High-fat Diet Impairs Muscle Health Before Impacting Function Oct 6, 2009
12, 2005) Young, lean, insulin-resistant offspring of parents with type 2 diabetes have reduced mitochondrial function. The role of this decreased function in relation to insulin resistance and type 2. (Science Daily)
Reactive Oxygen In Fruit Flies Acts As A Cell Signalling Mechanism For Immune Response Oct 3, 2009
(July 23, 2009) Mice with a defective mitochondrial protein called MCLK1 produce elevated amounts of reactive oxygen when young; that should spell disaster, yet according to a new study these mice actually age at a. (June 29, 2007) Researchers at the University of Warwick's Warwick Medical School have uncovered a process that locks the body's metabolism in a diabetic state after only relatively limited exposure to high glucose. (Science Daily)
'Anti-Atkins' Low Protein Diet Extends Lifespan In Flies Oct 3, 2009
The findings, which appear in the October 2 edition of Cell, also provide a new level of understanding of the regulation of mitochondrial genes and open new avenues of inquiry into the interplay between mitochondrial function, diet and energy metabolism ... It is well known that mitochondrial function worsens with age in many species and in humans with Type II diabetes and obesity ... "Our study shows that dietary restriction can enhance mitochondrial function hence offsetting the age-related... (Science Daily)
Low protein diet help boost longevity Oct 2, 2009
It is well known that mitochondrial function worsens with age in many species and in humans with Type II diabetes and obesity. "Our study shows that dietary restriction can enhance mitochondrial function hence offsetting the age-related decline in its performance," said Buck faculty member Pankaj Kapahi, PhD, lead author of the study ... "There have been correlative studies that show mitochondria change with dietary restriction, this research provides a causal relationship between diet and... (India Times, India)
Aryan-Dravidian divide a myth: Study Sep 25, 2009
Researchers say their study of the tribes of Andaman and Nicobar islands using complete mitochondrial DNA sequences and its comparison those of world populations has led to the theory of a ``southern coastal route'' of migration from East Africa through India. This finding is against the prevailing view of a northern route of migration via Middle East, Europe, south-east Asia, Australia and then to India. (India Times, India)
Letters to the Editor Sep 25, 2009
Despite having a $1,000 deductible and $8,000 stop-loss provision in their health plan, one self-employed California family, raising three sons with mitochondrial disease, reported spending $25,642 in 2009 on out-of-pocket medical expenses after taxes. Pending proposals for national health insurance reform will help families of children with special health care needs and disabilities. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
How mitochondrial gene defects impair respiration, other major life functions Sep 25, 2009
Some names of mitochondrial disorders are Leigh's disease, MELAS syndrome and complex I deficiency ... Mitochondrial diseases are individually very rare, but because hundreds of them exist, they collectively have a large impact, affecting at least 1 in 5,000 people, and perhaps more, who often remain undiagnosed ... A new study, published Aug. 12 in the online journal PLoS One, sheds light on mitochondrial biology. (EurekAlert!)
Identity of bones determined Sep 24, 2009
The determination came from a comparison of mitochondrial DNA against Hopson s only known relative, a brother in Fredericksburg, Va. Capt. Morris said. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Can an over-the-counter vitamin-like substance slow the progression of Parkinson's disease? Sep 22, 2009
Several studies have shown that Parkinson's patients have impaired mitochondrial function and low levels of coenzyme Q10. Moreover, laboratory research has demonstrated that coenzyme Q10 can protect the area of the brain damaged in Parkinson's. (EurekAlert!)
