AI Summary
Summary: A study has discovered a molecular complex that regulates the transport of mitochondria within neurons and neuronal death. This complex, found only in the most evolved mammals, may provide new therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.
The human brain is an organ that takes nearly from 20 to 25% of the energy the body needs. This high energy demand for neuronal functions depends on the transport and precise distribution of mitochondria — the energy-generating cell organelles — in each neuron. Now, a study has identified a molecular complex that regulates the transport of mitochondria within neurons and neuronal death. The discovery of the complex, exclusively present in the most evolved mammals, could help to locate new therapeutic targets against neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, neuromuscular diseases or even some types of tumors.