• News

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News - Novel Sequencing Technique Developed for Mitochondria

  • (March 05, 2015)

The cells energy production organelle is often taken for granted on a daily basis, supplying the cell with a pool of chemical energy molecules critical for normal metabolic function. However, this unique organelle plays major roles in signaling, differentiation, and cell death. Moreover, since it contains its own DNA, it has been frequently linked to an individuals inherited risk for diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. Now, scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed a powerful new tool they believe may assist researchers in explaining the disparity between individuals with bad health habits, some of whom get sick and those that do not. "Researchers have struggled to sequence mtDNA accurately and in a cost effective manner," explained Ravi Sachidanandam, PhD, assistant professor of oncological sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and senior author on the current study. "The technique we have developed will allow us to identify dysfunction within mitochondria and makes mtDNA a useful biomarker as well as a potential therapeutic target in cancer and many inherited diseases." Learn more.

Related Articles
Building exterior
AI for Patients
Doctor adjusting microscope
Opioids
genes
Doctor adjusting microscope
neuro development
AI in Medicine
Software
AI center photo
Bhatt