'Piggybacking' mitochondrial DNA can compromise mitochondrial replacement therapy
Thursday, May 19, 2016 - 15:11
in Biology & Nature
Mitochondrial replacement therapy shows promise for preventing the inheritance of mitochondrial DNA diseases. However, small amounts of mitochondrial DNA can sometimes hitch a ride with the transferred nucleus, and a new study shows that this DNA can override the mitochondria in the donor cell. The findings may call into question the beneficial effect of nuclear transfer for mitochondrial replacement therapy.