Cellular Reprogramming
Mitochondria
Feeling Old? Time for a Mitochondrial Tune Up
19 years, 2 months ago
8991
0
Posted on Feb 24, 2005, 5 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
Halting aging and the development of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's may one day be as simple as seeing the doctor for a mitochondrial "tune up." The tune up, currently in the early stages of development, would repair mutations that occur in mitochondria and are believed to contribute to many afflictions, from diabetes to heart disease.
Halting aging and the development of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's may one day be as simple as seeing the doctor for a mitochondrial "tune up."
The tune up, currently in the early stages of development, would repair mutations that occur in mitochondria and are believed to contribute to many afflictions, from diabetes to heart disease.
From biology class, you may remember that mitochondria are the "powerhouses of the cell." These tiny organelles manufacture ATP, which is used as a source of energy. Besides manufacturing ATP, mitochondria are also involved in apoptosis, sending a "suicide" signal to cells.
Mitochondria are unique from other cell organelles because they contain their own DNA. This leaves them susceptible to genetic mutations in the form of DNA damage. Scientists believe that when a cell divides, mitochondria can lose important information, which can contribute to disease and aging.
The tune up, currently in the early stages of development, would repair mutations that occur in mitochondria and are believed to contribute to many afflictions, from diabetes to heart disease.
From biology class, you may remember that mitochondria are the "powerhouses of the cell." These tiny organelles manufacture ATP, which is used as a source of energy. Besides manufacturing ATP, mitochondria are also involved in apoptosis, sending a "suicide" signal to cells.
Mitochondria are unique from other cell organelles because they contain their own DNA. This leaves them susceptible to genetic mutations in the form of DNA damage. Scientists believe that when a cell divides, mitochondria can lose important information, which can contribute to disease and aging.
