Page 63 - AWSAR 2.0

A cartoon of mitochondria travelling between cells through TNT.
We carefully studied the properties of the recipient, B16-ρ0 cells, after they acquired the stem cell mitochondria. Serendipitously, these cancer cells exhibited functional patterns similar to the normal non-cancerous cells. Logically dissecting, this improvement might depend on the source of mitochondria as shown previously, where the transfer of mitochondria from surrounding cancer cells to B16-ρ0 cells restored their cancerous potential. However, in our case, the mitochondria received from the stem cells were healthy and non-cancerous (Hero/Rama) rescuing the nucleus of the B16-ρ0 cells (Sita) and a cancerous-to normal- transition began. The good mitochondria won over the evil mitochondria, thus almost
changing the functionality of the cell.
So, like the hero of Ramayana (Rama), the good mitochondria from the stem cells travel through the TNTs (Palk Strait, Indian Ocean) with their army to reach the villainous cancer cells (The Lanka) and destroy the evil mitochondria (Ravana). This, in turn, rescues the nucleus of the ρ0 cells from the influence of the evil mitochondria, beginning a transition from the cancerous to a normal state (cellular Diwali). We are still in the process of finding out how this happens. How healthy mitochondria change the cells’ functionality? So, just like a perfect scientific ending, we are ending this story with a question that keeps the curiosity
burning. Be curious!
A cartoon of mitochondria travelling between cells through TNT.
Dr Himanshi Kapoor || 39