(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) MITOCHONDRIAL COXIELLA EFFECTOR F (MCEF)

(MARCH-2024)

Researchers discovered a previously unidentified protein named mitochondrial coxiella effector F (MceF) with antioxidant properties produced by Coxiella burnetii, a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium.

It is a bacterial protein capable of keeping human cells healthy even when the cells have a heavy bacterial burden.
It is produced by Coxiella burnetii, a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium.
After invading host cells, Coxiella burnetii releases MceF into cells.
It interacts with glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), an anti-oxidant enzyme located in the mitochondria, to improve mitochondrial function by promoting an anti-oxidizing effect that averts cell damage and death, which may occur when pathogens replicate inside mammalian cells.

Q fever is a disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. This bacterium naturally infects some animals, such as goats, sheep, and cattle.
C. burnetii bacteria are found in the birth products (i.e. placenta, amniotic fluid), urine, feces, and milk of infected animals.
People can get infected by breathing in dust that has been contaminated by infected animal feces, urine, milk, and birth products of infected animals.
Some people never get sick; however, those who do usually develop flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle pain.