Wed Dec 25 00:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Mitochondrial DNA Mutations Linked to Age-Related Muscle Loss: Study
**Chennai, India (December 25, 2024)** – A new study published in *Genome Research* reveals a significant link between age-related deletion mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the loss of muscle mass. Researchers from the University of California Los Angeles and the University of Alberta found that these mutations, along with aberrant expression of mtDNA genes, correlate strongly with biological aging in both humans and rodents.
Mitochondria, often called the “powerhouses” of the cell, are responsible for energy production. While mtDNA comprises only a tiny fraction of our total genome, its mutations appear to be a major factor in age-related decline. The study showed that these mutations not only reduce the number of functional mitochondria but also lead to the creation of “chimeric” genes, further disrupting mitochondrial function.
The researchers compared muscle tissue samples from younger (under 30) and older (over 65) individuals. They observed a twofold increase in chimeric mitochondrial mRNA in the older group, directly linking these abnormal genes to mtDNA deletion events. This suggests that the presence of these mutations and chimeric mRNA could serve as valuable biomarkers for biological age.
The findings have important implications for developing strategies to delay age-related decline. By understanding the mechanisms behind these mutations, scientists may be able to develop interventions to prevent or slow the loss of mitochondrial function and the resulting muscle mass reduction. This research underscores the importance of mtDNA’s role in aging and opens avenues for future research into therapies targeting age-related muscle degeneration.
First Piper 