"Nature": How does mitochondria import antioxidants

Many processes that sustain our lives also put us at risk

Cells solve this problem by synthesizing antioxidants and compounds that neutralize free radicals

Rockefeller University assistant professor Kivan Birsoy said: "With the identification of potential transporters, we can now control the amount of glutathione entering the mitochondria and specifically study the source of oxidative stress

Enter the mitochondria

In order to avoid oxidative stress, cells need to properly balance the levels of free radicals and antioxidants in the mitochondria, where energy is produced

To clarify this process, Birsoy's team monitored the expression of proteins in cells in response to glutathione levels

The analysis results point to SLC25A39, which is a protein on the mitochondrial membrane, the function of which is not yet known

The discovery of this transporter may help to better understand various disease pathways related to oxidative stress, including pathways related to aging and neurodegeneration

In addition, the team is currently exploring whether SLC25A39 has the potential to become a drug target for the treatment of cancer, by helping to induce lethal oxidative stress on tumor cells

DOI

10.