Fig. 2.

Regulation of mitochondrial function by MCLK1 determines the rate of aging in a manner that is irreconcilable with the MFRTA. Reduction of MCLK1 levels in Mclk1 ^+/− mutants strongly affects mitochondrial function. The reduced mitochondrial function is linked to a reduction in the rate of electron transport, a decrease in energy production as well as to an increase in intra-mitochondrial oxidative stress. Mclk1 ^+/− mutant animals also display a decrease in cytosolic and global ROS damage as well as in the rate of aging