Abstract #666
Section: Growth and Development
Session: Growth and Development Symposium: The mitochondrion—A powerhouse for the cell or a key to animal productivity?
Format: Oral
Day/Time: Wednesday 11:15 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Panzacola H-1
Session: Growth and Development Symposium: The mitochondrion—A powerhouse for the cell or a key to animal productivity?
Format: Oral
Day/Time: Wednesday 11:15 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Panzacola H-1
# 666
Mitochondrial bioenergetics and aging.
Hazel H. Szeto*1, 1Research Program in Mitochondrial Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY.
Speaker Bio
Mitochondrial bioenergetics and aging.
Hazel H. Szeto*1, 1Research Program in Mitochondrial Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY.
Mitochondria play a central role in energy generation in the cell, providing ATP to carry out essential biological functions. As energy output declines, the most energetic tissues are preferentially affected, including the skeletal muscles, heart and eyes. Age-related decline in function has been observed in these systems and is associated with a decline in mitochondrial function in both animals and humans. Furthermore, age-related decline in skeletal muscle and cardiac function results in immobility that further promotes loss of skeletal muscle mass (sarcopenia). This talk will summarize the current literature on the effects of age and immobility on mitochondrial function and ATP production in skeletal muscles, heart, and the retina. A novel compound (SS-31) that promotes mitochondrial bioenergetics has been shown to reverse skeletal and cardiac muscle dysfunction, and loss of visual acuity, associated with aging. The mechanism of action of SS-31 and its effects on aging will be presented.
Speaker Bio
Education and Training
M.D., Cornell University Medical College 1977
Ph.D., Cornell University Graduate School of Medical Sciences 1977
B.S., Indiana University 1972
Dr. Szeto's laboratory is involved in the development of peptide drugs that target specific cellular targets. One project focuses on the development of agonists and antagonists that target specific subtypes of cell-surface receptors, with special emphasis on opioid, vasopressin and oxytocin receptors. These receptors play important roles in the regulation of pain processing, blood pressure, adrenocorticotropin release, and uterine contraction, respectively. By targeting specific subtypes of these receptors, it is possible to minimize side effects associated with the currently available receptor agonists and antagonists. Our laboratory has developed some of the most selective ligands for the mu opioid receptor and for the vasopressin V1b receptors. The second project focuses on the development of cell-permeable antioxidants. Oxidative free radicals are believed to be the underlying cause in aging. Free radicals are produced by the mitochondrial electron transport chain, and they can lead to cell death by oxidation of lipids, proteins, DNA and RNA. Mitochondria are central to the life of the cell, but it is also most vulnerable to free radical damage. Oxidative free radicals can lead to mitochondrial permeability transition and swelling, release of cytochrome c and activation of the caspase cascade resulting in apoptosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in aging, ischemia-reperfusion damage, neurodegenerative diseases, atherosclerosis, inflammatory processes, and aging. We have designed small cell-permeable peptide drugs that are potent antioxidants. Furthermore, some of these peptides target mitochondria and protect against mitochondrial permeability transition, mitochondrial swelling and apoptosis. These are now being investigated for therapeutic potential against myocardial ischemia and stroke, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. and hepatitis C viral infection.
M.D., Cornell University Medical College 1977
Ph.D., Cornell University Graduate School of Medical Sciences 1977
B.S., Indiana University 1972
Dr. Szeto's laboratory is involved in the development of peptide drugs that target specific cellular targets. One project focuses on the development of agonists and antagonists that target specific subtypes of cell-surface receptors, with special emphasis on opioid, vasopressin and oxytocin receptors. These receptors play important roles in the regulation of pain processing, blood pressure, adrenocorticotropin release, and uterine contraction, respectively. By targeting specific subtypes of these receptors, it is possible to minimize side effects associated with the currently available receptor agonists and antagonists. Our laboratory has developed some of the most selective ligands for the mu opioid receptor and for the vasopressin V1b receptors. The second project focuses on the development of cell-permeable antioxidants. Oxidative free radicals are believed to be the underlying cause in aging. Free radicals are produced by the mitochondrial electron transport chain, and they can lead to cell death by oxidation of lipids, proteins, DNA and RNA. Mitochondria are central to the life of the cell, but it is also most vulnerable to free radical damage. Oxidative free radicals can lead to mitochondrial permeability transition and swelling, release of cytochrome c and activation of the caspase cascade resulting in apoptosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in aging, ischemia-reperfusion damage, neurodegenerative diseases, atherosclerosis, inflammatory processes, and aging. We have designed small cell-permeable peptide drugs that are potent antioxidants. Furthermore, some of these peptides target mitochondria and protect against mitochondrial permeability transition, mitochondrial swelling and apoptosis. These are now being investigated for therapeutic potential against myocardial ischemia and stroke, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. and hepatitis C viral infection.
