Scientists at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University have discovered a new protein that could help protect the heart and brain from damage caused by calcium overload in cells.
The protein, called TMEM65, plays a key role in helping cells move calcium out of their energy centers, known as mitochondria.
This discovery could lead to new treatments for serious conditions like heart failure and Alzheimer’s disease.
Inside our cells, mitochondria produce the energy that keeps the body running.
For this process to work well, the right amount of calcium needs to be present inside the mitochondria.
If too much calcium builds up, it can cause damage and even lead to cell death.
This is especially dangerous in the heart during a heart attack and in the brain in diseases like Alzheimer’s.
To control calcium levels, cells use a protein called NCLX, which removes extra calcium from mitochondria. Until now, scientists didn’t fully understand how NCLX was regulated or what other proteins helped it work.
In this new study, researchers found that TMEM65 works with NCLX and is needed for it to function properly. When TMEM65 is missing, calcium builds up to harmful levels.
Dr. John W. Elrod, who led the study, explained that this is the first time a true partner of NCLX has been identified. TMEM65 was found using a special method where researchers tagged the NCLX protein with a marker to see which other proteins interacted with it.
One of the key researchers, Dr. Joanne Garbincius, created a version of NCLX that marked nearby proteins, helping the team discover TMEM65.
The research showed that when TMEM65 was removed from cells, mitochondria couldn’t get rid of excess calcium, which caused damage. In mice with low levels of TMEM65, this led to serious problems with movement and muscle control as they grew older.
This finding confirmed how important TMEM65 is in helping NCLX maintain healthy calcium levels.
Because calcium overload is a problem in many diseases, finding a way to control it could be very helpful. Dr. Elrod and his team now plan to study whether adjusting TMEM65 activity can be used as a treatment. They believe this protein could be a powerful target for future medications.
This work is already being recognized in the scientific community. In 2024, Dr. Garbincius won a major award from the American Heart Association for her role in the discovery. According to the school’s dean, Dr. Amy Goldberg, this research is a great example of how basic science can lead to real solutions for major health problems.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about the protective power of dietary antioxidants against Alzheimer’s, and eating habits linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies that oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms, and Vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson’s disease.
