Overactive cell metabolism linked to biological aging
Why do cells age, and humans by extension? The mitochondria organelles, which provide energy to cells, may be a major factor. Although this idea is not a new one, there was no direct evidence from human cells. Until now.
A team of Columbia University researchers led by an article published in Communications Biology on Jan. 12, discovered that cells with impaired mitochondria responded by increasing their energy expenditure. While this adaptation–called hypermetabolism–enhances the cells’ short-term survival, it comes at a high cost: a dramatic increase in the rate at which the cells age.
The findings, which were made on cells of patients with rare mitochondrial disorders, may have relevance to other conditions that also affect mitochondria. These include neurodegenerative conditions, inflammatory conditions and infections, says Martin Picard, Ph.D., principal investigator and associate professor of behavioral health (in psychiatry and neuroscience) at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Source:
https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/overactive-cell-metabolism-linked-biological-aging
