Ageing and mammalian mitochondrial genetics

Phillip Nagley*, Yau Huei Wei

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

77 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is essential for the ability of mammalian cells to generate a functional oxidative phosphorylation system. Mutations in mtDNA occur in human disease and also during ageing. Here, we address three questions concerning the occurrence and accumulation of mtDNA mutations during the lifespan of the mammalian cell. What sort of mutations accumulate with age in humans and other mammals? How is the female germ line spared from the accumulation of such mutations as occurs in many somatic tissues, so that neonates normally start life with a 'clean sheet? Is the occurrence of mtDNA mutations associated with the functional decline of cells and tissues during ageing? We argue that mtDNA mutations in somatic cells do not just reflect a passive imprint of ageing, but they are causally associated with the loss of bioenergetic function during the ageing process.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)513-517
Number of pages5
JournalTrends in Genetics
Volume14
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 01 12 1998
Externally publishedYes

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