A Mitochondrial Protein May Hold the Secret to Longevity
Researchers from the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology have identified a mitochondrial protein that may play an important role in healthy aging. The study focuses on COX7RP, a protein involved in organizing mitochondrial respiratory supercomplexes, structures that improve cellular energy production efficiency.
Mitochondria are central to aging biology because they produce ATP, the energy required for cellular function. Declining mitochondrial performance is strongly associated with aging and age-related diseases. By increasing COX7RP levels in experimental models, researchers were able to improve mitochondrial efficiency, enhance metabolic health, and extend lifespan in mice.
The findings suggest that longevity may depend not only on metabolic activity itself, but on how efficiently mitochondrial systems are organized and coordinated. Respiratory supercomplexes appear to optimize electron transfer and reduce oxidative stress, helping cells maintain energy balance over time.
This work reinforces a growing idea in longevity science: aging is closely linked to the progressive decline of mitochondrial function and biological coordination. Improving mitochondrial organization and efficiency may therefore represent a promising strategy for extending healthspan.
The study also highlights how mitochondrial architecture, metabolism, and redox balance interact to influence aging trajectories, themes that resonate strongly with the systems-biology perspective explored at Targeting Longevity.
The World Mitochondria Society will organize 2 meetings dedicated to mitochondria dynamics next April & October.
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Image Credit
Title: Exploring the link between COX7RP, a mitochondrial protein, and longevity
Caption: In a new study, researchers from Japan demonstrate that COX7RP, a mitochondrial protein, may play a key role in enhancing mitochondrial energy efficiency, leading not only to longer lifespans but also an extended "healthspan" via numerous health benefits.
Credit: Dr. Satoshi Inoue from Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Japan
Referance
Title of original paper: Mitochondrial Respiratory Supercomplex Assembly Factor COX7RP Contributes to Lifespan Extension in Mice
Journal: Aging Cell
DOI: 10.1111/acel.70294
We are pleased to announce that the 17th Conference Targeting Mitochondria 2026 will be held in Berlin, Germany, from October 21-23. We look forward to welcoming you.
