Articles tagged with Mitochondria
Researchers have built a comprehensive catalog of mitochondrial proteins across six eukaryotic organisms, including five parasites and one plant, providing insights into the organelle's evolution and functions. The study suggests new therapeutic targets for neglected tropical diseases and sheds light on the origins of mitochondria in e...
Researchers discovered a protein called SLC25A34 that connects the body clock, temperature, and diet to how fat cells store and spend energy. This protein, found in mitochondrial cells, acts as a switch that responds to time of day, temperature, and food intake, influencing fat burning and storage.
New research on Acanthamoeba's mitochondrial metabolism could lead to safer, more effective treatments for eye and brain infections. The study's findings suggest that understanding the amoeba's biochemistry could help develop novel drugs targeting unique proteins involved in building cyst walls.
A study by IRCCS Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta and Politecnico di Milano demonstrates that innovative materials can coat mitochondria without compromising their function. The coating method retains the mitochondria's ability to produce energy.
Researchers discovered that declining cardiolipin levels in aging muscle mitochondria trigger a defense mechanism to protect cells from ROS damage. By mimicking this decline in young mice, they found that restoring cardiolipin levels can reverse muscle wasting and prevent early deaths.
Researchers developed a new brain imaging measure, CCSI, to study how blood flow and cellular organization align across the brain. CCSI revealed patterns of blood flow and cellular density that correlated with mitochondrial activity and energy demands, offering new insights into brain function and potential treatments for diseases.
Researchers at Nagoya University have identified giant-nucleus cells as precancerous markers in the kidneys, which emerge in response to iron toxicity and BRCA1 mutations. These cells exhibit cancer-related gene activity and can signal early cancer development in surrounding tissue, with distinct biological profiles in BRCA1-mutant rats.
Salk Institute researchers have discovered a novel pathway that links chronic interferon II exposure to mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to immunosuppression and enhanced tumor growth. By blocking prostaglandin E2, they found a viable target to restore immune system function and combat immunotherapy resistance.
Researchers found that energy-demanding tissues have larger macrophage crews to manage waste, with the number of macrophages tracking mitochondrial activity and waste production. This system is critical for tissue health and function, and may help preserve tissue function as we age.
A new study found that inducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) during embryonic development protects the adult heart from chemotherapy toxicity in mice. The study discovered that stressed mitochondria release citrate, leading to long-term epigenetic changes that promote beneficial mitohormetic adaptations. These findings s...
Researchers discovered that psilocybin prevents nerve injury and associated symptoms in preclinical models, protecting sensory nerve endings and preserving touch sensation. Psilocybin may offer a new intervention for preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, improving patients' quality of life.
Researchers identified EFHD1 as a protein driving metabolic liver disease, triggering an antiviral immune response that can be blocked to protect against liver injury. Blocking EFHD1 shows promise in preventing liver damage, even on high-fat diets.
Scientists at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center discovered a protein called lysyl oxidase that helps triple-negative breast cancer cells survive. Blocking LOX creates a weakness, which can be exploited with a second drug to block tumor growth without chemotherapy.
A new study reveals that mitochondria in dry plant seeds are fully functional and contain the necessary proteins for cellular respiration. This allows seeds to germinate rapidly within minutes of water uptake, using stored carbohydrates, proteins, and fats for energy.
Researchers found that enhancing autophagy, a cellular recycling process, helps preserve retinal nerve cells in glaucoma models. This approach may protect against cell loss and degeneration, potentially complementing current treatments.
Scientists have discovered a new connection between energy-producing mitochondria and chronic inflammation in senescent cells, which promotes age-related diseases. Blocking a related gene and using a drug called CTPI-2 reduced inflammation and promoted healthier aging in mice.
Researchers have discovered that proteins released from mitochondria can activate the immune system in a similar way to invading bacteria. Elevated levels of mitochondrial proteins were found circulating in the bloodstream even when no live bacteria were present, leading to excessive inflammation.
A study at USC discovers a common genetic variant in Indigenous American populations that silences the microprotein MENTSH, restoring it improves insulin signaling and blocks diet-induced weight gain. MENTSH-based therapies could offer a precision-medicine approach to Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers identify a previously unknown mechanism linking dysfunctional mitochondria and epigenetic machinery to chronic inflammation in aging cells. The discovery reveals how senescent cells drive inflammation by switching on inflammatory genes through metabolic signals from mitochondria.
Researchers develop SenMayo gene set to identify senescent cells across different tissues and experimental models. Several studies evaluate approaches to reduce the burden or harmful effects of senescent cells in preclinical models.
