Mechanism of Mitochondrial Decrease
Mitochondria, essential for efficiently extracting energy from nutrients within cells, are known to decrease in number with aging. Inside cells, old mitochondria are continuously broken down, while new mitochondria are constantly being created, ensuring a perpetual cycle of renewal. The decline in mitochondria associated with aging is believed to occur due to an imbalance between the breakdown and synthesis of mitochondria, shifting towards a predominance of breakdown compared to youth.
Activation of Gene Expression through Sirtuin Function
If the synthesis of new mitochondria can be carried out sufficiently, it can inhibit the decline of mitochondria associated with aging, allowing for the efficient extraction of energy from nutrients.
As mentioned last time, mitochondria are constructed from various proteins, numbering in the hundreds. Despite the body aging, the blueprints for these component proteins are preserved within the cell through “genetic DNA.” To produce numerous mitochondria, it is essential to boost the synthesis of component proteins, meaning activating the gene expression of these component proteins.
【Activation of Gene Expression by Sirtuin Function】
Within various types of proteins in human cells, there are many that possess the function of activating the gene expression of other proteins. For example, there are seven proteins named SIRT (Sirtuin), numbered from 1 to 7 (SIRT1 to SIRT7). These are often collectively referred to as Sirtuins.
Evidence has been accumulating that the aging process is suppressed through the action of Sirtuins within cells. As a result, the genetic DNA of Sirtuins is colloquially known as the “longevity gene.” The activity of Sirtuins activates the gene expression of various proteins, including the genetic code for mitochondrial component proteins.
Therefore, maintaining the proper function of Sirtuins could be one of the methodologies to counteract the reduction of mitochondria and energy deficiency associated with aging.
▼Last coumn is here
Vol.3 Strategies Against Aging – Aging Occurs Through Changes in Gene Expression: Part 1