Posted on 12/30/2020 9:11:26 PM PST by BenLurkin
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.
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Mitochondria, often known as the 'powerplant' of a cell, are inherited from a person's mother. They rely on the integrity of the mitochondrial DNA to perform their essential functions. Inherited or acquired mutations of the mitochondrial DNA can significantly impair energy production and may result in debilitating diseases.
Technologies for manipulating mitochondrial DNA lag behind advances for manipulating DNA in the nucleus of a cell and could potentially help scientists develop disease models and regenerative therapies for disorders caused by these mutations. Current approaches, however, are limited and complex, and for the most part can only deliver mitochondria with desired mitochondrial DNA sequences into a limited number and variety of cells.
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MitoPunch builds upon prior technology and a device called a photothermal nanoblade, which the team developed in 2016. But unlike the photothermal nanoblade, which requires sophisticated lasers and optical systems to operate, MitoPunch works by using pressure to propel an isolated mitochondrial suspension through a porous membrane coated with cells. The researchers propose that this applied pressure gradient creates the ability to puncture cell membranes at discrete locations, allowing the mitochondria direct entry into recipient cells, followed by cell membrane repair.
(Excerpt) Read more at phys.org ...
Interesting.
Fascinating.
Now how’s about figuring how to get the hair on my head to grow again!!
:)
One of my High School friends had mitochondrial disease. She couldn’t produce enough energy to keep her body going. She was on a respirator for a long time. Lived to age 60.
“The researchers propose that this applied pressure gradient creates the ability to puncture cell membranes at discrete locations, allowing the mitochondria direct entry into recipient cells, followed by cell membrane repair.”
Wouldn’t it be easier to use a modified covid virus as a transport system. Apparently it has no problem getting inside a cell.
To;dr version: mitochondria produce energy for us, and as we age get shorter lifespans themselves which leads to most of the normal aging conditions. Being able to transfer means importing young cells...
... I stop short of knowing what the cost to others might be or what unforeseen consequences occur to the recipient. Might be none either way, which presents a totally different litany of issues (e.g. Bill Gates doesn’t want a long living humanity but a short brutish existence he can rule).
I read that as midiclorians, I need to lay off the star wars for a bit..
Watch the movie “The Relic” and then see if you want this to happen. /sarc
Hey, at least they’re not trying to mess with the definitelyachondria.
lol
I thought it was a real science word so I looked it up.
I don’t like wishy washy chondria :)
FTA: high-throughput mitochondria transfer device
This would explain how Rey Skywalker became the bestest ever female Jedi Master without any training from that Luke Skywalker green milk drinker.
A disturbance in the Force this is eh....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZWrGT1oU44
I just wish the story were about mitoprodria, so much more positive than con.
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