Monitoring Illegal Wildlife Trade: DNA 'Barcodes' For 25 Hunted Wildlife Species Sequenced Sep 17, 2009
The team of scientists from CU-Boulder, Barnard College and the American Museum of Natural History used a region of a mitochondrial gene known as COX1 to generate DNA barcodes of 25 commonly traded mammal and reptile species in Africa, Central and South America. The study included Old World monkeys, alligators, crocodiles, antelope and wild pigs. (Science Daily)
Inner Workings Of Molecular Thermostat Point To Pathways To Fight Diabetes, Obesity Sep 14, 2009
13, 2009) Best known as the oxygen-carrying component of hemoglobin, the protein that makes blood red, heme also plays a role in chemical detoxification and energy metabolism within the cell. Heme levels are tightly maintained, and with good reason: Too little heme prevents cell growth and division; excessive amounts of heme are toxic. (Science Daily)
Creating long lives for fruit flies -- and maybe people too Sep 12, 2009
In particular, the team looked at "mitochondrial ETC" genes responsible for queuing cells to release energy, and for respiration ... "Our data suggest that the role of mitochondrial ETC function in modulating animal aging is evolutionarily conserved and might also operate in humans.". (USA Today -- Tech)
Kerry joins the call for interim senator Sep 10, 2009
Some of us have very urgent situations, said Crystal Evans, a 28-year-old Somerville resident who uses a wheelchair because of mitochondrial disease, a progressive disorder. Evans said she had been working with Kennedy s office to try to get Section 8 housing more quickly, because the apartment where she lives has an electrical problem that causes her wheelchair to malfunction. (Boston Globe)
Popular Supplement Quercetin Does Not Enhance Athletic Performance, Study Finds Sep 5, 2009
A recent published study by the same researchers who reported mitochondrial and endurance increases in mice, however, found that volunteers who consumed a drink containing quercetin saw a 13 percent improvement in endurance ... Cureton and his colleagues hypothesized that the athletes used in the previous studies might not have benefitted from quercetin because they had already maximized their mitochondrial density through aerobic training. (Science Daily)
Dynamic Changes In DNA Linked To Human Diabetes Sep 3, 2009
Non-CpG Methylation of the PGC-1 Promoter through DNMT3B Controls Mitochondrial Density. Cell Metabolism, 2009; 10 (3): 189-198 DOI. (Science Daily)
Improved Blood Circulation In Coronary Heart Disease Sep 3, 2009
In 2002, Stamler and coworkers were able to identify mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) as the enzyme responsible for bioactivation of nitroglycerin. ALDH2 is also involved in the decomposition of toxic metabolites of alcohol. (Science Daily)
Gene mutation responsible for premature skin aging disease identified Sep 1, 2009
In their experiments, they observed changes in mitochondrial morphology and cell death in the connective tissues of individuals with PYCR1 mutations ... They found that the mitochondrial function in the animal models' skin was altered, and there was also an increased occurrence of cell death ... "Our findings confirm the significance of mitochondrial function in the aging process," said Dr. Reversade. (EurekAlert!)
No Such Thing As Ethnic Groups: Genetics Study Sep 1, 2009
Evelyne Heyer, from the Mus;e de l'Homme in Paris, France, led an international team of researchers who studied mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome data from several populations of two major language ethnic groups of Central Asia, the Turkic and Indo-Iranian groups. She said: "Our results indicate that, for at least two of the Turkic groups in Central Asia, ethnicity is a constructed social system maintaining genetic boundaries with other groups, rather than being the outcome of common genetic... (Science Daily)
SARS spurs China to act on AIDS Aug 31, 2009
To prevent disease caused by mutant mitochondrial DNA, just swap out egg chromosomes. For exclusive news and expert analysis every week to New Scientist print Edition. (Yahoo News -- SARS)
Could 'Monkeying' With DNA Prevent Disease? Aug 28, 2009
Specifically, the researchers were able to alter the mitochondrial DNA -- one of the two types of DNA in a cell -- in order to prevent the baby monkeys from developing the same their mother had ... Some 150 diseases are known to be caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA. ; mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS); and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) are just three of the known inherited diseases caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA. ...... (ABC News)
Gene 'Fix' in Egg Prevents Inherited Diseases in Monkeys Aug 28, 2009
Mitochondria play a basic role by producing energy for each cell, but they also contain their own genes, called mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), the researchers say. "Mitochondrial genes are very vulnerable to mutations that cause numerous human diseases," noted lead researcher Shoukhrat Mitalipov, from the Division of Reproductive Sciences and the Oregon National Primate Research Center and the Oregon Stem Cell Center, part of Oregon Health ce University ... "Mitochondrial genes are passed to the... (MEDLINEplus)
