IPAK-EDU

Mitochondria and Human Health Part 1

Product Details

SYLLABUS (Subject to Change)

Instructor: James Lyons-Weiler, PhD

An in-depth course on the diverse and complex roles that mitochondria play in human health, underlying their importance beyond just energy production. Each topic not only offers insights into fundamental biological processes but also highlights potential avenues for therapeutic intervention in mitochondrial and systemic diseases.

Mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, play a crucial role in human health. Their primary function is to generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of chemical energy. Beyond energy production, mitochondria are involved in a range of other processes that contribute to homeostasis and health.

1. Mitochondrial Biogenesis: The process by which cells increase their individual mitochondrial mass and copy number to increase the production of ATP. It's crucial for muscle health, metabolic regulation, and adaptation to stress.

2. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Mutations: Unlike nuclear DNA, mtDNA is inherited maternally and mutations can lead to various mitochondrial diseases, including but not limited to Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), mitochondrial myopathy, and neurodegenerative diseases.

3. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Chronic Diseases: Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to a wide array of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cardiovascular disease.

4. Mitochondrial Dynamics: This encompasses the processes of mitochondrial fission and fusion, crucial for maintaining mitochondrial function and integrity. Dysregulation of these processes can contribute to neurodegeneration, muscular dystrophy, and the aging process.

5. Oxidative Stress and Mitochondria: Mitochondria are the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play a role in cell signaling and homeostasis. However, excessive ROS production leads to oxidative stress, damaging cellular components and contributing to aging and diseases.

6. Apoptosis and Mitochondria: Mitochondria have a key role in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis (programmed cell death), which is essential for development and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation of apoptosis is implicated in cancer and autoimmune diseases.

7. Mitochondrial Medicine: This emerging field focuses on diagnosing and treating mitochondrial diseases. It involves understanding mitochondrial genetics, pathophysiology, and developing therapies targeting mitochondrial function.

8. Mitochondria and Aging: The role of mitochondria in aging is a topic of intense research. Age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to contribute to the decline in physiological function and increased susceptibility to diseases in the elderly.

9. Exercise and Mitochondrial Health: Physical activity has been shown to promote mitochondrial biogenesis, improve mitochondrial efficiency, and increase oxidative capacity. This has implications for metabolic health, aging, and disease prevention.

10. Mitochondria-Targeted Therapeutics: Developing treatments that specifically target mitochondrial function has potential for treating a wide range of diseases. This includes antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress, agents that modify mitochondrial dynamics, and therapies that correct mtDNA mutations.

11. Nutrition and Mitochondrial Function: Certain nutrients and dietary patterns can influence mitochondrial health, including diets rich in antioxidants, the potential of ketogenic diets to affect mitochondrial metabolism, and the impact of caloric restriction on mitochondrial biogenesis and longevity.