Some proteins inside mitochondria may raise the risk of myasthenia gravis (MG), while others may help protect against it, according to a recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Mitochondria are tiny parts inside our cells that produce most of the energy our bodies use. The proteins inside them are called mitochondrial proteins.
Previous studies have shown that when mitochondria don’t work properly, it can lead to several autoimmune diseases. Because of this, scientists think mitochondria might be important for how the immune system works and could be targets for new treatments for inflammation.
Until now, no one had clearly studied how mitochondrial proteins might cause or protect against MG. In this new study, scientists looked at 66 different mitochondrial proteins to see how they might be connected to MG.
They found that some proteins — such as GrpE protein homolog 1 (GrpEL1), mitochondrial glutamate carrier 2 (GC2), oligoribonuclease (ORN), protein SCO1 homolog (SCO1) and rRNA methyltransferase 3 (MRM3) — were linked to a higher risk of MG. One protein, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 7A1 (COX7A1), was linked to a higher risk of early-onset MG (when symptoms start at a younger age).
Other proteins — including dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase (DLD), NAD-dependent protein deacylase sirtuin-5 (SIRT5), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 1 (PDK1) and NFU1 iron-sulfur cluster scaffold homolog (NFU1) — seemed to help protect people from MG and early-onset MG.
Read more about MG causes and risk factors
However, the researchers said their study has some limits. For example, most of the data came from people of European backgrounds, so the findings might not apply to people from other ethnic groups.
“This MR analysis suggests potential causal relationships between MPs and MG, highlighting the need for further research to validate these findings and explore the mechanisms underlying these associations,” the researchers said.
Sign up here to get the latest news, perspectives, and information about MG sent directly to your inbox. Registration is free and only takes a minute.
