Maneuvering Mitochondria for Better Understanding of Therapeutic Potential of mtDNA Mutation

Abstract

Heterogeneity of mitochondrial diseases in terms of genetic etiology and clinical management makes their diagnosis challenging. Mitochondrial genome, basic mitochondrial genetics, common mutations, and their correlation with human diseases is well-established now and advances in sequencing is accelerating the molecular diagnostics of mitochondrial diseases. Major research focus now is on development of mtDNA intervention techniques like mtDNA gene editing, transfer of exogenous genes (sometimes even entire mtDNA) that would compensate for mtDNA mutations responsible for mitochondrial dysfunction. Although these genetic manipulation techniques have good potential for treatment of mtDNA diseases, research on such mitochondrial manipulation fosters ethical issues. The present chapter starts with an introduction to the factors that influence the clinical features of mitochondrial diseases. Advancement in treatments for mitochondrial diseases are then discussed followed by a note on methods for preventing transmission of these diseases.