Single-cell analysis reveals context-dependent, cell-level selection of mtDNA. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38658765/)

These scientists wanted to understand how different types of DNA in our cells can affect how our cells grow and function. They were especially interested in a type of DNA found in a part of our cells called mitochondria. Mitochondria are like tiny power plants in our cells that help give us energy.

The scientists did an experiment where they changed the DNA in some cells to have different mutations. They then watched how these mutations affected the cells as they grew and divided. They found that some mutations were harmful to the cells, some didn't make a difference, and some actually helped the cells.

By studying how these mutations affected the cells in different environments, the scientists learned that the environment plays a big role in whether a mutation is good or bad for a cell. They also found that even though the overall DNA makeup of a group of cells might change, the DNA in individual cells stayed pretty much the same.

Overall, the scientists discovered that the type of DNA in our cells can have different effects on how our cells work, and that these effects can change depending on the environment the cells are in.

Kotrys AV., Durham TJ., Guo XA., Vantaku VR., Parangi S., Mootha VK. Single-cell analysis reveals context-dependent, cell-level selection of mtDNA. Nature. 2024 May;629(8011):458-466. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07332-0. Epub 2024 Apr 24.