Do mitochondrial DNA mutations have a role in neurodegenerative disease?

Biochem Soc Trans. 2007 Nov;35(Pt 5):1232-5. doi: 10.1042/BST0351232.

Abstract

A decline in mitochondrial function has long been shown to exist in neurodegenerative disease. Whether this decline is a secondary consequence of other factors or whether it causes the eventual death of a cell is unknown. In this review, we will discuss some of the major evidence surrounding mitochondrial DNA mutations leading to mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative disease and discuss their possible role in neurodegeneration.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mutation*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial