Mitochondrial Aging in the Context of Kidney Function

Mitochondria are responsible for producing the chemical energy store molecules, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used to power cellular processes. Unfortunately, mitochondria become dysfunctional with age, in complex ways and for complex reasons that are not yet fully understood. Mitochondria evolved from symbiotic bacteria, and still act much like bacteria inside the cell. They carry a remnant circular genome, the mitochondrial DNA, they replicate as needed to keep their numbers up, they can fuse together and pass around component parts, they are recycled when worn or damaged by the quality control mechanisms of mitophagy. Within this dynamic system, age-related changes in gene expression and damage to mitochondrial DNA produces a growing loss of function. That in turn impacts the ability of organs in the body to function and maintain themselves.

Aging is an inevitable life process. The ability of aging organs to resist adverse external stimuli decreases, and thus they are more vulnerable to damage. Mitochondrial homeostasis plays an indispensable role in maintaining kidney function, and when mitochondrial function is disturbed, it will accelerate the aging of renal cells. Here, we reviewed the evidence of renal mitochondrial disorders, including abnormal mitochondrial function, abnormal mitophagy, and abnormal activation of oxidative stress and inflammation in renal aging.

Although targeting mitochondria is a potential strategy to slow kidney aging, many questi...

Source: Fight Aging! - July 14, 2023 Category: Research Authors: Reason Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs