In a study published in the journalCell Reportsscientists described how a new device developed by UCLA
“The ability to generate cells with the desiredmitochondrial DNA sequences is important for studying the interactions of genomes in mitochondria and the nucleus to regulate cell functions. It is ultimately critical to understanding and potentially treating severe illness in patients, ”explains Alexander Cersell, doctoral student at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, and co-author of the study.
Mitochondria, the existence of which scientistslearned in the middle of the 19th century, for almost 150 years cells were considered exclusively energy stations. Indeed, the primary function of the mitochondrion is to convert nutrients into usable energy using oxygen molecules - the synthesis of ATP molecules. This process of generating energy within the cell is known as cellular respiration. However, mitochondria are also closely involved in the regulation of vital cellular processes such as programmed cell death and cell growth. They are highly dynamic organelles, constantly changing morphology as a result of processes of fission and fusion. Another unique feature of the mitochondrion is the presence of its own DNA (mitochondrial DNA), and it is inherited only from the mother.
Mitochondrial DNA manipulation technologieslag behind advances in DNA manipulation in the cell nucleus and will help scientists develop disease models and regenerative treatments for disorders caused by these mutations. However, current approaches are limited and complex, and for the most part only deliver mitochondria with the desired mitochondrial DNA sequences to a limited number of cells.
MitoPunch is easy to operate andprovides a consistent transfer of mitochondria from a wide range of mitochondria isolated from different types of donor cells to many types of recipient cells, even for non-human species (e.g. mice)
What makes MitoPunch different from other technologies isis the ability to engineer non-immortal, non-cancerous cells, such as human skin cells, to create unique combinations of mitochondrial DNA and nuclear genome.
In addition, the new device is very effectiveand allows researchers to study the mitochondrial genome in a simple way—by moving it from one cell to another. Scientists are confident that studying the mitochondrial genome can be used to treat mitochondrial DNA diseases.
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