NEET proteins as novel drug targets for mitochondrial dysfunction

Abstract NEET proteins belong to a newly discovered class of iron–sulfur proteins that harbor a unique labile [2Fe–2S] cluster and is thought to play a major role in preventing mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with many human pathologies including diabetes, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and cancer. The degree of NEET [2Fe–2S] cluster stability was recently shown to affect mitochondrial function. Nevertheless, only a few compounds have thus far been discovered or designed as NEET ligands that control NEET [2Fe–2S] stability. This chapter summarizes the role of NEET proteins in different diseases and highlights the need to develop additional NEET ligands with a high therapeutic potential.