Scientists identify the mechanism that regulates mitochondrial energy production. Stress. intense physical exercise.
SCAF1, discovered by the same team in 2016, plays a key role in this metabolic regulation by optimizing mitochondrial energy efficiency in response to high energy demand....
In 2016, the CNIC research team discovered that the protein SCAF1 forms a bridge between complexes CIII and CIV, acting as a molecular switch that regulates the assembly of these complexes into superstructures within the ETC....
The study also shows that the lack of SCAF1 reduces the capacity of mice for intense physical activity. "The physical output of these mice is 30% below that of unmodified mice," explained Sara Cogliati....
The Science Advances study demonstrates that SCAF1-mediated formation of specific ETC superstructures affects not only the efficiency of mitochondrial energy production, but also the body's ability to respond to physiological stress....
Marta Loureiro-López explained that "SCAF1 is a regulatory factor that allows mitochondria to adapt to the available nutrient sources of sugars, fats, or proteins. This capacity for metabolic adaptation also explains the ability of mitochondria to adapt to stress situations, for example during intense physical exercise."
