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Harnessing light energy to charge mitochondria and extend lifespan

Mitochondrial dysfunction is central in biological aging, but experimentally controlling mitochondria in vivo to test causality has been difficult. Optogenetically preserving mitochondrial function with age addressed this difficulty and increased lifespan and healthspan in Caenorhabditis elegans.

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Fig. 1: Optogenetically boosting mitochondrial function with age extends lifespan.

References

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This is a summary of: Berry, B. J. et al. Optogenetic rejuvenation of mitochondrial membrane potential extends C. elegans lifespan. Nat. Aging, https://doi.org/10.1038/s43587-022-00340-7 (2023).

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Harnessing light energy to charge mitochondria and extend lifespan. Nat Aging 3, 151–152 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43587-023-00364-7

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