Researchers have discovered that a difference between the DNA in the cell nucleus and the DNA in the mitochondria can affect ageing. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells and have their own DNA. In some experiments, it appeared that a mismatch between these two types of DNA in fruit flies shortens lifespan by about 10 per cent. This effect is modest, but nevertheless meaningful.
Mitochondrial transplantation is a novel form of treatment aimed at replacing damaged mitochondria with healthy ones. The aim is thereby to slow down ageing processes and improve health. In animal studies, this led to long-term improvements, and the first clinical trials in humans have now also begun.
The research shows that it can be important for the DNA of the new mitochondria to match the DNA in the cell nucleus well. It turns out that mitochondria and nuclear DNA work together to produce energy, and a mismatch can disrupt that cooperation. Therefore, during treatment, an attempt is made to match the DNA to the patient's body as closely as possible.
For people who want to age healthily, this development is encouraging. It shows that innovative techniques such as mitochondrial transplantation could potentially help in the future to slow down signs of ageing and improve the energy balance in cells.
Source: Reason
