生化工程国家重点实验室特邀学术报告

报告题目: Mitochondrial Action of Melatonin: Preserving Cellular Function

报告人:  Prof. Russel J. Reiter

Department of Cellular and Structural Biology

University of Texas Health Science Center, USA

报告时间：2010年10月25日上午9:30（星期一）

报告地点：生化工程中心二楼会议室 

Russel J. Reiter教授简介

Dr. Reiter's research interests relate to free radical aspects of disease processes and aging. Of particular interest is defining the role of oxygen derivatives in neurodegenerative diseases and their function in apoptosis, necrosis and neuronal degeneration. These studies typically involve measurements of oxidatively damaged polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins and DNA. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Pineal Research and on the Editorial Board of 7 other journals. He is the recipient of numerous awards including three honorary Doctor of medicine degrees and, most recently, the Presidential Distinguished Scholar Award from UTHSCSA.

报告摘要

Melatonin, N-acteyl-5-methoxytryptamine, was discovered in the mammalian pineal gland, a small organ in the brain, in 1958. This indoleamine has a variety of functions including the regulation of circadian rhythms, immune system stimulation, cancer inhibition, etc. More recently, melatonin was found to be a potent scavenger of free radicals and a powerful antioxidant. Melatonin enters all cells and travels to the mitochondria where it detoxifies free radicals and related reactants. In doing so it prevents the death of cells by inhibiting apoptosis. Melatonin was also discovered in plants in 1995. It has been found in all plant organs including leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruits and seeds. In the latter organ it seems to be in especially high concentrations where it is believed to protect lipid-rich seeds from oxidative damage. The melatonin levels in seeds range from 2-200 ng/g dry weight. The function of melatonin in plants seems diverse, as in animals. When corn seeds are hydroprimed in water enriched with melatonin more seeds germinate, especially under conditions of reduced environmental temperature, and the plants grow larger and produce more seeds. Research related to the importance of melatonin in plants is in its infancy.