A Novel Strategy to Restore Mitochondrial Function in Aging
As we age, cells accumulate damage, become less efficient at converting energy and produce more toxic byproducts leading to an overall decline of the human body. This decline is linked to mitochondria, the cells energy supplier. Normally mitochondria rely on oxygen to provide energy, which comes at the cost of producing toxic molecules in the process. However, it was recently found that a previously unknown mammalian molecule can reprogram the mitochondrial energy supply route to become independent of oxygen reducing toxic byproduct levels. This project will explore how this alternative energy pathway changes with age and whether activating it can restore mitochondrial health in older mice. By tracing metabolic changes in reprogrammed mitochondria, the goal is to find out if this “low-damage” energy mode can slow or even reverse some of the effects of aging. This could lead to new ways to support healthy aging at the cellular level.
