Changes in mitochondrial DNA: causes and results

Most of our DNA is in the nucleus of cells. This is the “brain” of the cells. Our 23 pairs of chromosomes are in the nucleus. But, we also have a little bit more. This DNA is in our mitochondria. So, we call it mtDNA. Mitochondria are the “energy factory” of the cell. It is where cells convert the energy from food into a form they can use. Each cell has one nucleus, but many mitochondria. Most people have lots of mitochondria. But some only have a few. Researchers at Vanderbilt will use BioVU to study mtDNA. They will look for links between DNA changes in the nucleus and the amount of mtDNA. Then they will look at the amount of mtDNA in different samples. They will try to answer some questions. Is there a link between the amount of mtDNA and any diseases? Do women have more than men? Does the amount of mtDNA change as we get older? Does it affect the number of white blood cells (these help fight disease)? Do changes in mtDNA affect the amount of mtDNA? Finally, the researchers will also look to see if all mitochondria from one person have the same mtDNA changes. Sometimes, only some of the mtDNA will have changes. The researchers hope to find out more about mtDNA and the changes that affect it. This could help us learn more about diseases linked with mtDNA. It might even help us find better treatments for those conditions.