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Protein linked to cell death may also drive liver cancer

Research identifies MLKL as a protein that helps drive liver cancer associated with obesity-related fatty liver disease by reducing mitochondrial function, promoting tumor development. Removing MLKL reduces liver tumors but not fatty liver or liver inflammation, suggesting a new therapeutic target for liver cancer treatment

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalHepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2026

Scientists discover how a father’s obesity affects his children’s metabolism

A new study reveals that metabolic dysfunction in offspring is caused by excess microRNA in sperm from obese fathers. After weight loss, these molecular marks disappear, and offspring develop normally. Research suggests that interventions promoting health and longevity may trigger an increase in this enzyme expression.

Mediterranean diet may boost mitochondrial signals linked to heart and brain health

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

A new link between the 'power stations' of plants

A new study reveals how plant mitochondria interact with chloroplasts to regulate oxygen levels, affecting photosynthesis and stress responses. This discovery sheds light on plant metabolism and energy management, offering potential insights into crop development and stress detection.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeNews article·DateMar 2, 2026

Light-sensitive microbial protein may herald new cancer therapies

Researchers developed a new approach using the microbial protein Archaerhodopsin-3 to induce apoptosis in cancer cells, leading to significant tumor shrinkage when exposed to green light. The findings, published by Okayama University, show great potential for this light-activated molecule as a novel cancer therapy.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2025

New model enables the study of how protein complex influences mitochondrial function

A study by the Center for Redox Processes in Biomedicine presents a valuable new experimental model for investigating the interaction between the proteasome and mitochondrial function. The proteasome plays a role in protein quality control, while mitochondrial metabolism affects protein degradation efficiency.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalArchives of Biochemistry and Biophysics·DateJun 27, 2025

Treatment for mitochondrial diseases within reach

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered a molecule that helps more mitochondria function properly, improving energy production in cells from patients with POLG mutations. This breakthrough paves the way for a new treatment strategy and may have broader therapeutic use for other mitochondrial diseases.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2025

CNIC scientists design an effective treatment strategy to prevent heart injury caused by a class of anticancer drugs

Researchers at the CNIC have designed a treatment strategy to protect the heart against cardiotoxic effects of anthracyclines, a common class of anticancer drugs. Empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, has been shown to preserve cardiac function and metabolism in experimental models.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJACC CardioOncology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2025

Creating a simplified form of life

Researchers have built two key components of life: an energy conversion system and a nutrient transport system. The first system uses just five components to convert energy, while the second system uses only two components to transport nutrients. These simplified systems demonstrate the feasibility of creating a synthetic cell.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

Possible trigger of Crohn’s disease discovered: Dysfunctional mitochondria disrupt the gut microbiome

Researchers at TUM found that mitochondrial dysfunction in mice leads to chronic intestinal inflammation and changes in the gut microbiome. The study suggests potential new treatments targeting mitochondrial pathways or addressing the connections between the microbiome and mitochondria.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

Can we ‘recharge’ our cells?

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method to recharge cellular mitochondria using nanotechnology, potentially extending healthy lifespans and improving outcomes for patients with age-related diseases. The molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles stimulate mitochondrial regeneration, helping cells generate more energy.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2024

Scientists at the CNIC discover an unexpected involvement of sodium transport in mitochondrial energy generation

Researchers at the CNIC found that respiratory complex I possesses sodium transport activity essential for efficient cellular energy production. This discovery provides a molecular explanation for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and may have implications for other neurodegenerative diseases.

Pagliarini named HHMI Investigator

Pagliarini's research aims to shed light on the underlying genetic causes of mitochondrial disorders, which affect one in 5,000 people. He will use this funding to expand his work on mitochondrial proteins and their functions, with a focus on coenzyme Q.

Discovery of vast sex differences in cellular activity has major implications for disease treatment

Researchers discovered extreme differences in mitochondrial gene activity between males and females, highlighting the need for sex-specific disease therapies. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that male mitochondria exhibit more protein-coding genes than females.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

New drug candidate reverses obesity in mice

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new class of drugs that block mitochondrial function and reverse diet-induced obesity, fatty liver, and diabetes in mice. The treatment increased fat metabolism, leading to drastic weight loss and restored glucose tolerance.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Fuelling nerve cell function and plasticity

Researchers at University of Cologne's CECAD Cluster of Excellence discovered that mitochondrial fusion boosts new neuron plasticity. The study found that as new neurons mature, their mitochondria fuse to acquire elongated shapes, sustaining synaptic plasticity and refining brain circuits.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNeuron·DateApr 5, 2024

Natural molecule found in coffee and human body increases NAD+ levels, improves muscle function during ageing

A recent discovery reveals that the natural molecule trigonelline can increase NAD+ levels and improve muscle function during ageing. Lower levels of trigonelline were found in older people with sarcopenia, a condition where muscles weaken and mass is lost.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 21, 2024

Pennington Biomedical researchers looking for new ways to improve life span and health during aging

Researchers found that a compound called BAM15 makes mitochondria less efficient at producing energy, extending life span and improving body composition in fruit flies. The study also showed reduced age-related decline in motor activity. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in humans.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

A tidy cell seems to keep aging at bay

A study published in PNAS reveals that HKDC1 protein plays a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial and lysosomal function, thereby preventing cellular senescence. The researchers found that HKDC1 helps regulate the removal of damaged mitochondria through mitophagy and facilitates lysosomal repair.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 1, 2024