Stem Cells Repair Damaged Lung Cells

Author: Science Daily
Publication Date: January 16, 2014
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140116085059.htm

Summary: A new discovery is showing that a protein increases the rate at which the mitochondria of mesenchymal stem cells transfer to lung cells(epithelial cells). The research shows that the delivery of these mitochondria to the lungs helps repair damaged cells. It also repairs damaged tissue and inflammation in mice. The protein responsible for this increased rate of transfer is called Miro1. Researchers believe that in the future the mesenchymal cells could be changed to help with major lung diseases. In earlier research it was discovered that mitochondria could be transferred between cells through nanotubes, which increase based upon the amount of stress. The stem cells can transfer the mitochondria the same way, and the Miro1 protein just increases the efficiency of mitochondria transferred. When used on lab rats, was more effective in the healing of the lung cells.

Relevance: This is relevant to the units we have studied because it is an example of hypothesis biased science. They tested to see if adding the protein Miro1 increased the efficiency of the transfer of mitochondria. They tested with and without the protein and they concluded that the protein benefited the efficiency of the transfer. It also shows the effects that macromolecules can have on other parts of the body. Here they are helping in the healing of lungs. One last reason why it relates to the units we have studied is because it is cells helping cells. The mitochondria of one cell helps repair a different  damaged cell.