CRi Oosight Imaging System a Key to Breakthrough Gene Replacement Method With Potential to Prevent Inherited Mitochondrial Diseases Aug 28, 2009
The technique allowed the mother to pass along her nuclear genetic material to her offspring without her mitochondrial DNA. The eggs were fertilized and transplanted into surrogate mothers, resulting in the birth of four apparently healthy monkeys. Defects in DNA of mitochondria, the cell's "power plants," are associated with a wide range of human diseases. (PR Newswire)
Monkeys with DNA of THREE parents; Hope of eradicating incurable diseases... Aug 27, 2009
The diseases, which affect some 150 UK babies a year, are caused by mutations in the mitochondrial DNA which is passed down from mothers to children ... Mitochondrial DNA can only be passed on via mothers' eggs, not through sperm ... from a mother carrying a mitochondrial disease and removed its nuclear DNA. This was then transferred into a second, healthy egg, whose own nuclear DNA had been removed. (The Drudge Report)
Researchers mix DNA of 2 monkey within 1 egg Aug 27, 2009
Many scientists hailed the research as a technically impressive feat that could help many families rid themselves of a variety of terrible disorders caused by defects in genetic material known as mitochondrial DNA.. "This approach will be beneficial to many families," said Jan Smeitink, a professor of mitochondrial medicine at Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands. (AZCentral -- News)
Genetic Therapy: Eggs With Donor Mitochondria Aug 27, 2009
We believe this discovery in nonhuman primates can rapidly be translated into human therapies aimed at preventing inherited disorders passed from mothers to their children through the mitochondrial DNA, such as certain forms of cancer, diabetes, infertility, myopathies and neurodegenerative diseases, explained Shoukhrat Mitalipov, Ph ... Currently there are 150 known diseases caused by mutations of the mitochondrial DNA, and approximately 1 out of every 200 children is born with mitochondrial... (Science Daily)
BREAKTHROUGH: GENE THERAPY FOR THE UNBORN... Aug 27, 2009
However, a clause in the new Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, which comes into force on 1 October, could permit a type of germline gene therapy involving mitochondrial DNA which exists outside the chromosomes without the need for changes to primary legislation and a parliamentary vote ... It is estimated that 1 in every 200 babies are born with mitochondrial mutations, some of which can lead to serious, life-long illnesses, such as diseases of muscles and nerves, as well as diabetes and... (The Drudge Report)
Monkeys have two mothers Aug 27, 2009
Many scientists hailed the research as a technically impressive feat that could help many families rid themselves of a variety of disorders caused by defects in genetic material known as mitochondrial DNA. ... Mitochondrial DNA is found inside structures in cells called mitochondria, which are often referred to as the power plants for cells because they provide energy for cell growth and other functions. (Boston Globe)
Genetic advance raises IVF hopes Aug 27, 2009
" The development has been welcomed by Professor Peter Braude, an IVF specialist at Guys and St Thomas's hospital. He said: "It is a very nice approach that could potentially help thousands of women with mitochondrial disease. " But some groups have expressed concern that this method involves making a genetic change to an egg that can be passed down through generations. Dr Helen Wallace, of the campaign group GeneWatch, said: "The fact that treatment effects would persist for generations means... (BBC News -- Science)
Monkeys born from eggs that got DNA swap Aug 27, 2009
Roughly one person in every 4,000 or 5,000 either has one of these mitochondrial diseases or is at risk for one ... So if a woman has a disease caused by defects in the mitochondrial DNA, the new technique might someday make it possible for her to pass on her normal DNA from the nucleus but not the flawed DNA from the mitochondria ... After test-tube fertilization, this egg would in theory produce a baby without mitochondrial defects. (MSNBC -- Health)
Parkinson's Disease: When Cells Run Out Of Fuel Aug 26, 2009
At this time it was discovered by accident that mitochondrial toxins can induce Parkinson's disease ... They found that the Parkinson-associated genes PINK1 and Parkin functionally interact to maintain mitochondrial function ... Lutz, A.K., Exner, N., Fett, M.E., Schlehe, J.S., Kloos, K., Laemmermann, K., Brunner, B., Kurz-Drechsler, A., Vogel, F., Reichert, A.S., Bouman, L., Vogt-Weisenhorn, D., Wurst, W., Tatzelt, J., Haass, C., and Winkelhofer, K.F. Loss of parkin or PINK1 function increases... (Science Daily)
Chronic Kidney Disease Linked To Malfunctioning Mitochondria Aug 24, 2009
Zaza said, "Our results suggest, for the first time, that CKD patients may have an impaired mitochondrial respiratory system and this condition may be both the consequence and the cause of enhanced oxidative stress" ... Mitochondrial dysregulation and oxidative stress in patients with chronic kidney disease. (Science Daily)