Researchers at Brown and U.T. Southwestern have identified a key mechanism underlying GPT2 deficiency, a rare genetic disease affecting brain development. Supplementing a metabolite called alpha-ketoglutarate may improve DNA structure and gene expression in the brain, potentially leading to new treatments.
Researchers found that preserving peroxisomes preserves mitochondrial health during aging by maintaining long, interconnected mitochondrial networks and reducing oxidative stress. The study identifies peroxisome homeostasis as a promising area for future aging research.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that hypoxia therapy can extend lifespan and improve brain function in mice with motor neuron degeneration. The therapy works by reducing the amount of oxygen available to cells, which can help counteract the effects of defective mitochondrial quality control machinery.
Cellular senescence is a stable form of cell-cycle arrest induced by intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli. The review highlights the importance of understanding how different initiating events shape distinct senescent cell phenotypes, contributing to chronic inflammation, tissue dysfunction, cancer, and age-related diseases.
This study defines IFRD1's disease-protective function and elucidates its molecular regulatory mechanism, which suppresses de novo hepatic lipogenesis by boosting α-KG production. Clinical correlations and translational potential are also established for therapeutic interventions targeting the GLUD1/α-KG axis.
Researchers discover that kidney cancer cells lacking the tumor suppressor gene SETD2 become highly dependent on protein BCL-xL for survival. By targeting this dependency, they can selectively eliminate SETD2-deficient cancer cells, offering a potential new therapeutic strategy for patients with aggressive subset of kidney cancers.
Scientists from the University of Osaka have identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism linking mitochondrial morphology to innate immune activation. Abnormally long mitochondria can trigger the release of mitochondrial RNA into the cytosol, activating RNA-sensing proteins and leading to anti-tumor immunity.
A groundbreaking study identifies a direct energy route between mitochondria and the nucleus, supporting gene regulation, chromatin remodeling, and cell differentiation. The finding challenges traditional assumptions about energy transfer in cells and has significant implications for understanding health and disease.
Mitochondrial damage fuels neuroinflammation in CNS diseases, but targeted nanomedicines can restore function and reduce inflammation. Intelligent nanomaterials designed to cross the blood-brain barrier have shown striking efficacy in preclinical models.
Researchers have tested a new experimental cancer drug called gamitrinib in its first-in-human study. Gamitrinib is designed to target the mitochondria of cancer cells, where it can disrupt their energy systems.
Scientists identified a previously uncharacterized protein, SNOR, playing a significant role in awakening dormant yeast cells. The discovery sheds light on how microbes adapt to inhospitable environments and provides new insights into cellular quiescence.
A new Northwestern University study finds metformin primarily targets the gut, driving glucose utilization inside cells lining the intestine to prevent blood sugar levels from rising. The drug slows mitochondrial energy production in gut cells, allowing the intestine to metabolize extra sugar and regulate blood sugar levels.
The partnership aims to generate evidence on the potential of MitoQ to slow or improve markers of biological ageing and support longevity. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants like MitoQ are crucial in producing energy while reducing oxidative stress, a key contributor to ageing.
A review from Florida Atlantic University links obesity to Alzheimer's disease through disruptions in metabolism, highlighting the importance of mitochondrial function and gut-brain axis balance. Early detection and whole-body prevention may become possible through monitoring metabolic health.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine have identified a new potential treatment target for AARS2-related cardiomyopathy, a rare and fatal heart muscle disease in infants. By targeting the PCBP1 gene, they aim to restore healthier AARS2 function in heart cells and prevent damage.
Researchers measured mitochondrial function using MRI in 11 cancer survivors, finding slower recovery time signals weaker function, but also a surprising correlation between worse mitochondrial recovery and lower fatigue. The study suggests that subjective experience of fatigue is multidimensional and not solely physical.
Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.
The study found that ATF5 plays a critical role in coordinating mitochondrial quality control and adaptive stress signaling in skeletal muscle. Absence of ATF5 resulted in increased muscle fatigability and elevated ROS production, highlighting its importance in maintaining muscle function with age.
Salk Institute researchers have developed a new biological platform for studying mitochondrial DNA in human physiology, adaptation, and therapeutic development. The platform allows scientists to investigate mitochondrial DNA variation in health and disease, enabling therapeutic innovation for mitochondrial disorders.
A Waseda University research team developed a nanotube membrane-based injector to directly and reliably manipulate the cytoplasmic composition of living cells. The system successfully transferred cytoplasmic contents, including mitochondria, into target cells with high efficiency and minimal damage.
