From: allin
Mitochondria, often called the “powerhouse of the cell” [01:24:47], [01:24:49], are essential organelles found in hundreds within every cell of the human body [01:26:50], [01:27:09]. They possess their own DNA and nucleus [01:26:54], [01:27:12], and are believed to have originated as bacteria that formed a symbiotic relationship with our cells through evolution [01:26:57]. Their primary role is to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate) [01:27:16], the energy currency cells use for all their functions, by processing glucose or ketones [01:27:18], [01:27:23].
Mitochondria and Disease
Significant research has focused on the connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and aging [01:27:31]. As mitochondria degrade and become less effective, their DNA can also degrade, leading to fewer functional mitochondria per cell [01:27:57], [01:28:00]. This cellular breakdown is thought to be a key contributor to many human diseases, including:
- Cancers [01:27:45]
- Alzheimer’s [01:27:47]
- Parkinson’s [01:27:48]
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) [01:27:49]
- Features of autism [01:27:51]
- Weak muscle tissues [01:27:52]
Advancements in Mitochondrial Research
Recent studies have illuminated new possibilities for mitochondria therapy:
Mitochondrial Transfer Between Cells
A 2023 paper from Washington University in St. Louis provided evidence that mitochondria can transfer from one cell to another [01:29:10], [01:29:21]. Researchers identified three mechanisms for this transfer [01:29:34]. This discovery suggests that functional mitochondria could be introduced into cells with damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria, potentially rejuvenating them and improving diseased tissue [01:29:59].
Mapping Brain Mitochondria
A recent study from Columbia University achieved the first mapping of mitochondria in a human brain, analyzing 703 tiny cubes of brain tissue from a 54-year-old donor [01:30:10], [01:30:12], [01:30:21]. The map revealed varying amounts and functions of mitochondria in different brain regions [01:30:31], suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction in specific areas could be a key driver for age-related symptoms like memory loss and speech impairment [01:30:47].
Mass Production of Super-Efficient Mitochondria
A groundbreaking paper from Sha Jang University in China detailed a method to induce human blood stem cells to produce an unprecedented number of mitochondria [01:31:03], [01:31:09]. These treated stem cells produced 854 times the normal amount of mitochondria [01:31:25], which were also 5.7 times more efficient at producing ATP [01:31:35].
This abundance of highly energetic mitochondria could revolutionize “mootherapy” or “mitochondrial therapy” [01:32:00], [01:32:32]. The team demonstrated its potential by using isolated mitochondria to heal damaged cartilage in a mouse model of osteoarthritis, leading to improved bone growth [01:32:08], [01:32:20], [01:33:17].
Future Potential
The ability to produce large quantities of efficient mitochondria and transfer them therapeutically opens the door to treating a wide range of conditions [01:32:27], [01:32:46]. Potential applications include:
- Sports injuries (meniscus, knees, ankles, bone spurs, chips) [01:32:54]
- Improving brain function via cerebral spinal fluid delivery to neuronal cells [01:33:30]
- Enhancing heart function after heart attacks [01:33:46]
This blossoming area of research in medical technology could lead to “really incredible” new therapies for many currently challenging diseases [01:33:51], [01:32:37].