Anti-oncogenic and pro-differentiation effects of clorgyline, a monoamine oxidase A inhibitor, on high grade prostate cancer cells Aug 20, 2009
Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), a mitochondrial enzyme that degrades monoamines including neurotransmitters, is highly expressed in basal cells of the normal human prostatic epithelium and in poorly differentiated (Gleason grades 4 and 5), aggressive prostate cancer (PCa). Clorgyline, an MAO-A inhibitor, induces secretory differentiation of normal prostate cells. (BioMed Central)
Discovery Of Genetic Mutation In Leigh Syndrome Aug 16, 2009
Leigh syndrome usually begins in early childhood and is caused by genetic mutations which result in mitochondrial dysfunction ... Damage and dysfunction to mitochondrial DNA is a factor in more than 40 types of metabolic diseases and disorders, including Leigh syndrome ... "Defects in the protein production machinery, or translation, are among the most common causes of mitochondrial disease," says Dr. Eric Shoubridge, neuroscientist at The Neuro and lead investigator in the study, "and the... (Science Daily)
Kara's memory, movement stolen by a rare disorder Aug 10, 2009
A registry, for which Professor Sue is seeking funding, would let scientists assess whether people at risk of mitochondrial diseases could prevent or delay their onset through lifestyle changes ... John Christodoulou, director of the Western Sydney Genetics Program at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, said one in 7500 people is diagnosed with mitochondrial disease, which is passed on from the mother but not uniformly among her children ... Doctors needed to become more aware of the... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
New discovery may explain premature ageing Aug 8, 2009
"Our results show that premature ageing is caused by point mutations in the mtDNA, which cause the mitochondrial proteins to become unstable and disintegrate," said Aleksandra Trifunovic, one of the scientists involved in the study. The findings appear in journal Cell Metabolism. (India Times, India)
Case Study: Autism and Vaccines Aug 5, 2009
Another confounding issue in Hannah's case is the finding that she suffers from a mitochondrial disorder a dysfunction in basic cell metabolism ... That decision, however, comes as a surprise to experts on mitochondrial disorders ... In response to the Poling case, the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation has released a statement saying, "There are no scientific studies documenting that childhood vaccinations cause mitochondrial diseases or worsen mitochondrial disease symptoms.". (Time.com)
Stress Signals Link Pre-existing Sickness With Susceptibility To Bacterial Infection Aug 4, 2009
3, 2009) Mitochondrial diseases disrupt the power generating machinery within cells and increase a person's susceptibility to bacterial infection, particularly in the lungs or respiratory tract. A new study published in Disease Models & Mechanisms, shows that infection with the pneumonia causing bacteria Legionella, is facilitated by an increased amount of a signaling protein that is associated with mitochondrial disease ... Patients with mitochondrial disease exhibit a wide range of symptoms... (Science Daily)
Variant AGC1 and Hypomyelination Jul 30, 2009
The mitochondrial aspartate glutamate carrier isoform 1 (AGC1), specific to neurons and muscle, supplies aspartate to the cytosol and, as a component of the malate aspartate shuttle, enables mitochondrial oxidation of cytosolic NADH, thought to be important in providing energy for neurons in the central nervous system. We describe AGC1 deficiency, a novel syndrome characterized by arrested psychomotor development, hypotonia, and seizures in a child with a homozygous missense mutation in the... (New England Journal of Medicine)
Healthy Spices that Fight Cancer Jul 29, 2009
Humphreys,I., et al. Capsaicin Induces Apoptosis in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Activating Mitochondrial Death Pathway. (Presentation at American Association for Cancer Research) Univ. of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. (Suite101.com)
Healthcare: Do we need the Lexus? Jul 29, 2009
Among the benefits the pending bills would mandate are hearing aids for children, cleft palate surgery, treatment of infantile cataracts, smoking cessation products, asthma education, vitamin supplements for mitochondrial disease, post-partum depression screening - and the list goes on and on. As it is, health insurance in Massachusetts - which already mandates coverage for more than 40 itemized benefits, providers, and patient populations - is among the nation s most expensive. (Boston Globe)
Bad Mitochondria May Actually Be Good For You Jul 24, 2009
ScienceDaily (July 23, 2009) Mice with a defective mitochondrial protein called MCLK1 produce elevated amounts of reactive oxygen when young; that should spell disaster, yet according to a study in this week's JBC these mice actually age at a slower rate and live longer than normal mice ... Mitochondrial oxidative stress is a popular theory explaining the aging process; over time, reactive oxygen species produced by mitochondria while they make energy slowly accumulate and begin damaging cells,... (Science Daily)
