title: Mitochondrial replacement: from basic research to assisted reproductive technology portfolio tool-technicalities and possible risks.
abstract: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are a relatively common cause of progressive disorders that can be severe or even life-threatening. There is currently no cure for these disorders; therefore recent research has been focused on attempting to prevent the transmission of these maternally inherited mutations. Here we highlight the challenges of understanding the transmission of mtDNA diseases, discuss current genetic management options and explore the use of germ-line reconstruction technologies to prevent mtDNA diseases. In particular we discuss their potential, indications, limitations and possible safety concerns.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand Fertility Associates, Auckland, New Zealand ploi@unite.it l.cree@auckland.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Lynsey
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cree
authors.affiliation: Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Piazza Aldo Moro 45, Teramo, Italy ploi@unite.it l.cree@auckland.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Pasqualino
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Loi
mesh_terms: D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics*; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D018095:Germ-Line Mutation; D006801:Humans; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000235:genetics*; D028361:Mitochondrial Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D009154:Mutation; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
chemical_list: D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial
keywords: PGD; cytoplasmic transfer; mitochondrial DNA; mitochondrial disease; nuclear transfer