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Promising discovery: D-glyceric acid activates cellular mitochondria and reduces low-grade inflammation in aging humans

A study found that D-glyceric acid treatment improved metabolism, blood parameters, and reduced low-grade inflammation in healthy volunteers aged 50-60 years. The compound's activation of mitochondrial metabolism may help interrupt the spiral of persistent systemic inflammation and improve liver function.

Vitamin D deficiency may impair muscle function

A mouse study found that vitamin D deficiency impairs skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, leading to reduced energy production and potentially poor muscle strength. The study suggests that preventing vitamin D deficiency in older adults could help maintain better muscle function and reduce age-related muscle deterioration.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·DateApr 16, 2021

Mitochondria found to be protected by ketogenesis

Researchers at Kumamoto University found that ketogenesis maintains mitochondrial function, preventing excessive acetylation and fatty liver development. This discovery may lead to future therapies for protecting mitochondria and organs in newborns and individuals with nutritional deficiencies.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Metabolism·DateMar 15, 2021

Molecular cause underlying rare genetic disorder revealed

Researchers discovered abnormalities in communication between brain cells and molecular changes affecting protein production due to dysfunctional CASK gene. The study also suggests an unexpected role for CASK in regulating energy production in cells, which may explain diminished brain size and dysregulated function.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalExperimental Neurology·DateJul 27, 2020

Lack of mitochondria causes severe disease in children

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that a lack of mitochondria causes severe disease in children, including brain dysfunction and neurological impairment. The study, published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, suggests that inhibition of mitochondrial degradation may provide a new treatment strategy for affected patients.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJun 11, 2020

Subcellular chatter regulates longevity

Research at Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing reveals that NFYB-1 regulates mitochondrial function through lysosomal prosaposin, a key factor in cellular longevity. The study used Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism and found that restoring cardiolipins improved worm health.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Metabolism·DateMay 19, 2020

Placentas adapt when mothers have poor diets or low oxygen during pregnancy

Cambridge researchers have discovered that placentas can adapt to function properly despite poor diets or low oxygen during pregnancy, impacting on pregnancy outcomes and lifelong health. This adaptation helps the placenta transport sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, mitigating complications such as fetal growth restriction.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2019

Sea slug study illuminates how mitochondria move

Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered how neurons manage mitochondrial transport, a process crucial for nerve cell function and energy production. The study found that cAMP signaling enhances mitochondrial transport after synapse formation, requiring significant energy to maintain communication between cells.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 16, 2019

An ATM that dispenses antioxidants

A recent study published in Science Signaling reveals that the ATM protein plays a dual role in sensing cellular threats and repairing damage. It forms dimers when exposed to ROS, triggering an increase in cellular antioxidant capacity through the pentose phosphate pathway.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Signaling·DateJul 10, 2018

A map of the cell's power station

Scientists from the University of Freiburg successfully mapped the mitochondrial protein landscape, revealing over 200 new proteins not previously attributed to this organelle. This study provides a basis for studying the potential new functions of mitochondria and understanding various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 18, 2017

Popular antioxidant likely ineffective, study finds

A recent study by McGill University researchers has found that ubiquinone, a widely believed antioxidant, is unlikely to provide benefits for cell protection. The study used mice with controlled ubiquinone biosynthesis levels and discovered no signs of oxidative damage despite the loss of the substance.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2015

Energizing sick mitochondria with vitamin B3

Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that vitamin B3 form, nicotinamide riboside, can delay the signs of mitochondrial myopathy in animal models. The treatment increased mitochondrial mass and function, curing structural abnormalities and providing a potential therapeutic approach for adult-onset mitochondrial muscle diseases.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateApr 7, 2014

Discovery of a new family of key mitochondrial proteins for the function and viability of the brain

A team of scientists has discovered a new family of six genes that regulate mitochondrial transport in neurons, which is crucial for brain activity and viability. The proteins are highly expressed in the nervous system and may be involved in neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

New mitochondrial control mechanism discovered

A team of scientists at Karolinska Institutet has identified a key component in mitochondria's function, which combines with another protein to control ribosome formation and energy production. The discovery sheds light on the regulation mechanisms involved in inherited and age-related diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 4, 2011