[Mitochondrial DNA: properties and applications].

Abstract

Mitochondria are the intracellular organelle responsible for the production of cellular energy. They play an important role in the regulation of cellular metabolism, apoptosis and oxydative stress control. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has many special features such as a high copy number in cell, maternal inheritance, and a high mutation rate which have made it attractive to scientists from many fields. In anthropological genetics, mtDNA is useful to trace geographic distribution of genetic variation, for the investigation of expansions, migrations and other pattern of gene flow. mtDNA is widely applicated in forensic science. It is a powerful implement to identify human remains. mtDNA is characterized by the high rate of polymorphisms and mutations. Some of which are increasingly recognized as an important cause of human pathology such as oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) disorders, maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD), Type 2 diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative disorders, heart failure and cancer.

• Authors: R Kefi-Ben Atig, S Hsouna, E Beraud-Colomb, S Abdelhak
• Journal: Archives de l'Institut Pasteur de Tunis (Arch Inst Pasteur Tunis) Vol. 86 Issue 1-4 Pg. 3-14 ( 2009) ISSN: 0020-2509 [Print] Tunisia
• Vernacular Title: ADN mitochondrial: propriétés et applications.
• PMID: 20707216 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• DNA, Mitochondrial

Topics

• Apoptosis (physiology)
• DNA Replication (physiology)
• DNA, Mitochondrial (chemistry, physiology, therapeutic use)
• Energy Metabolism (physiology)
• Forensic Anthropology (methods)
• Forensic Medicine (methods)
• Genes, Mitochondrial (physiology)
• Genetic Variation (genetics)
• Humans
• Mitochondrial Diseases (genetics)
• Multifactorial Inheritance (physiology)
• Mutation (genetics)
• Oxidative Phosphorylation
• Oxidative Stress (physiology)
• Polymorphism, Genetic (genetics)
• Transcription, Genetic (physiology)