Mitochondrial DNA sequence variation and neurodegeneration.
Mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, play a critical role in several metabolic processes and apoptotic pathways. Many lines of evidence suggest that mitochondria have a central role in ageing-related neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, there is a long history of investigations on mitochondria aimed at identifying genetic markers relating to ageing and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, some of the major neurodegenerative disorders are highlighted and the role of mitochondrial haplogroups in the pathogenetic cascade leading to these diseases is discussed.
Mancuso
Michelangelo
M
Department of Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, Italy. mmancuso@inwind.it
Filosto
Massimiliano
M
Orsucci
Daniele
D
Siciliano
Gabriele
G
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D054629:Genome, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics; D006239:Haplotypes; D006801:Humans; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000235:genetics*
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial