Six genes control cellular mitochondrial energy and traffic

Researchers from the Institute for Research in Biomedicine in Barcelona, led by Eduardo Soriano, head of the Neurobiology and Cell Regeneration group, identified six new genes responsible for the movement and position of mitochondrial in neurons. Neuronal viability, neurotransmission and neural integration depend on the capability of the mitochondria to function. Neurological mitochondrial dysfunction can develop to diseases like Parkinson’s and Charcot-Marie-Tooth. The six new genes identified, through comparative genomic analyses, serve as the driver of the mitochondria and ensure the equal distribution of energy among the cells. Soriano explained that “the genes interact with the major proteins associated with the regulation of mitochondrial transport.” Researchers believed that these genes are involved in regulating gene expression and the development of metabolic diseases and cancer.