Mitochondrial complex I activity in microglia sustains neuroinflammation. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38480879/)

These scientists wanted to understand why some diseases that affect the brain and nerves can cause ongoing inflammation. They focused on a type of cells called myeloid cells, which play a role in the immune system. They found that the way these cells use energy and produce energy in their mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) can lead to inflammation in the central nervous system.

To study this, the scientists used a variety of techniques to look at different aspects of these cells. They discovered that a specific process in the mitochondria called complex I activity can drive the production of harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species, which can damage the brain and nerves.

By blocking complex I activity in these cells, the scientists were able to protect the central nervous system from damage in an animal model of disease. This means that targeting complex I activity in these cells could be a potential way to treat chronic inflammatory diseases of the brain and nerves.

In simpler terms, the scientists found a way to stop certain cells in the brain from causing inflammation and damage, which could lead to new treatments for diseases that affect the central nervous system.

Peruzzotti-Jametti L., Willis CM., Krzak G., Hamel R., Pirvan L., Ionescu RB., Reisz JA., Prag HA., Garcia-Segura ME., Wu V., Xiang Y., Barlas B., Casey AM., van den Bosch AMR., Nicaise AM., Roth L., Bates GR., Huang H., Prasad P., Vincent AE., Frezza C., Viscomi C., Balmus G., Takats Z., Marioni JC., D'Alessandro A., Murphy MP., Mohorianu I., Pluchino S. Mitochondrial complex I activity in microglia sustains neuroinflammation. Nature. 2024 Mar 13. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07167-9.