Help the SENS MitoMouse Rejuvenation Research Project Hit Its Crowdfunding Stretch Goals

The latest crowdfunded research project undertaken by the SENS Research Foundation involves using the genetically engineered maximally modifiable mouse lineage in order to demonstrate the ability to copy a version of the ATP8 mitochondrial gene into the cell nucleus, a process known as allotopic expression, and thus prevent mutational damage to this gene from degrading mitochondrial function. This is a modest step on the road towards bringing this class of genetic engineering project to the point of readiness for commercial development, when a biotech startup company could be created to carry it forward. In just a few weeks of crowdfunding, the project has already hit the initial funding goal of $50,000. There are still stretch goals to reach, however - so if you want to see more work on preventing the mitochondrial contribution to aging, then join in and help. Mitochondria are the power plants of the cell, every cell containing a herd of these organelles, descendants of ancient symbiotic bacteria. They bear a remnant of the original bacterial DNA, and that is where the problems start. This DNA encodes thirteen proteins vital to the operation of mitochondria. Unfortunately, this genome is poorly protected, poorly repaired, and vulnerable to the oxidative molecules generated by mitochondria as a side-effect of their duties in the cell. Some forms of damage, such as major deletions, can cause mitochondria to become both dysfunctional and more competitive, in repli...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Activism, Advocacy and Education Source Type: blogs