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May 16, 2013
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130516123804.htm
Summary: Dysfunctional mitochondria in brain cells has been to shown to lead to learning disabilities by Patrik Verstreken, Dominik Haddad, and Vanessa Morais, neuroscientists at VIB (Flanders Institute for
Biotechnology) and KU Leuven. Although the link between dysfunctional mitochondria and
Parkinson's disease is known, the new research shows that it is
also present in other brain disorders. Well-functioning mitochondria are essential for a healthy brain as they provide the energy
needed for communication between brain cells. This is crucial for
transmitting stimuli and signals, and thus for optimal functioning of the
body. When dysfunctional
mitochondria are not efficiently discarded from the cell, the operation of other healthy mitochondria is complicated, eventually leading to
insufficient energy production in the cell. The researchers have discovered the mechanism by which brain cells
trigger the destruction of dysfunctional mitochondria. Communication between brain cells is
reestablished once the mechanism is triggered. The mechanism defect in Parkinson's and other diseases indicate the
wider importance of mitochondria for optimal functioning of human brains.
Relevance: In our study of human systems, we learned about the nervous system. The nervous system's role in homeostatic function is to take in, process, and respond to stimuli. The functional units of the nervous system are neurons. As demonstrated in this article, the neurons will not be able to transmit stimuli and signals because of dysfunctional mitochondria that cannot provide energy for the cells. Because there will be limited cells communicating and connecting with each other, there will be limited synapses. Thus, action potentials will not release neurotransmitters, and the system will not be able to process the potentials. Finally, the motor division of the nervous system cannot carry out the CNS's response messages to muscle or gland cells.
Why is this discovery important? In other words, what are scientists planning to do now that they know that mitochondria is an important factor?
ReplyDeleteThis discovery is significant as scientists now know that the mechanism defect not only occurs in Parkinson's, but as well as in specific intellectual disability. It's also important because researchers recognize the wider importance of functioning mitochondria in the brain. Scientists are now hope that this discovery will contribute to the prevention of various brain disorders. They also hope this will lead to to long term medical applications that prevent and cure these type of diseases.
ReplyDeleteIs the problem that there isn't enough ATP being made, because there aren't enough functional mitochondria, or that the dysfunctional ones are getting in the way of the functional ones? Could the brain use ATP made in other parts of the body?
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