An expression vector containing appropriate mitochondrion-targeting sequences (MTS) and appropriate 3′UTR sequences provides efficient and stable delivery of a mRNA encoding a protein (CDS) to the mitochondrion of a mammalian cell. The MTS and 3′UTR sequences guide the CDS mRNA from the nuclear compartment of the cell to mitochondrion-bound polysomes, where the CDS is translated. This provides an efficient translocation of a mature functional protein into the mitochondria. A method of targeting mRNA expressed in the nuclear compartment of a mammalian cell to the mitochondrion is also provided. The vector and methods can be used to treat defects in mitochondrial function.

An expression vector containing appropriate mitochondrion-targeting sequences (MTS) and appropriate 3′UTR sequences provides efficient and stable delivery of a mRNA encoding a protein (CDS) to the mitochondrion of a mammalian cell. The MTS and 3′UTR sequences guide the CDS mRNA from the nuclear compartment of the cell to mitochondrion-bound polysomes, where the CDS is translated. This provides an efficient translocation of a mature functional protein into the mitochondria. A method of targeting mRNA expressed in the nuclear compartment of a mammalian cell to the mitochondrion is also provided. The vector and methods can be used to treat defects in mitochondrial function.

The present invention relates more specifically to a cosmetic treatment method intended in particular to improve the appearance of the skin and/or hair comprising the simultaneous and/or sequential administration: a) of at least one cytochrome C oxidase substrate and/or of at least one agent which increases the expression of the said substrate; and b) of at least one light radiation exhibiting at least one predominant wavelength which activates cytochrome C oxidase. In particular, the said light radiation exhibits at least one predominant wavelength which activates cytochrome C oxidase ranging from 550 to 1000 nm, in particular from 550 to 800 nm, preferably from 620 to 700 nm and more preferably still from 640 to 680 nm and is preferably used at a dose ranging from 0.01 to 200 J/cm.sup.2, preferably from 0.1 to 30 J/cm.sup.2, more preferably from 1 to 30 J/cm.sup.2, indeed even from 5 to 30 J/cm.sup.2. The invention also relates to a composition comprising at least one cytochrome C oxidase substrate and/or one agent which increases the expression of the said substrate and at least one compound emitting and/or filtering, in particular under exposure to light, a light radiation exhibiting at least one predominant wavelength which activates cytochrome C oxidase, and to a kit comprising at least one composition comprising at least one cytochrome C oxidase substrate and/or one agent which increases the expression of the said substrate and one device and/or one compound emitting/filtering a light radiation exhibiting at least one predominant wavelength which activates cytochrome C oxidase.

Provided are: a protein complex capable of selectively and asymmetrically oxidizing an enantiomer of a secondary alcohol without adding a coenzyme and having an asymmetric oxidation activity in a water-soluble solvent system in the presence of oxygen; a method for producing the same; and a method for coating the protein complex with a high molecular weight compound. The method for producing the protein complex includes: (1) enclosing a crude water-soluble protein in a gel, air-oxidizing the gel, and eluting the protein complex into an aqueous solution; and (2) applying gravity to concentrate and precipitate the protein complex, redissolving the precipitate in an aqueous glycine sodium hydroxide solution of about 0.5 mM and allowing the same to homogeneously coexist with a high molecular weight compound, and re-precipitating the solution and dehydrating and drying the same to yield a protein complex coated with a high molecular weight compound.

Disclosed herein is a recombinant nucleic acid, comprising: a mitochondrial targeting sequence; a mitochondrial protein coding sequence, wherein said mitochondrial protein coding sequence encodes a polypeptide comprising a mitochondrial protein; and a 3′UTR nucleic acid sequence. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the recombinant nucleic acid and a method of treating Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) using the pharmaceutical composition.

A method of using an electrochemical cell, specifically a membrane bioreactor, to provide electrons to an electron transport chain capable of generating a proton gradient for performing ATP regeneration from ADP. Such an electron transport chain may be part of, or contained within, a synthetic membrane, or may be prepared by the suitable disruption of living cells. Electrons provided by the electrochemical cell are passed to the electron transport system via a suitable electron carrier, such as NADH2, FMNH2, FADH2, reduced ubiquinone(s), thiols, or other electron carriers or biological reducing equivalents that are compatible with the components of the electron transport chain performing ATP regeneration.

Provided are methods for improving the efficacy and success of cell-based therapies by administration of stem cells which have been preconditioned with an inhibitor of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEHI), as well as kits, stents and patches for administering sEHI-preconditioned stem cells, as sole active agent or in combination with an agent that increases the production and or levels of EETs.

Disclosed herein is a recombinant nucleic acid, comprising: a mitochondrial targeting sequence; a mitochondrial protein coding sequence, wherein said mitochondrial protein coding sequence encodes a polypeptide comprising a mitochondrial protein; and a 3′UTR nucleic acid sequence. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the recombinant nucleic acid and a method of treating Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) using the pharmaceutical composition.

Compositions and methods for mitochondria genome editing are provided. Also provided are methods for treating mitochondrial disorders by the disclosed compositions.

An expression vector containing appropriate mitochondrion-targeting sequences (MTS) and appropriate 3′UTR sequences provides efficient and stable delivery of a mRNA encoding a protein (CDS) to the mitochondrion of a mammalian cell. The MTS and 3′UTR sequences guide the CDS mRNA from the nuclear compartment of the cell to mitochondrion-bound polysomes, where the CDS is translated. This provides an efficient translocation of a mature functional protein into the mitochondria. A method of targeting mRNA expressed in the nuclear compartment of a mammalian cell to the mitochondrion is also provided. The vector and methods can be used to treat defects in mitochondrial function.