Tag: Mitochondrial Dysfunction

A new report from the Interventions Testing Program adds three new compounds to the list of lifespan-extending compounds confirmed during their experiments: epicatechin, halofuginone, and mitoglitazone [1]. Rigorous testing The National Institute on Aging’s Interventions Testing Program (ITP) is designed to rigorously test potential lifespan-extending compounds with a protocol that ensures reproducibility. In a standard investigation,...

Scientists have discovered a possible mechanism behind age-related inflammation. It involves wrong building blocks being incorporated into mitochondrial DNA during replication and can be countered by adding the correct ones [1]. Too similar to bacteria Mitochondria, the cells’ energy-producing organelles, are considered to have developed from bacteria that once entered an ancient cell and stayed,...

Scientists have found a way to directly stimulate the assembly of Complex I in mitochondria, rescuing memory deficits in mouse models of Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia [1]. Mitochondrial signal transducers Why We Age: Mitochondrial DysfunctionAs they age, the mitochondria in our cells lose their ability to provide cellular energy and release reactive oxygen species that...

A new study demonstrates that novel gene-editing tools can correct disease-causing mutations in mitochondrial DNA in primary human cells [1]. Smaller editing tools needed Genome-editing tools such as CRISPR were one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs of this century. However, they are only good for editing nuclear DNA. Mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles, have their own...

A new study suggests that damaged mitochondria activate the integrated stress response, which causes pancreatic β-cells, as well as liver and fat cells, to lose their identity and malfunction [1]. Blocking this response had benefits in mouse models. The mitochondria-diabetes connection Like with many diseases, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes grows with age. Therefore,...

A team of researchers has outlined a new approach that uses mRNA to prevent senescence and strengthen mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) against aging before they are transplanted into patients. Stem cells go bad before they can be used The researchers introduce this study by focusing on the translational problems with MSCs, specifically the propensity of...