Aging and mitochondrial depolarization

A study finds a mechanism in mitochondria that stops the production of harmful reactive oxygen species and may be an important component of an antiaging mechanism in long-lived animals. Mitochondria are the energy-generating organelles in animal cells and produce cellular energy in the form of ATP, alongside harmful reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide, which damages cells and advances aging. Vladimir P. Skulachev and colleagues examined mitochondria from the tissues of long-lived naked mole rats and bats and short-lived mice to uncover protective mitochondrial processes in the long-lived animals. The authors identified molecular systems that shuttle ATP and its precursor, ADP, through the mitochondrial membrane to certain kinase metabolic sites. The membrane is mildly depolarized as part of this process, and the level of polarization inhibits reactive oxygen species formation. In short-lived mice, the authors found, the mitochondrial depolarization disappears after 2.5 years but persists in naked mole rats and bats. According to the authors, the results suggest that the mild mitochondrial depolarization minimizes damage induced by reactive oxygen species and serves an antiaging function in naked mole rats and bats.

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Article #19-16414: “Mild depolarization of the inner mitochondrial membrane is a crucial component of an anti-aging program,” by Mikhail Yu. Vyssokikh et al.

MEDIA CONTACT: Vladimir P. Skulachev, Moscow State University, RUSSIA; e-mail:

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