Researchers identify 'mitochondrial pearling' as key process for maintaining uniform spacing of nucleoids in mitochondria. Pearling involves a transient transformation that helps redistribute mtDNA clusters, ensuring efficient energy production and preventing disease.
Scientists discovered how tumors disable dendritic cell function by decreasing their mitochondrial fitness, leading to weakened immune defenses against cancer. Restoring mitochondrial function in dendritic cells improves antitumor immune responses and enhances immunotherapeutic efficacy.
Researchers found that people following a Mediterranean-style diet have higher levels of humanin and SHMOOSE, which are linked to protection against cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. The study suggests that specific components of the Mediterranean diet may directly influence mitochondrial biology.
Researchers at Rice University developed a CRISPR-based technique that increases mitochondrial production in heart cells, improving energy levels and pumping contractions. The system successfully boosted mitochondrial function in human cell types, animal models, and adult human heart donor tissue.
A new study shows that high-intensity interval training increases the number of mitochondria and expands the active membrane, enhancing energy production and potentially improving endurance. The findings, published in the University of Southern Denmark, also suggest that muscle mitochondria are more adaptable than previously thought.
A recent study has shed light on the processes that drive mitochondrial uptake and its benefits for cells. Isolated mitochondria were found to be taken up by mesenchymal stromal cells, enhancing proliferation and cytoprotection, and improving energy metabolism.
Researchers have discovered that native rice stink bugs have more genetic diversity than invasive species, which could help monitor the spread of insecticide resistance. This study provides valuable insights into pest management for Arkansas rice growers, who face significant costs due to the bug's impact on their crops.
A new study published in Science Advances has shed light on how the body responds to energy demands from exercise, identifying a crucial cell signaling mechanism that could lead to a new treatment for diabetes. The research focuses on Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK), a regulator of energy production, and reveals...
A study profiles mitochondrial circular RNAs in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from young and old human cohorts, revealing that circMT-RNR2 levels are depleted in older cohorts and are involved in promoting the TCA cycle. Loss of GRSF1 reduces circMT-RNR2 levels, decreasing mitochondrial TCA intermediates and accelerating cellular ...
A new study suggests that a lack of fiber in the diet may impair emotional memory in older adults, linked to cognitive problems and inflammation. The amygdala, responsible for processing fearful experiences, is sensitive to highly processed diets, regardless of fat or sugar content.
Research by Amita Sehgal and her team reveals that sleep helps neurons stay healthy by removing oxidative damage through lipid transfer to glia cells. This process is crucial for maintaining neuronal function and may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that Parkinson's patients experience weight loss due to selective fat depletion, not muscle loss, driven by impaired carbohydrate-based energy production. This metabolic shift highlights a disorder of both the brain and body, driving disease progression.
Researchers found that an experimental compound SB-216 reduced the growth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells by inhibiting oncogenic microtubules and mitochondrial function. This approach may reduce cancer cell adaptation and survival.
Researchers focus on system-level resilience and long-term biological coordination to understand aging as a loss of coordination between biological systems. Studies show how mitochondrial signaling influences inflammation in senescence and microbiota–brain interactions shape aging trajectories.
A new study reveals that a tiny, disordered protein in mitochondrial supercomplexes can increase energy-conversion efficiency by up to 30% through its acidic and flexible region. This 'molecular flycatcher' protein hooks and shepherds electron carriers toward reaction centers, reducing the energy barrier for efficient metabolism.
Research found that widespread contaminants like mercury and certain PFAS compounds affect the function of mitochondria in wild seabirds, potentially undermining fitness. The study measured pollutant levels and mitochondrial function in Scopoli's shearwaters and connected diet to exposure through stable isotopes.
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy involves structural, inflammatory, and metabolic pathologies. Inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction promote cardiac damage, and the liver-heart axis highlights the impact of cirrhosis severity on cardiac health.
Researchers develop experimental drugs that encourage mitochondria in cells to work harder and burn more calories. The findings offer a framework for designing safe and effective weight-loss treatments with potential benefits for metabolic health and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers used long-read sequencing to analyze the nuclear genome of Amorphochlora amoebiformis, revealing an extremely high proportion of introns (74%) compared to other eukaryotic genomes. The study provides important insights into the evolutionary dynamics and potential functional roles of introns in eukaryotic genomes.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have found that inhibiting GFER, a mitochondrial enzyme, in combination with immune checkpoint blockade improves antitumor response in preclinical models. This two-pronged approach holds promise for patients with pancreatic cancer.