11 october 2024 : Ever wonder why you’re sometimes full of energy or just feel exhausted? Your mom’s mitochondria might be the answer. A new study reveals that while we inherit half of our genes from each parent, mitochondrial DNA, which powers our cells, is only inherited from the mother. This process, known as paternal mitochondria elimination (PME), has fascinated researchers, especially at the University of Colorado Boulder, where a recent study shed light on its importance for health.
Mitochondria are small structures inside cells that produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency for cellular functions. While mitochondria have their own DNA, this unique inheritance means only the mother’s mitochondrial genes are passed down, a phenomenon that scientists have yet to fully understand. A failure in PME, which is the elimination of the father’s mitochondrial DNA after fertilization, could cause major health issues, as found in experiments with C. elegans (a small worm used in research).
The study showed that delaying PME led to lower ATP levels in embryos, causing energy deficiencies that resulted in growth issues, cognitive problems, and reproductive challenges in the worms. Interestingly, supplementing with vitamin K2 (MK-4) restored normal ATP levels and improved various functions, offering hope for future treatments for mitochondrial disorders in humans.
Although human cases of paternal mitochondrial DNA persistence are rare, there are documented instances of patients facing neurological and muscle issues that could be linked to this failure. If such genetic issues are detected early, vitamin K2 might offer a preventive approach.
This research opens the door for future studies that could improve the diagnosis and treatment of mitochondrial diseases, which affect around 1 in 5,000 people globally. By understanding how mitochondrial DNA inheritance works, scientists may be able to offer better care for those suffering from energy-related disorders, suggesting that the seemingly small role of maternal mitochondria might have a more significant impact on health than we realize.
