Ergothioneine: New Supplement discovered to Improve Mitochondrial Function [Study 295]

Summary

This cutting-edge study, still in pre-publication, reveals a novel mechanism through which exercise enhances mitochondrial function via the amino acid ergothioneine (Ergo). The researchers found that exercise increases ergothioneine levels in mitochondria, improving their function, and supplementation with ergothioneine further boosts mitochondrial activity, enhancing physical performance in animal models. The effect relies on the enzyme MPST, which interacts with ergothioneine to facilitate protein function in mitochondria. While the results are promising, further research in humans is needed to confirm ergothioneine's potential as a supplement for improved mitochondrial health and performance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The study discusses a new mechanism by which exercise improves mitochondrial function, focusing on the role of ergothioneine.
• 😀 Ergothioneine is an amino acid found to be more concentrated in the mitochondria of exercised muscle cells compared to sedentary cells.
• 😀 Exercise increases ergothioneine levels in the mitochondria, which may help improve mitochondrial function.
• 😀 The study explores how ergothioneine directly affects mitochondrial function by measuring oxygen consumption in muscle cells.
• 😀 Researchers identified MPST (three mercapto pyruvate sulfur transferase) as a key enzyme that ergothioneine interacts with to enhance mitochondrial function.
• 😀 Inhibition of MPST prevents ergothioneine from improving mitochondrial function, suggesting that MPST is essential for ergothioneine's effects.
• 😀 MPST adds sulfide molecules to mitochondrial proteins in a process called persulfidation, which can alter protein function and energy production.
• 😀 The researchers demonstrated that supplementing mice with ergothioneine led to improved physical performance, with a nearly 30% increase in speed.
• 😀 The beneficial effects of ergothioneine supplementation on mitochondrial function were lost in mice deficient in MPST, highlighting the importance of this enzyme.
• 😀 Exercise not only increases mitochondrial ergothioneine levels but also boosts MPST expression and its localization to the mitochondria.
• 😀 The research suggests that ergothioneine supplementation may offer potential benefits for mitochondrial function, though further human studies are needed to confirm the findings.

Q & A

What is the focus of the study mentioned in the transcript?

The study focuses on mitochondrial health and function, specifically examining the relationship between exercise, a specific amino acid (ergothioneine), and mitochondrial function. It also investigates the potential impact of supplementing with ergothioneine to improve mitochondrial function independent of exercise.

What is ergothioneine, and why is it important in this research?

Ergothioneine is an amino acid that the study identifies as being crucial for improving mitochondrial function. It was found to be more concentrated in the mitochondria of exercised muscles, and its supplementation may enhance mitochondrial function.

What method did the researchers use to isolate mitochondria from muscle cells?

The researchers used a refined technique involving a 'tripleH tag' applied to mitochondria in mice, allowing them to capture and isolate tagged mitochondria for further experiments using immunoprecipitation.

How did the researchers measure mitochondrial function in the study?

Mitochondrial function was measured by assessing oxygen consumption in muscle cells. The higher the oxygen consumption, the greater the mitochondrial function. This was evaluated using a Seahorse assay.

What does the term 'persulfidation' refer to, and how is it related to ergothioneine?

Persulfidation is a process where sulfide molecules are added to functional proteins, particularly in mitochondria. This modification can change the activity of the proteins. Ergothioneine is believed to either deliver more sulfide to the enzyme mpst or regulate its activity through allosteric regulation, which may influence mitochondrial function.

What role does the enzyme mpst play in mitochondrial function?

MPST (three-mercapto-pyruvate sulfur transferase) is an enzyme found in mitochondria that adds sulfide molecules to proteins, a process known as persulfidation. This process influences mitochondrial protein activity and can also produce pyruvate, a key precursor in energy generation.

How did the researchers confirm that mpst is involved in ergothioneine's effect on mitochondrial function?

The researchers inhibited mpst and then exposed the cells to ergothioneine. They found that the mitochondrial function was significantly reduced when mpst was inhibited, suggesting that ergothioneine's effect on mitochondrial function is mediated through mpst.

What were the results of supplementing mice with ergothioneine?

Mice supplemented with ergothioneine showed a significant improvement in physical performance, with nearly 30% better exercise speed compared to the control group. This suggests that ergothioneine supplementation may enhance physical function by improving mitochondrial health.

What does the study imply about the potential benefits of ergothioneine supplementation in humans?

The study suggests that ergothioneine supplementation could improve mitochondrial function and physical performance in humans, similar to the results seen in mice. However, more research, particularly in human trials, is needed to confirm these findings.

What additional findings about exercise and ergothioneine did the researchers uncover?

The researchers found that exercise increases both ergothioneine levels and mpst expression in humans. Exercise also enhances the transport of ergothioneine into cells through the ERG transporter, which is involved in the mitochondrial-centric mechanism.