The mitochondrial genome, a growing interest inside an organelle.
Mitochondria are semi-autonomously reproductive organelles within eukaryotic cells carrying their own genetic material, called the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA). Until some years ago, mtDNA had primarily been used as a tool in population genetics. As scientists began associating mtDNA mutations with dozens of mysterious disorders, as well as the aging process and a variety of chronic degenerative diseases, it became increasingly evident that the information contained in this genome had substantial potential applications to improve human health. Today, mitochondria research covers a wide range of disciplines, including clinical medicine, biochemistry, genetics, molecular cell biology, bioinformatics, plant sciences and physiology. The present review intends to present a summary of the most exiting fields of the mitochondrial research bringing together several contributes in terms of original prospective and future applications.
Crimi
Marco
M
National Institute of Molecular Genetics (INGM), Functional Genomics Unit, Milan, Italy. crimi@ingm.it
Rigolio
Roberta
R
D000818:Animals; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D054629:Genome, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D028361:Mitochondrial Diseases / Q000235:genetics*; D008957:Models, Genetic
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial