Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the University of Wisconsin–Madison identified the genetic causes of three mitochondrial diseases by figuring out what dozens of poorly understood mitochondrial proteins do.
Tag: Mitochondria
Origin of complex cells started without oxygen
The origin of complex cells started without oxygen, new research suggests.
Researchers Look to Deleted Mitochondrial Protein to Treat Heart Disease
Article title: Loss of the mitochondrial phosphate carrier SLC25A3 induces remodeling of the cardiac mitochondrial protein acylome Authors: Jessica N. Peoples, Nasab Ghazal, Duc M. Duong, Katherine R. Hardin, Janet R. Manning, Nicholas T. Seyfried, Victor Faundez, Jennifer Q. Kwong…
Metabolism expert Dr. Sara Nowinski joins Van Andel Institute
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (July 8, 2021) — VAI’s newest scientific recruit wants to rewrite the story of mitochondria, the cellular machinery that produces and manages the body’s energy supply.
Protein Deficiency Impairs Muscle Clock, Mitochondrial Function in Muscular Dystrophy
Article title: Dystrophin deficiency disrupts muscle clock expression and mitochondrial quality control in mdx mice Authors: Justin P. Hardee, Marissa K. Caldow, Audrey S.M. Chan, Stuart K. Plenderleith, Jennifer Trieu, Rene Koopman, Gordon S. Lynch From the authors: “These findings suggest that…
Organ Rejection Drug Rapamycin May Improve Cellular Health, Function in Myopathy Patients
Article title: Effect of rapamycin on mitochondria and lysosomes in fibroblasts from patients with mtDNA mutations Authors: Nashwa J. Cheema, Jessie M. Cameron, David A. Hood From the authors: “Treatment of [mitochondrial encephalopathy lactic acidosis stroke-like episodes] fibroblasts with rapamycin for…
Study Explores Mitochondrial Resilience in Adult Heart after Ablation
Article title: Mitochondrial functional resilience after TFAM ablation in the adult heart Authors: Nasab Ghazal, Jessica N. Peoples, Tahmina A. Mohiuddin, Jennifer Q. Kwong From the authors: “Our study highlights the need to delineate mitochondrial maintenance pathways in both developing…
University of Nebraska Medical Center researchers reveal elusive inner workings of antioxidant enzyme with therapeutic potential
The enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase helps maintain human health by keeping the amount of reactive oxygen molecules in cells under control. Using neutron scattering at ORNL, researchers obtained a complete atomic portrait of the enzyme, revealing key information about its catalytic mechanism.
Amoeba Biology Reveals Potential Treatment Target for Lung Disease
In a series of experiments that began with amoebas — single-celled organisms that extend podlike appendages to move around — Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists say they have identified a genetic pathway that could be activated to help sweep out mucus from the lungs of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease a widespread lung ailment.

New Mouse Line Leads to Noninvasive Study of Mitochondrial Calcium Signaling
New research published ahead of print in the journal Function explores the creation of a new transgenic mouse line that allows for noninvasive study of calcium signaling in the mitochondria—the energy-releasing “powerhouse” of cells. The new mouse line, called ROSA26-mt-Cam,…

Research News Tip Sheet: Story Ideas from Johns Hopkins Medicine
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Johns Hopkins Medicine Media Relations is focused on disseminating current, accurate and useful information to the public via the media. As part of that effort, we are distributing our “COVID-19 Tip Sheet: Story Ideas from Johns Hopkins” every other Wednesday.
CHOP Researchers Find Effective Combination of Therapies for Managing Mitochondrial Disease
Researchers have demonstrated how one combination of therapies may be beneficial for patients with mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders. This preclinical research paves the way to develop more tailored treatment options for patients with inherited mitochondrial disease and acquired energy disorders.
CHOP Researchers Demonstrate How Defects in Mitochondria May Lead to Autism Spectrum Disorder
Researchers have demonstrated that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be caused by defects in the mitochondria of brain cells.

Research News Tip Sheet: Story Ideas from Johns Hopkins Medicine
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Johns Hopkins Medicine Media Relations is focused on disseminating current, accurate and useful information to the public via the media. As part of that effort, we are distributing our “COVID-19 Tip Sheet: Story Ideas from Johns Hopkins” every other Tuesday.

UCLA scientists develop high-throughput mitochondria transfer device
Scientists from the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a simple, high-throughput method for transferring isolated mitochondria and their associated mitochondrial DNA into mammalian cells. This approach enables researchers to tailor a key genetic component of cells, to study and potentially treat debilitating diseases such as cancer, diabetes and metabolic disorders.
Mitochondria Defects May Explain Health Problems Observed in Space Travel
Using data collected from many different resources, a multidisciplinary team led by NASA scientists reports the discovery of a common but surprising thread that drives cell and tissue damage during space travel: mitochondrial dysfunction.

Research News Tip Sheet: Story Ideas From Johns Hopkins Medicine
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Johns Hopkins Medicine Media Relations is focused on disseminating current, accurate and useful information to the public via the media. As part of that effort, we are distributing our “COVID-19 Tip Sheet: Story Ideas from Johns Hopkins” every other Tuesday.
Researchers Find Impaired Mitochondrial and Metabolic Function in COVID-19 Patients
New research published ahead of print in the American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology explores the role of mitochondrial function and related metabolic changes in the inflammatory response seen in people with COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Dysfunction…

Research News Tip Sheet: Story Ideas from Johns Hopkins Medicine
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Johns Hopkins Medicine Media Relations is focused on disseminating current, accurate and useful information to the public via the media. As part of that effort, we are distributing our “COVID-19 Tip Sheet: Story Ideas from Johns Hopkins” every other Tuesday.
Study Explores Mitochondrial-directed Therapy for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Article title: Ex vivo use of cell-permeable succinate prodrug attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction in blood cells obtained from carbon monoxide poisoned individuals Authors: Shawn Owiredu, Abhay Ranganathan, David M. Eckmann, Frances S. Shofer, Kevin Hardy, David S. Lambert, Matthew Kelly, David H. Jang…

For ME/CFS Patients, Viral Immunities Come at a Devastating, Lifelong Cost
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine and three German universities describe an underlying biological basis for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, illustrating how efforts by the body to boost immune system protections can come at physiological cost elsewhere.

NEI researchers link age-related DNA modifications to susceptibility to eye disease
National Eye Institute (NEI) researchers profiling epigenomic changes in light-sensing mouse photoreceptors have a clearer picture of how age-related eye diseases may be linked to age-related changes in the regulation of gene expression. The findings, published online April 21 in Cell Reports, suggest that the epigenome could be targeted as a therapeutic strategy to prevent leading causes of vision loss, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Heat Therapy Promotes Blood Vessel Development, Enhances Muscle Strength without Affecting Mitochondria
Article title: Effects of repeated local heat therapy on skeletal muscle structure and function in humans Authors: Kyoungrae Kim, Blake A. Reid, Caitlin A. Casey, Brooke E. Bender, Bohyun Ro, Qifan Song, Adam J. Trewin, Aaron C. Petersen, Shihuan Kuang, Timothy…

Study provides new understanding of mitochondria genome with potential for new avenues of treatment for multiple cancers
A study led by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center furthered understanding about mitochondria, the cell components known as the “powerhouse of the cell.” Knowing more about the genome is crucial given that mitochondria play important roles in tumorigenesis.
Study Explores Alternative Treatments for Small Fiber Neuropathy Mutation
Article title: The small fiber neuropathy NaV1.7 I228M mutation: impaired neurite integrity via bioenergetic and mitotoxic mechanisms, and protection by dexpramipexole Authors: Seong IL Lee, Janneke G.J. Hoeijmakers, Catharina G. Faber, Ingemar. S. J. Merkies, Giuseppe Lauria, Stephen G. Waxman…

Master regulator in mitochondria is critical for muscle function and repair
New study identifies how loss of mitochondrial protein MICU1 disrupts calcium balance and causes muscle atrophy and weakness

Subtle Mitochondrial DNA Mutations Alter Expression of Nuclear Genes, with Profound Clinical Effects
Subtle changes in the DNA of mitochondria, the tiny power plants in cells, can have profound consequences for a patient’s health. Research on biological mechanisms suggests that relatively minor changes in mitochondrial energy flow and metabolism could offer significant future benefits to patients with complex diseases.