A study by the University of Sheffield found that breast cancer cells take advantage of nutrients in the extracellular matrix when faced with nutrient starvation. The cells use an ingestion process called macropinocytosis to consume the matrix, breaking it down into energy-releasing substrates.
Researchers found that spontaneous transient depolarization decreases reactive oxygen species production by inhibiting sustained matrix pH elevation. The study proposes a model where increased matrix pH facilitates moving more protons from outside the matrix into the matrix, controlling oxidative stress in cells.
A new paper reveals water-soluble polyol-methanofullerenes can decrease mitochondrial transmembrane potential, making them promising for targeted mitochondrial medications. This mechanism may be effective in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, characterized by hyperpolarized mitochondria.