New evidence: Raising mitochondrial membrane potential is enough to slow down aging and prolong life! Research progress on mitochondria and aging mechanisms

A new study shows that using genetically engineered mitochondria to convert light energy into chemical energy that cells can use, ultimately extending the lifespan
of C.
elegans.
This study sheds light on important mechanisms in the aging process and may lead to new treatments
for age-related diseases.
The findings were published in the journal Natural Aging
.

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in the aging process, but the exact biological cause is still being
determined.
A team of researchers from the United States and Germany genetically modified the mitochondria of C.
elegans to increase the mitochondrial membrane potential of adult C.
elegans by optogenetic methods using light-activated proton pumps from fungi, improving the age-related phenotype and extending the lifespan
of C.
elegans.
The findings provide direct causal evidence that salvaging age-related decline in mitochondrial membrane potential is sufficient to slow the rate of aging and extend healthy and longevity
.
The team first described the results
of using light-activated proton pumps from fungi to engineer nematode mitochondria in a paper published in EMBO Reports in 2020.
The new study found that when exposed to light, the proton pump sends charged ions through the membrane, using the energy of light to charge
mitochondria.

"Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in the aging process, but the exact biological causes are still being studied
.
" "Here, we show that the optogenetics of increasing mitochondrial membrane potential using photoactivated proton pumps in adulthood in nematodes can improve the age-related phenotype of Caenorhabditis elegans and extend their lifespan
.
" "We know that mitochondrial dysfunction is a consequence of aging," said
Dr.
Andrew Wojtovich, associate professor of anesthesiology, perioperative medicine, pharmacology and physiology at the University of Rochester Medical Center and senior author of the study.
"This study found that simply using photomitochondria to boost metabolism can allow laboratory nematodes to live longer and healthier
.
These findings and new research tools will allow us to further study mitochondria and identify new ways
to treat age-related diseases and healthier aging.
”

"Mitochondria are similar to industrial power plants, they burn carbon sources, primarily glucose, to produce useful energy for cells," said
Berry, the paper's first author.
"What we're doing is basically connecting solar panels to
existing power plant infrastructure.
In this case, solar panels are optogenetic tools
.
Normal mitochondrial mechanisms are able to use light energy to provide ATP, in addition to the normal combustion pathway
.
"Their findings provide direct causal evidence that saving age-related mitochondrial membrane potential decline is sufficient to slow down aging and extend healthy and longevity
.
" We need to know more about how mitochondria really behave
in animals.
"First in nematodes, as in the current study, and then in
cultured human cells and rodents.
" In this way, future research will fully understand the mitochondria
, the most likely participants in human disease and aging.
”