Biological complexity:mitochondria energy control (Introduction)

by David Turell , Wednesday, June 24, 2020, 19:42 (1613 days ago) @ David Turell

Mitochondria are energy production machines for cells. The levels of production are controlled to increase when necessary:

https://phys.org/news/2020-06-scientists-mechanism-mitochondrial-energy-production.html

"The study shows that mitochondria adjust the efficiency of the electron transport chain (ETC) to meet the body's needs by regulating the associations between its component macromolecular structures. The researchers found that the protein SCAF1, discovered by the same team in 2016, plays a key role in this metabolic regulation by optimizing mitochondrial energy efficiency in response to high energy demand.

"Mitochondria, which house the mitochondrial ETC, generate most of the cell's energy supply and adjust their function to meet the body's metabolic needs. "The electron transport chain generates energy from nutrient molecules, such as glucose and fatty acids, and also has an important role in the synthesis of molecules needed to maintain cellular and bodily health," explained Dr. José Antonio Enríquez.

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"The ETC is composed of four large multiprotein complexes: CI, CII, CIII, and CIV. These complexes can alter their structural organization to carry out different functions and adapt to local conditions.

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"Using this technology, "We show that, in the absence of SCAF1, the ETC complexes adopt a suboptimal configuration that reduces the efficiency of energy production," said Pablo Hernansanz-Agustín.

"The study also shows that the lack of SCAF1 reduces the capacity of mice for intense physical activity. "The physical output of these mice is 30% below that of unmodified mice," explained Sara Cogliati.

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"The research team conclude that SCAF1-mediated physical interaction between CIII and CIV is essential for optimal mitochondrial energy production. Marta Loureiro-López explained that "SCAF1 is a regulatory factor that allows mitochondria to adapt to the available nutrient sources of sugars, fats, or proteins. This capacity for metabolic adaptation also explains the ability of mitochondria to adapt to stress situations, for example during intense physical exercise.'"

Comment: A precisely designed mechanism to see that the energy levels for cells care always appropriate to the needs. Not by chance.