stages, such as oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Reversing this imbalance can effectively alleviate disease conditions. Although the importance of mitochondrial dynamics has been widely recognized, there is still a lack of literature on the qualitative and quantitative description and analysis of advances in this field. OBJECTIVES: This study is a bibliometric analysis of research trends, collaboration networks and thematic evolution in mitochondrial dynamics from 2000 to 2023. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database, we performed a bibliometric review, applying VOSviewer and CiteSpace to visualize and analyze publications, citations, collaborations, and key word trends. RESULTS: We analyzed 332 publications, identifying China and the USA as leaders in research output and international collaborations. Significant contributions were made by institutions like Chiang Mai University and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), with major research shifts from basic mitochondrial functions to roles in diseases like Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: Mitochondrial dynamics research has expanded, with increasing attention to its role in disease mechanisms. Future research should further explore these connections, potentially leading to innovative treatments.