The paper entitled: ‘Reduced-median-network analysis of complete mitochondrial DNA coding region sequences for the major African, Asian, and European haplogroups,’ outlines a large DNA sequencing study undertaken at MitoKor in collaboration with scientists from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, the VA Medical Center and University of California, San Diego, and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School. The study analyzed mitochondrial DNA sequence variations between ethnically diverse populations providing important information concerning human molecular evolution and population genetics. This data will also form the basis from which to understand how changes in mitochondrial DNA sequence can affect susceptibility to disease.
“Mitochondrial genetics is improving our understanding of human evolution and prehistoric migratory patterns. In addition, mitochondrial sequence variation has been implicated as a causative or contributing factor in a number of human diseases,” commented Neil Howell, Ph.D Vice President of Research at MitoKor and the senior author of the paper. “We are now combining these two aspects to understand the genetics of these complex disorders. This continuing study requires comparative sequence analysis of mitochondrial DNA from large, clinically-characterized, patient populations with material obtained from carefully-matched controls.”
“This rapidly expanding database forms the foundation for understanding how mitochondria function and mitochondrial genetic changes can contribute to disease, as well as how human populations have emerged and changed,” said Walter H. Moos, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MitoKor. “In order to promote research in this fundamental area, we have chosen to make the data available to the scientific community via our company website.”
MitoKor is a biotechnology company focused on the commercial applications of mitochondrial medicine. Mitochondria are the batteries and engines of cells, driving energy production, metabolism, and cell death, as well as other key signaling pathways. Mitochondria also house the “other” human genome, inherited only from the mother. Mitochondrial dysfunction is believed to be a significant contributing factor in major diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, osteoarthritis, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. MitoKor has completed sequencing the mitochondrial genome of more than 925 individuals, which is believed to be the world’s largest database of its type. MitoKor and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Mimotopes Pty. Ltd., have established core competencies in biotechnology, combinatorial drug discovery and diagnostic development technologies, as well as in mitochondrial proteomics and genomics, disease modeling, and drug development. In addition to its comprehensive and integrated technology base, the Company has two mitochondrial drug candidates currently in clinical trials and a range of preclinical candidates that have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in a number of disease models. For more information, please visit our websites at www.mitokor.com and www.mimotopes.com.