Metabolism scientist Nick Norwitz explains five ways mitochondria work differently than we thought: they fuse and split to repair themselves, sync to your circadian rhythm through morning light, travel between organs, respond to drugs like SS31, and release a hormone called MOTC that spikes twelve-fold during exercise.
I'm a metabolism scientist, and here are 5 things you need to know about your mitochondria. First, mitochondria aren't just static little batteries. They undergo fusion and fission cycles where they combine to become stronger and even break apart to segregate off old pieces so they can be recycled and removed. Two, these fusion and fission cycles are driven by your circadian biology. So activities like morning sunlight and avoiding strong blue light at night help synchronize your mitochondrial rhythm like an orchestra conductor to optimize your physiology. 3. Mitochondria are nomadic. They can literally be secreted from cells in one organ and migrate to another. Like mitochondria secreted by fat cells that migrate to the heart where they can help condition the heart to protect against a heart attack. Really. Okay, 4. People are using targeted mitochondrial peptides. One is called SS31. It's an FDA-approved medication for a mitochondrial disease, and it helps stabilize the mitochondrial inner membrane to support energy production. And 5, your muscle's mitochondria make hormones. One is called MOTC, which is also a peptide. It increases 12-fold when you exercise, and it's now being used by some biohackers as an exercise memetic. The science is wild, and it's just getting wilder. If you want more information on mitochondria, check out the links below and subscribe for more cutting-edge metabolic health knowledge. Stay curious.
