Research results that mice with "third parent" on the gene live longer

ByStuart Caie

An organism is a DNA in the cell nucleus (Nuclear DNAIn addition to cytoplasmicMitochondriaWe also have our own DNA. Experiments with mice have shown that the lifetime of organisms is extended by the combination of nuclear DNA mitochondrial DNA.

Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA matching shapes metabolism and healthy ageing: Nature: Nature Research
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature18618.html

Having three genetic parents makes mice age better | Ars Technica
http://arstechnica.com/science/2016/07/having-three-genetic-parents-makes-mice-age-better/

Mitochondria has its own DNA "mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)" because mitochondria were aerobic cells long ago. Mitochondria then coexists with eukaryotic cells to assure safety, and has become responsible for amplifying the energy of host cells.

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Mitochondria synthesize adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is responsible for the release and storage of energy, metabolism and synthesis of energy, taking in oxygen in the cell and performing aerobic respiration, so that the power plant and manufacturing It can be compared to a factory. Although mtDNA encodes a protein that requires aerobic respiration, it does not encode all proteins. The reason is that aerobic respiration itself also requires a protein encoded by the chromosome of the cell.

Since the mutation of mtDNA (base substitution) is involved in many diseases, the influence of mitochondrial transplantation is studied to avoid diseases derived from mitochondria. Those who received the mitochondria from a third party have mtDNA transferred from a third party in addition to the nuclear DNA transferred from the mother and the nuclear DNA transferred from the father, and three kinds of DNA exist in the body To do. Because there is not much precedent for such surgery, debate has taken place because of ethical reasons.

However, the latest research suggests that it is worth studying for people with third DNA. The paper published in Science Journal Nature describes experiments using mice with the same nuclear DNA but different mtDNA. Because it is possible to make the same mouse in the laboratory in the laboratory, we can do such an experiment by using nuclear DNA of one kind of mouse and taking mtDNA from another kind of mouse.

In the experiments, a comprehensive test was conducted on the mouse to examine the RNA and protein produced in the mouse body and the chemicals related to metabolism, and the influence of matching between the nuclear DNA and mtDNA was examined by physiological / We analyzed it together with its function. Then, it turned out that most mtDNA was found to have a good effect on the mouse. Mice given mtDNA from a mouse of alien species have prolonged their longevity and revealed that tumors are less prone to develop. Also, mice with mtDNA given by a third party develop as a byproduct of metabolism compared to non-miceActive oxygenIt was also found that it is resistant to damage by the body, and furthermore it turned out that the function of adjusting sugar and cholesterol level in the body was also excellent. The paper concludes that "mtDNA can prolong healthy lifespan".

ByCharles Clegg

However, the very successful matching between nuclear DNA and mtDNA was that there was only one pair of dozens of different nuclear DNA and mtDNA combinations. In addition, the paper does not touch on the complex genetic background of humans, and future studies are awaited as to whether the positive effect of mtDNA given by a third party also applies to humans.