In this fast-paced world, how our bodies produce energy (and how we can produce more) is on many people’s minds. Much of this conversation surrounds diet, exercise, sleep, and other macro factors. In this issue of IMMpress Magazine, we explore human energy at the microscopic level by investigating the powerhouse of the cell: the mitochondria.
These tiny organelles keep our bodies moving through an elegant biochemical process. Beyond energy production, however, in this issue we are reminded of the many ways that mitochondria influence our overall health.
We begin with an infographic about the origins of mitochondria and their evolutionary journey (p9). We follow this with an article that details the role of mitochondria in trained immunity (p10). Next, we delve into some of the applications of mitochondrial research: the use of mitochondrial replacement therapy during in-vitro fertilization (p12), the search for an ancient ancestor, the Mitochondrial Eve (p30), and the relationship between exercise and mitochondrial health (p25). For insight on current mitochondrial research we interviewed UofT alumni Dr. Sam Saibil about his work on T cell metabolism.
But what happens when the powerhouse of the cell goes dark? We explore the systemic consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction (p14) with a closer look at the mitochondrial theory of aging (p20). In severe cases, mitochondrial dysfunction can increase infectious (p22) and genetic (p24) disease susceptibility. But not all is lost! Mitochondrial activity is a double-edged sword with positive effects as well, which we discuss in an article on redox medicine (p26). The chaotic nature of mitochondria is further detailed in our review of the book Power, Sex, and Suicide by evolutionary biochemist Nick Lane (p31).
Finally, we recap the 35th annual Canadian Society for Immunology (CSI) meeting held this year in Orford, Quebec (p28), and congratulate the IMM250 IMMpress Prize winner, Rebecca Yik-Ming Chau, who describes the power of nomenclature in fuelling prejudice and reconciliation (p18).
Many thanks to our fantastic team of writers, editors, and designers for assembling yet another thought-provoking issue of IMMpress. As the next academic year begins, we’d like to welcome all the new students who’ve joined the Department of Immunology this year! Lastly, we hope our readers enjoy this issue and as always, stay safe and healthy!
IMMpress
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