Mom's Diet Before Conception May Affect Baby Jul 23, 2009
Moley has been studying how diabetes affects production of a mother's egg cells, potentially leading to mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction -- and hence, birth defects. 1. (ABC News)
Genes And The Environment Interact To Influence Adolescent Alcohol Use Jul 21, 2009
3, 2009) The two genes that have the strongest associations with alcohol use and alcohol dependence are mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 and alcohol dehydrogenase IB. Mutations of these genes are. (Nov. (Science Daily)
How the Body Uses Alcohol Jul 19, 2009
In the blood stream, the acetic acid interferes with mitochondrial function within the cells which in turn affects the conversion of acetaldehyde to acetic acid (the original reaction). This increases acetaldehyde concentration which damages the liver. (Suite101.com)
How Mitochondria Get Their Membranes Bent Jul 10, 2009
Thus, understanding of how the pore diameter and the shape of the inner membrane are regulated on a molecular basis is of great relevance to a better understanding of mitochondrial function in general ... Andreas Reichert, who has been appointed as professor for Mitochondrial Biology to the Goethe University within the Cluster of Excellence Macromolecular Complexes in 2007, has identified two proteins linked in an antagonistic manner that are relevant for governing inner membrane structure ...... (Science Daily)
North Augusta bones identified as missing Augusta man Jul 8, 2009
There, mitochondrial DNA was extracted and compared to a sample from a mother who had reported her son missing in 1999. There was a positive match to Mr. Gustafson. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Secrets Revealed About How Disease-causing DNA Mutations Occur Jul 6, 2009
12, 2008) Clinical analysis of blood samples from almost 3,000 infants showed that at least 1 in 200 individuals in the general public harbor mitochondrial DNA mutations that may lead to. (Dec. (Science Daily)
Did Evolution Make Us Cancer Prone? Jul 4, 2009
The team also found that the mitochondrial genome of humans who migrated out of Africa to Europe 100,000 years ago carried seven mutations found in almost all of today's Europeans. "The concept that the same principles that drive evolution toward the emergence of new species govern the emergence of diseases is new," Mishmar explains. (Science Daily)
Ben-Gurion U. researchers reveal connection between cancer and human evolution Jul 3, 2009
Mutational patterns in mitochondrial genomes show functional importance of evolution and disease ... The team also found that the mitochondrial genome of humans who migrated out of Africa to Europe 100,000 years ago carried seven mutations found in almost all of today's Europeans. (EurekAlert!)
Super-sleepers could help super-sizers! Jun 29, 2009
This trick , known as mitochondrial coupling, allows these frogs to be extremely efficient in the use of the limited energy stores they have by increasing the total amount of energy obtained per unit consumed, allowing them to easily outperform other species whose energy production efficiency remains essentially the same even when they happen to be inactive for extended periods ... Since these small molecules are believed to cause most of the damage during periods of re-awakening, increasing... (EurekAlert!)
STAT3 Protein Found To Play A Key Role In Cancer Jun 28, 2009
"These results open the possibility that inhibiting the mitochondrial function of STAT3 could be a promising cancer therapy in the future," adds Dr. Levy ... "Future experiments will need to determine if a similar mitochondrial role for STAT3 is critical for other types of cancer as well, states Dr. Levy. "We'll also need a better understanding of the biochemical basis for the function of STAT3. (Science Daily)
Quercetin Increases Endurance Without Regular Exercise Jun 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009. SIGN UP FOR FREE NEWS ALERTS. (Newsmax)
Penwest Announces That the Results of Its Annual Meeting Have Been Certified Jun 25, 2009
" About Penwest Pharmaceuticals Penwest is a drug development company focused on identifying and developing products that address unmet medical needs, primarily for rare disorders of the nervous system. Penwest is currently developing A0001, a coenzyme Q analog drug candidate for inherited mitochondrial respiratory chain diseases. Penwest is also applying its drug delivery technologies and drug formulation expertise to the formulation of product candidates under licensing collaborations with... (Primezone Releases)
Father's day: That's my dad Jun 21, 2009
There, the pain that had stalked him for years got a name: mitochondrial disorder. With the exception of red blood cells, mitochondria are found in every cell of the human body. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Protein Regulates Movement Of Mitochondria In Brain Cells Jun 17, 2009
