Runsasmitokondrioisuutta

Runsasmitokondrioisuus, also known as mitochondrial proliferation, refers to an increase in the number of mitochondria within a cell. Mitochondria are often called the "powerhouses of the cell" because they are responsible for generating most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of chemical energy. This increase in mitochondrial content is a common cellular adaptation in response to increased energy demands.

Cells that require a high amount of energy, such as muscle cells, neurons, and cardiac cells, typically have a larger number of mitochondria compared to cells with lower energy needs. For example, endurance exercise is a well-established stimulus for mitochondrial proliferation in skeletal muscle. This adaptation allows the muscle cells to produce more ATP aerobically, improving their capacity for sustained activity.

Beyond exercise, various physiological and pathological conditions can lead to significant mitochondrial proliferation. These include conditions involving increased metabolic rate, such as hyperthyroidism, or chronic cellular stress where enhanced energy production is required for survival and repair. Conversely, a decrease in mitochondrial number, known as mitochondrial deficiency, can impair cellular function and contribute to various diseases. Research into mechanisms regulating mitochondrial biogenesis, the process by which new mitochondria are formed, is ongoing and aims to understand how to manipulate mitochondrial content for therapeutic purposes.