Browsing by Author "Gorham, Isabelle K."
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
- Results Per Page
- Sort Options
Item Mitochondrial SOS: how mtDNA may act as a stress signal in Alzheimer's disease(BioMed Central Ltd., 2023-10-12) Gorham, Isabelle K.; Barber, Robert C.; Jones, Harlan P.; Phillips, Nicole R.BACKGROUND: Alterations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels have been observed in Alzheimer's disease and are an area of research that shows promise as a useful biomarker. It is well known that not only are the mitochondria a key player in producing energy for the cell, but they also are known to interact in other important intracellular processes as well as extracellular signaling and communication. BODY: This mini review explores how cells use mtDNA as a stress signal, particularly in Alzheimer's disease. We investigate the measurement of these mtDNA alterations, the mechanisms of mtDNA release, and the immunological effects from the release of these stress signals. CONCLUSION: Literature indicates a correlation between the release of mtDNA in Alzheimer's disease and increased immune responses, showing promise as a potential biomarker. However, several questions remain unanswered and there is great potential for future studies in this area.Item Population-Specific mtDNA Indices of Mitochondrial Stress Associated with Alzheimer's Disease in Mexican Americans and Non-Hispanic Whites(2023-05) Gorham, Isabelle K.; Phillips, Nicole R.; Barber, Robert C.; Jones, Harlan P.Age is known to be the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Mexican Americans (MAs) are the fastest-aging ethnic group in America. This puts MAs at a uniquely elevated risk for AD. This study aimed to identify ethnicity-specific markers for mitochondrial dysfunction associated with cognitive decline and detectable in peripheral blood cells (PBMCs). Specifically, copy numbers of mtDNA and nuclear DNA in PBMCs and blood plasma from non-Hispanic white and Mexican American participants were assessed by qPCR as potential markers of mitochondrial dysfunction and increased risk for cognitive decline. Evidence from these experiments shows that there are ethnicity-specific markers for this blood-based phenotype of mitochondrial dysfunction, which may also be indicative of an increased risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.