Manipulating mitochondrial networks inside cells—either by dietary restriction or by genetic manipulation that mimics it—may increase lifespan and promote health, according to new research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
The study, published online October 26, 2017 in Cell Metabolism, sheds light on the basic biology involved in cells’ declining ability to process energy over time, which leads to aging and age-related disease, and how interventions such as periods of fasting might promote healthy aging.
Mitochondria—the energy-producing structures in cells—exist in networks that dynamically change shape according to energy demand. Their capacity to do so declines with age, but the impact this has on metabolism and cellular function was previously unclear. In this study, the researchers showed a causal link between dynamic changes in the shapes of mitochondrial networks and longevity.
The scientists used C. elegans (nematode worms), which live just two weeks and thus enable the study of aging in real time in the lab. Mitochondrial networks inside cells typically toggle between fused and fragmented states. The researchers found that restricting the worms’ diet, or mimicking dietary restriction through genetic manipulation of an energy-sensing protein called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), maintained the mitochondrial networks in a fused or “youthful” state. In addition, they found that these youthful networks increase lifespan by communicating with organelles called peroxisomes to modulate fat metabolism.
“Low-energy conditions such as dietary restriction and intermittent fasting have previously been shown to promote healthy aging. Understanding why this is the case is a crucial step towards being able to harness the benefits therapeutically,” said Heather Weir, lead author of the study, who conducted the research while at Harvard Chan School and is now a research associate at Astex Pharmaceuticals. “Our findings open up new avenues in the search for therapeutic strategies that will reduce our likelihood of developing age-related diseases as we get older.”
“Although previous work has shown how intermittent fasting can slow aging, we are only beginning to understand the underlying biology,” said William Mair, associate professor of genetics and complex diseases at Harvard Chan School and senior author of the study. “Our work shows how crucial the plasticity of mitochondria networks is for the benefits of fasting. If we lock mitochondria in one state, we completely block the effects of fasting or dietary restriction on longevity.”
Next steps for the researchers including testing the role mitochondrial networks have in the effect of fasting in mammals, and whether defects in mitochondrial flexibility might explain the association between obesity and increased risk for age-related diseases.
Learn more: Manipulating mitochondrial networks could promote healthy aging
The Latest on: Mitochondrial networks
[google_news title=”” keyword=”mitochondrial networks” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]- Progression of herpesvirus infection remodels mitochondrial organization and metabolismon May 7, 2024 at 3:39 pm
Researchers have found that herpesvirus infection modifies the structure and normal function of the mitochondria in the host cell. The new information will help to understand the interaction between ...
- Study: Progression of herpesvirus infection remodels mitochondrial organization and metabolismon May 7, 2024 at 8:09 am
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have found that herpesvirus infection modifies the structure and normal function of the mitochondria in the host cell. The new information could help to ...
- Ready. Aim. Fire: Mitochondria as Treatment Targetson May 7, 2024 at 7:44 am
Boosting mitochondrial function is about to revolutionize psychiatric treatment—and some metabolic strategies are readily accessible now.
- Proteomic Analysis of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Neurogenerative Diseaseson May 4, 2024 at 5:00 pm
These studies have highlighted mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress as major alterations common to different neurodegenerative diseases. New developments in proteomics, especially for ...
- Drug Candidate Reverses Obesity in Miceon May 1, 2024 at 2:13 am
Researchers may have found a new way to treat obesity by targeting the cells’ powerhouses, the mitochondria. A specific class of drugs that block mitochondrial function can reverse diet-induced ...
- What is childhood dementia? And how could new research help?on April 25, 2024 at 10:19 pm
Children with childhood dementia progressively lose all previously acquired skills and abilities, such as talking, walking, learning, remembering and reasoning.
- RNA Modification Behind Disruption of Mitochondrial Protein Synthesis in Alzheimer’son April 25, 2024 at 5:00 pm
A team of researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) has identified a mechanism that causes mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's patients resulting in a reduction of the supply of ...
- Researchers map structure of mitochondria at different life stageson April 7, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Mitochondria, organelles with an inner and ... developed a quantitative 3D electron microscopy approach to map cristae network organization in the BAT of adult and aged mice.
- New study suggests enhanced mitochondrial fusion fuels nerve cell function and plasticityon April 5, 2024 at 9:08 am
which is part of a selection process new neurons undergo while integrating into the network." The findings extend the knowledge that dysfunctional mitochondrial dynamics (such as fusion ...
- Mitochondrial Fusion and Divisionon April 30, 2019 at 7:53 am
In 1931, Dorothea Smith observed variable mitochondrial networks in developing rat liver cells (Smith 1931). Over subsequent years, many scientists described complex mitochondrial networks in ...
via Google News and Bing News