Persistent Oxidation Of Mitochondrial And Transmembrane Proteins In Rat Cerebrum And Heart Regardless Of Age Or Nutrition
Our bodies constantly produce reactive oxygen species, which are byproducts of normal metabolism. While these molecules play a role in cell signaling, too many can lead to oxidative stress, a process often linked to aging and metabolic decline. Scientists have long known that proteins can undergo oxidative modifications, but it’s been unclear how persistent these changes are under different conditions like aging or dietary restrictions.
Recent research sheds light on this by examining proteins in the brains and hearts of rats. The study identified 139 specific proteins, located in the mitochondria (the cell’s powerhouses) and cell membranes, that consistently showed high levels of oxidation. These proteins are crucial for various cellular functions, including energy production, membrane transport, and nerve cell communication.
Interestingly, many of these proteins remained oxidized, primarily with a single oxygen modification, even as the rats aged or were put on calorie-restricted diets. This suggests that some level of protein oxidation might be a normal, persistent state rather than solely a sign of damage. What’s more, despite this ongoing oxidation, the essential functions of the mitochondria, such as their enzyme activity and structural integrity, were preserved and sometimes even improved.
These findings suggest that our bodies employ a clever two-pronged approach to handle oxidative stress. Calorie restriction can help reduce the initial production of reactive oxygen species, lessening the overall oxidative burden. Simultaneously, the inherent resilience of our proteins and cellular networks allows them to adapt and maintain function even in the presence of persistent oxidation, ensuring that our cells continue to operate effectively under various physiological conditions.
Source: link to paper