Protofection is a term that refers to the transfection of foreign mitrochondria to replace the original energy generators within cells. As mitochondria are damaged with age, this would be a method of rejuvenating them to original states.

This technology could similarly be applied to modified or artificial mitochondria. The intent being designing ones that do not produce as many (preferably zero) free radicals while staying as, or more efficient in generating energy in the cell. While not invulnerable to free radical damage, having less free radicals would also make such generators have longer lifespans if they could still renew at an identical rate, or at least enough to keep more healthy ones at a given time.

External links

• FightAging.org Article responding to developments.
• Canadian Ethics Committee discusses implications if technology is successful.
• LongevityMeme.org reports developments.

---

Source: Wikipedia | The above article is available under the GNU FDL. | Edit this article