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Mitochondria DNA discovery

Mitochondria, the “batteries” that produce our energy, interact with the cell’s nucleus in subtle ways previously unseen in humans, according to new research.

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The study describes the architecture of the mitochondrial genome, which shows variation between these cellular batteries, even within the same cell. The paper demonstrates connections between nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA to nuclear DNA, which may need further investigation in potential donors for the recently-approved mitochondrial donation treatment.

The research is the first major population study to arise from data collected as part of the 100,000 Genomes Project, which collects genetic data from patients through the NHS with the aim of transforming the way people are cared for and providing a major new resource for medical research.

Professor Mark Caulfield, Chief Executive of Genomics England, said: “The involvement of the 100,000 Genomes Project in major discoveries like this demonstrates the importance of large-scale, carefully collected datasets with whole genome sequencing that enable new biological insights which then pave the way for major healthcare transformation.”  

 

Image credit | iStock

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