Nature sub-journal: Genetically modify mitochondria to charge them with sunlight, thereby extending lifespan

Mitochondrion is the "energy factory" of the cell, and there is a set of genetic material in the mitochondria that is independent of the nucleus, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).

Due to the important role of mitochondria in energy homeostasis, mitochondrial disorders can lead to a variety of diseases, including developmental disorders, neuromuscular diseases, metabolic diseases, cancer progression, and more
.

In addition, mitochondrial dysfunction also plays an important role in the aging process, but the specific mechanism behind it remains unclear
.

Recently, researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center, the German Institute for Farm Animal Biology, the University of Washington, and the Technical University of Munich have published a research paper in Nature Aging: Optogenetic rejuvenation of mitochondrial membrane potential extends C.
elegans lifespan
。

The study genetically engineered the mitochondria of C.
elegans so that it can convert light energy into chemical energy available to cells, improve its age-related phenotype, and extend lifespan by about 30%.

This study sheds light on important mechanisms in the aging process and may lead to new treatments
for age-related diseases.

The research team genetically modified the mitochondria of Caenorhabditis elegans to carry the light-activated proton pump obtained from the fungus, an achievement first described by the team in a paper published in the journal EMBO Reports in 2020 [2].

In the latest study, the team found that when exposed to light, this light-activated proton pump allows charged ions to cross the mitochondrial membrane, using the energy of light to charge
the mitochondria.

Mitochondria are known as power plants in cells, and mitochondria burn carbon sources (mainly glucose) to produce energy
for the cells.
What this research does is equivalent to connecting solar panels to
the infrastructure of a thermal power plant.
And solar panels are actually optogenetic tools
.
After this modification, mitochondria are able to use additional light energy to produce ATP
.
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a consequence of aging, and the study found that simply harnessing light-energy mitochondria to boost metabolism could allow Caenorhabditis elegans to live longer, healthier
lives.
These findings and new research tools will allow us to further study mitochondria and identify new ways
to treat age-related diseases and healthier aging.

This study finding provides direct causal evidence that saving age-related mitochondrial membrane potential decline is sufficient to slow the rate of aging and extend healthy and longevity
to life.

The research team says more needs to be learned about how mitochondria really behave
in animals.
First in nematodes, as in the current study, and then in cultured human cells, as well as further validation
in rodent models.
to fully understand the most likely participants
in human disease and aging.