Immunofluorescence image of a cross-section of mouse liver. Image credit: Lesner et al. (CC BY 4.0)
Mitochondria are specialised structures inside cells that help to convert nutrients into energy. They take electrons from nutrients and use them to power biochemical reactions that supply chemical fuel. Previous studies of cells grown in the laboratory have found that electrons enter this process via a large assembly of proteins in mitochondria called complex I.
Understanding the mechanism of energy production is important, as issues with mitochondria can lead to a variety of metabolic diseases. However, it is still unclear how complex I acts in living animals.
Lesner et al. addressed this knowledge gap by genetically removing a key protein from complex I in the liver of mice. Surprisingly, the animals did not develop any detectable symptoms and maintained healthy liver function. Mice did not seem to compensate by making energy in a different way, suggesting that complex I is not normally used by the mouse liver for this process.
This research suggests that biologists should reconsider the mechanism that mitochondria use to power cells in animals. While the role of Complex I in electron transfer is well established in laboratory-grown cells and some organs, like the brain, it cannot be assumed this applies to the whole body. Understanding energy production in specific organs could help researchers to develop nutrient-based therapies for metabolic diseases.
