Uploaded January 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
You asked. I deliver. So i recently spoke with Dr Brandon Berry about his work using the tool mitochondria-ON. Here, i will explain how this works
In our cells, we have organelles, you have likely heard of called mitochondria. Primarily these organelles are responsible for the generation of ATP. The way ATP is generated is through the generation of a proton motive force - essentially a high concentration of protons - hydrogen ions - in the space between the membranes of this organelle. When these protons move down their concentration gradient out of the space between the membranes they go through a protein called ATP synthase. The movement of protons through this protein facilitates the generation of ATP - the energy source of the cell. Mitochondria-ON, is a tool that also moves protons across the membrane. But it can only do this is the presence of a cofactor - all-trans-retinal and light. In this paper, Brandon activated this tool using light during adulthood of the worms - so it kept this high proton motive force. He showed it extended their lifespan. Listen to our full conversation here; youtu.be/twke5yKQbvk
Find me on Twitter - twitter.com/EleanorSheekey
Support the channel
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Please note that The Sheekey Science Show is distinct from Eleanor Sheekey's teaching and research roles at the University of Cambridge. The information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Sheekey Science Show and guests assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.
Icons in intro; "freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background"Background vector created by freepik - freepik.com
You asked. I deliver. So i recently spoke with Dr Brandon Berry about his work using the tool mitochondria-ON. Here, i will explain how this works
In our cells, we have organelles, you have likely heard of called mitochondria. Primarily these organelles are responsible for the generation of ATP. The way ATP is generated is through the generation of a proton motive force - essentially a high concentration of protons - hydrogen ions - in the space between the membranes of this organelle. When these protons move down their concentration gradient out of the space between the membranes they go through a protein called ATP synthase. The movement of protons through this protein facilitates the generation of ATP - the energy source of the cell. Mitochondria-ON, is a tool that also moves protons across the membrane. But it can only do this is the presence of a cofactor - all-trans-retinal and light. In this paper, Brandon activated this tool using light during adulthood of the worms - so it kept this high proton motive force. He showed it extended their lifespan. Listen to our full conversation here; youtu.be/twke5yKQbvk
Find me on Twitter - twitter.com/EleanorSheekey
Support the channel
through PayPal - paypal.me/sheekeyscience?country.x=GB&locale.x=en_GB
through Patreon - patreon.com/TheSheekeyScienceShow
Please note that The Sheekey Science Show is distinct from Eleanor Sheekey's teaching and research roles at the University of Cambridge. The information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Sheekey Science Show and guests assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.
Icons in intro; "freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background"Background vector created by freepik - freepik.com
