Manipulating Energy Generation in Kidney Cells Can Enhance Regeneration

There are multiple distinct mechanisms by which cells can generate the energy needed for operations. Since everything is connected to everything else inside a cell, these various mechanisms are also tied in to the regulation of cell behavior, such as whether or not cells are actively assisting in tissue regeneration. Thus ways to change the balance of energy generation in cells might be a viable path towards enhanced regeneration for damaged organs. Researchers here provide evidence for this approach to be useful in the kidney, at least in mice. Researchers have discovered a pathway for enhancing the self-repair efforts of injured kidneys. This involves reprogramming the body's own metabolism in order to save damaged kidneys. Normally, a process called glycolysis converts glucose from food into energy, which is necessary for life to continue. But the new discovery shows that when tissue is injured, the body can switch the process into one of repair to damaged cells. Researchers found how to intensify the switching process, resulting in a cascade of tissue-repair molecules that successfully stopped progression of kidney disease in mice. Normally, when cells break down fat, sugars, and proteins into glucose, the three substances are converted into intermediate products that move into the mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells, providing fuel for life. Things work very differently in injured tissues: in the kidneys for example, the body triggers a "Plan B," conver...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs