MITOCHONDRIAL GENETICS: ENERGY, INHERITANCE & DISEASE
🧬 Mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, lie at the core of energy metabolism. But they are more than just ATP factories; they contain their own DNA (mtDNA), inherited solely from the mother, linking them to both cellular energy and genetic lineage.
🔹 Unlike nuclear DNA, mtDNA encodes 37 vital genes, and its maternal inheritance creates a unique genetic transmission pattern. Mutations in mtDNA or nuclear genes affecting mitochondria can result in diverse, often devastating disorders. These include Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) and Mitochondrial Myopathy, both targeting high-energy organs such as the brain 🧠, heart 🫀, and muscles 🥓.
🔹 The concept of heteroplasmy; the mix of mutant and normal mtDNA, makes clinical presentation unpredictable. This complexity challenges diagnostics but also fuels breakthroughs in therapies like Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT).
🔹 As genomic tools advance, mitochondrial research expands beyond rare diseases into aging, neurodegeneration, diabetes, infertility, reproductive and cardiovascular health. Understanding mitochondrial genetics isn’t just about disease, it's about reshaping the future of medicine.
⚠️ In an Oystershell, mitochondrial genetics lies at the intersection of energy, Inheritance, and disease. Continued exploration in this space may redefine longevity, healthspan, and how we treat genetic disorders.
Abubakar Abubakar ✍🏻
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#Genetics #Mitochondria #RareDiseases #MolecularBiology #MitochondrialDNA #HealthcareInnovation #PrecisionMedicine #Biotech #MolecularMedicine #IVF #ArtificialReproductiveTechnology #Stem