The protein, which they dubbed hypoxia upregulated mitochondrial movement regulator (HUMMR), is produced in a state of low oxygen called hypoxia. HUMMR is induced by another protein called hypoxic inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1) which is responsible for triggering several processes in the cell that help it function in a low oxygen environment. (Science Daily)
New Malaria Agent Found In Chimpanzees Close To That Commonly Observed In Humans May 30, 2009
The sequencing of the parasite's whole mitochondrial genome revealed that it belonged to a previously undescribed species of Plasmodium, closely related to P. falciparum. Sequencing of the nuclear genome of this new agent should further the understanding of genomic adaptations of P. falciparum to humans and thus help discover new potential drug targets. (Science Daily)
Warnex Enters Into Agreement in Principle for the Acquisition of Molecular World Inc. May 28, 2009
"The acquisition of Molecular World will expand Warnex's DNA identification services, particularly in the forensic testing field, and provide us with a unique expertise. Molecular World is the only private laboratory in Canada providing STR, Y-STR, miniSTR, and mitochondrial DNA testing services for forensic and parentage testing purposes," said Mark Busgang, President and CEO of Warnex ... Molecular World offers services in all four DNA technologies required for human identification: autosomal... (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
DNA Tests Could Provide Closure For Texas Woman After Nearly Years May 25, 2009
The remains of 44 sailors who couldn't be identified are buried as unknowns in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii, but in the last six years the government has started using mitochondrial DNA to try to identify the men. It is unknown how long it will take to get the results f 00004000 rom Meryl Patton. (KWTX.com, TX)
Potential New Way To Protect Kidneys Threatened By Insufficient Blood Or Toxins May 23, 2009
ScienceDaily (May 22, 2009) Better treatments for acute renal failure may be possible by blocking the mitochondrial fragmentation that occurs when kidneys don't get enough blood or are exposed to toxins, researchers at the Medical College of Georgia report in the may issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation ... "When mitochondrial fragmentation is blocked, it can save the cells and the kidneys," he says ... Next, two proteins, Bak and Bax, typically found at divergent places in the cell,... (Science Daily)
Washington State Court Denies Dissidents' Request for Preliminary Injunction in Penwest Proxy Vote May 23, 2009
Penwest is currently developing A0001, a coenzyme Q analog drug candidate for inherited mitochondrial respiratory chain diseases. Penwest is also applying its drug delivery technologies and drug formulation expertise to the formulation of product candidates under licensing collaborations with partners. (Primezone Releases)
Connections Between Diabetes And Alzheimer’s Disease Explored May 14, 2009
In the introduction Bierhaus and Nawroth note that several pathological features have been identified as common denominators of AD and T2D including impaired glucose/energy metabolism, altered insulin-signaling pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation ... Three articles focus on the role of oxidative stresses and the development of AD. Paula I. Moreira, Ana I. Duarte, Maria S. Santos, A. Cristina Rego, and Catarina R. Oliveira write about the processes underlying... (Science Daily)
Medicinal Plant, St John's Wort, May Reduce Neuronal Degeneration Caused By Parkinson's Disease May 14, 2009
The increase of oxidative stress is attributed, among other factors, to a less active mitochondrial complex I. Certain environmental contaminants such as pesticides, and in particular Rotenone, can cause Parkinson's ... The hypothesis is that the increase in the production of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by the altered function of the mitochondrial complex I could be the cause of the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons through the apoptotic process. (Science Daily)
Recent developments at Burnham Institute for Medical Research, May 2009 May 13, 2009
Dr. Stuart Lipton and Dr. Adam Godzik found that S-nitrosylation of Drp1 causes excessive mitochondrial fragmentation, energy compromise, and subsequent synaptic damage and neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease. The good news is that this provides a new disease target that could prevent synapse loss and nerve cell death in Alzheimer's disease, constituting a new strategy for counteracting the disease. (EurekAlert!)
Gene May 'Bypass' Disease-linked Mitochondrial Defects May 13, 2009
Defects in mitochondrial OXPHOS are associated with diverse and mostly intractable human disorders, the researchers said ... On the other hand, most plants, animals, and fungi do possess an alternative mitochondrial respiratory chain, which can bypass the OXPHOS system under specific physiological conditions. (Science Daily)
Whale of a time May 6, 2009
Brent is also collecting skin samples from the fish for mitochondrial DNA analysis and other studies. This, he hopes, will help to reveal how closely related the sharks in the Maldives are to each other and to sharks elsewhere in the world. (BBC News -- Science)
