Strengthen cells to fight aging and disease

When we need to recharge, we often go on vacation or relax in spas. But what if we could provide our cells with energy to fight aging and disease? As we age or suffer from disease, our cells, especially the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, become increasingly less able to regenerate.

When mitochondria are not functioning properly, we feel tired, our tissues can degenerate, and we age faster. Recovery from everyday activities can take much longer, which shows how important mitochondria are to our health.

Most current treatments for age-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's focus on relieving symptoms. But there is hope.

Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing a new approach that uses nanotechnology to improve mitochondrial function, an innovative method that could potentially revolutionize the treatment of these diseases.

A team of researchers led by Dr. Kanwar Abhay Singh of Texas A&M University came together to address this challenge. They developed special nanoparticles called molybdenum disulfide nanoflowers (MoS₂), named after their flower-like shape.

The tiny particles can help regenerate mitochondria, the energy producers of our cells, by stimulating them to produce more energy. The results suggest that by increasing cellular energy production, these nanoflowers could lead to new treatments for diseases such as muscular dystrophy, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.

The researchers emphasized that this research could help extend healthy lifespan and improve treatment outcomes for patients with age-related diseases. Other collaborators have also played a crucial role in understanding how these nanoflowers improve mitochondrial function and cellular energy.

The researchers explained that by using modern computing tools, they can understand how cells respond to new nanomaterials, which could lead to better medical treatments. This process helps cells receive instructions to repair their energy producers, the mitochondria.

The team's next step is to find a way to deliver these nanoflowers into human tissue for possible medical use. According to the researchers, small details in research, such as tiny changes in nanomaterials, can lead to important discoveries that help solve major health problems.

Journal reference:

1. Singh, KA, Soukar, J., Zulkifli, M. et al. Atomic vacancies of molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis. Nature Communications. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52276-8.