Written by: Noelle A. Koo (11th grade / Ashburn, VA USA)
Summary: It has been recently found that a newly discovered type of mitochondrial self-destruction may lead to brain cells becoming vulnerable to ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Mice were genetically engineered so that they would develop some form of a degenerative nerve disease similar to ALS. The mitochondrial self-destruction were found in upper motor neurons (brain nerve cells that help initiate and control movements). Scientists noted that clearing out old or damaged mitochondria is important for cells to stay healthy because when the mitochondria sustained too much damage, they could trigger the programmed death of the entire cell (apoptosis). Researchers noticed that the mitochondria were self-eating themselves, and noted that "this wasn't normal" and "has never happened before." Although this has all been noted and observed, there is still slight uncertainty behind the claim that researchers and scientists have found a new type of mitochondrial death. However, this finding can show insight into preventing neurodegenerative/nerve disorders such as ALS, because now, researchers may know why these disorders may occur.
Interest: I found this article quite intriguing because the concept that the mitochondria (which is known to be the powerhouse of the cell) could self destruct and this could be the primary factor which leads to brain cells becoming vulnerable to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) could result in future breakthroughs regarding preventative treatments of ALS. If researchers were to find a way to prevent the mitochondrial self-destruction, this could lead to developments of preventative treatments in response to ALS and other mitochondria destruction related diseases.
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