Mitochondrial DNA Insertion in Brain Cells Linked to Shorter Lifespan

New research reveals frequent mitochondrial DNA integration into brain cell chromosomes, potentially impacting aging and cognitive function.

Mitochondria transfer DNA to the nucleus, integrating it into brain cell chromosomes.
This process, known as NUMTogenesis, was found to occur multiple times in a person's life.
Higher numbers of these insertions correlate with earlier deaths in study participants.
NUMTs are particularly prevalent in the prefrontal cortex, a region associated with cognitive abilities.
Stress accelerates the accumulation of NUMTs, suggesting a link between cellular stress and brain aging.