Mind & Matter How & Why Mitochondria Make Their Own Fat | Sara Nowinski | 263
Nov 18, 2025
Sara Nowinski, an Assistant Professor focused on mitochondrial biology, dives into the fascinating world of mitochondria and their ability to synthesize their own fatty acids. She explains the evolutionary significance of this process and how disrupting it can lead to severe health issues. The conversation also highlights the crucial role of lipoic acid in mitochondrial function and its implications in metabolic diseases. Furthermore, Sara emphasizes the importance of studying rare mitochondrial disorders, shedding light on their impact and the need for effective treatments.
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Mitochondria Also Build Fatty Acids
- Mitochondria are anabolic as well as catabolic and synthesize fatty acids via an internal pathway called MitoFAS.
- This mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis supports specialized mitochondrial functions beyond energy breakdown.
Lipoic Acid Comes From Inside Mitochondria
- Early studies found mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis produces lipoic acid, an eight-carbon lipid essential as a cofactor.
- Lipoic acid is made inside mitochondria and cannot be scavenged for enzymatic use from outside sources.
Free Lipoic Acid Can't Replace Endogenous Lipoylation
- Free lipoic acid cannot be attached to mitochondrial enzymes because transferases move it directly from the acyl carrier protein.
- Exogenous lipoic acid supplements don't restore protein lipoylation for mitochondrial enzymes.