Mitochondria, the cell energy powerhouse. The energy in the form of ATP produced many metabolism in the body's system and help in control the signal transduction process. Mitochondria also play role in proper cell death called apoptosis- Intrinsic pathway of initiation, cytochrome C from mitochondria associated with APAF activate the ProCaspase 9 to Caspase 9 to activate the caspase cascade.
Mitochondria also can fuel the development of many chronic and poorly understood conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and neuro degenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The disease process begins when environmental factors such as polluted drinking water or cigarette smoke perturb mitochondria, causing cellular levels of high-energy molecules called reactive oxygen species to spike.
Scientists have long assumed that wounded mitochondria release reactive oxygen molecules, which then damage DNA and proteins, increasing disease risk. But some of the environmental chemicals that harm mitochondria produce these dangerous molecules themselves, prompting a “cause-and-effect question,” explains James M. Samet, a toxicologist at the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory in Chapel Hill, N.C., who has co-authored a study on the new technique in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
Until now how this destructive cascade unfolds still unclear. But researchers have developed an imaging technique that shows, in real time, what happens when things start going awry—a tool that could help doctors diagnose mitochondrial injuries before they have the chance to do serious cellular
damage.
To do this, the researchers coaxed three fluorescent molecules into the mitochondria of living human skin cells. One lit up in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, a prominent reactive oxygen species, whereas the other two acted as mitochondrial injury sensors. Next they exposed the cells to a mitochondrial toxicant. The damage sensors lit up first, with the hydrogen peroxide marker following moments later, suggesting that the reactive oxygen.
Eventhough the more validation is necessary but this diagnosis will help them to understand the genesis of chronic diseases.
