Our current understanding of the mitochondrial genome was revolutionized in 2015 with the discovery of short open reading frames (sORFs) that produced protein products called mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). Interestingly, unlike other proteins produced by the organelle, these MDPs are not directly involved in the electron transport chain but rather serve the role of metabolic regulators. In particular, one of these peptides called MOTS-c has been shown to regulate glucose and fat metabolism in an AMPK-dependent manner. With its capacity to enter the mitochondria and impact gene expression, MOTS-c has also displayed the ability to increase aerobic exercise performance by triggering elevated synthesis of the HO-1 antioxidant. Overall these findings position MOTS-c as a promising treatment for metabolic diseases as well as a potential dietary supplement to boost ATP availability.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical procedure involving placement of an electrode in the form of a DBS lead into a deep brain nucleus to treat a variety of neurologic conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease and Essential Tremor. DBS lead placement requires a head-mounted stereotactic device that utilizes a three-dimensional coordinate system to locate a surgical target. Traditional stereotactic systems are designed for a wide variety of procedures and therefore can be large and cumbersome, causing patient discomfort. To address this, NaviNetics, Inc. has recently developed the FDA 510(k)-cleared D1 Stereotactic system. This system replaces the conventional base frame to a 44.45 mm X 44.45 mm skull-anchored platform called the Key. The Key serves as the interface to which other components of the D1 Stereotactic system, including imaging localizers and the D1 Frame, easily attach and detach from the patient’s head without disrupting stereotactic spatial reference. We have now advanced the system to an aluminum design that has demonstrated a mechanical accuracy of ≤ 0.9mm. This manuscript outlines a step-by-step protocol for using the D1 Stereotactic system to aid in DBS surgery. Link to video.