oxidative phosphorylation

The Antioxidant Properties of Mushroom Polysaccharides can Potentially Mitigate Oxidative Stress, Beta-Cell Dysfunction and Insulin Resistance

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This research review explores how mushroom compounds called polysaccharides may help manage diabetes by reducing harmful stress on cells caused by high glucose levels. Scientists found that 104 different mushroom polysaccharides have anti-diabetic properties and can protect insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. These natural compounds show promise as a complementary treatment to conventional diabetes medications, potentially with fewer side effects than synthetic drugs.

A tale for two roles: Root-secreted methyl ferulate inhibits P. nicotianae and enriches the rhizosphere Bacillus against black shank disease in tobacco

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Tobacco plants release a natural chemical called methyl ferulate from their roots that has a powerful two-pronged defense against a devastating soil disease called black shank. First, the methyl ferulate directly kills the fungus by disrupting its energy production. Second, it attracts beneficial bacteria called Bacillus to the soil around the roots, which further fight the disease. Scientists found they could boost this defense by engineering a tobacco gene that produces more methyl ferulate, making plants much more resistant to infection. This discovery offers farmers an affordable, natural way to control soil diseases without synthetic chemicals.

Inhibitory and synergistic effects of volatile organic compounds from bat caves against Pseudogymnoascus destructans in vitro

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Researchers discovered that two natural compounds found in bat cave environments—isovaleric acid and ethyl methyl carbonate—can effectively kill the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats. When used together, these compounds work even better than alone, disrupting the fungus’s cell membranes, causing it to produce too many reactive molecules (free radicals), and triggering cell death. This discovery offers hope for developing new treatments to protect bat populations that have been devastated by this disease in North America.

The very-long-chain (3R)-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase Phs1 regulates ATP levels and virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans

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Researchers found that a protein called Phs1, which helps Cryptococcus neoformans (a dangerous fungus) produce essential fatty acids, is important for the fungus to cause disease. When this protein was removed, the fungus produced less melanin (a pigment), couldn’t grow well at body temperature, and had a weaker cell wall. Most importantly, the fungus produced less energy (ATP) and was much less deadly in infected mice, suggesting that blocking Phs1 could potentially be a new way to treat cryptococcal infections.

Inonotus obliquus upregulates muscle regeneration and augments function through muscle oxidative metabolism

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Researchers studied chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) and found it helps muscles grow stronger and regenerate better. When mice were given chaga extract, their muscles became larger and stronger after injury, particularly through increased energy production in muscle cells. The mushroom works by activating specific proteins that promote muscle growth and boost the mitochondria (the energy factories) in muscle cells, suggesting it could help prevent age-related muscle weakness.

Impact of a Formulation Containing Chaga Extract, Coenzyme Q10, and Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress: NMR Metabolomic Insights into Cellular Energy

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A new supplement formula combining Chaga mushroom extract, Coenzyme Q10, and alpha-lipoic acid was tested on nerve cells in the laboratory. The formula increased the cells’ energy production and protected them from harmful oxidative stress. This could potentially help people with conditions like fibromyalgia and neurodegenerative diseases that involve mitochondrial dysfunction.

Energy Metabolism Enhance Perylenequinone Biosynthesis in Shiraia sp. Slf14 through Promoting Mitochondrial ROS Accumulation

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Scientists studied two similar fungi to understand how one produces more of a beneficial compound called perylenequinones (PQs), which have medical uses against infections and cancer. They discovered that the high-producing strain uses energy more efficiently, which causes tiny structures in the cells called mitochondria to produce reactive molecules (ROS). These reactive molecules trigger the fungus to make more PQs as a protective response. By controlling these processes, researchers can potentially improve the production of this valuable medicine.

Axin2 coupled excessive Wnt-glycolysis signaling mediates social defect in autism spectrum disorders

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Autism spectrum disorder affects social abilities in millions of people, but the underlying causes remain poorly understood. This research discovered that in the brains of people with autism, certain cellular processes that control energy and signaling become overactive, particularly in the region controlling social behavior. The good news is that the researchers found a drug-like compound called XAV939 can restore normal function by blocking the abnormal interaction between two key proteins, potentially offering a new treatment approach.

Research Keyword: oxidative phosphorylation