Protofection
Encyclopedia
Protofection is a term that refers to the transfection
of foreign mitochondrial DNA
to replace the original energy generators within cells. As mitochondria are damaged with age, this would be a method of rejuvenating them to original states.
This technology could similarly be applied to modified or artificial mitochondria. The intent being designing ones that do not produce as many (preferably zero) free radicals while staying as, or more efficient in generating energy in the cell. While not invulnerable to free radical damage, having less free radicals would also make such generators have longer lifespans if they could still renew at an identical rate, or at least enough to keep more healthy ones at a given time.
Transfection
Transfection is the process of deliberately introducing nucleic acids into cells. The term is used notably for non-viral methods in eukaryotic cells...
of foreign mitochondrial DNA
Mitochondrial DNA
Mitochondrial DNA is the DNA located in organelles called mitochondria, structures within eukaryotic cells that convert the chemical energy from food into a form that cells can use, adenosine triphosphate...
to replace the original energy generators within cells. As mitochondria are damaged with age, this would be a method of rejuvenating them to original states.
This technology could similarly be applied to modified or artificial mitochondria. The intent being designing ones that do not produce as many (preferably zero) free radicals while staying as, or more efficient in generating energy in the cell. While not invulnerable to free radical damage, having less free radicals would also make such generators have longer lifespans if they could still renew at an identical rate, or at least enough to keep more healthy ones at a given time.
External links
- FightAging.org Article responding to developments.
- LongevityMeme.org reports developments.