mitochondrial disease

Mitochondria fragment and fuse to meet the energetic needs of the cell. Research shows that poorly regulated mitochondrial dynamics contribute to conditions such as autism.

Mitochondria aren’t just the bean-shaped powerhouses of the cell. They are dynamic organelles that modify their structures to match their functions. Now, new research shows that mitochondrial morphology correlates not only with function, but also with symptom severity in autism.

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that change their morphology in response to the energetic needs of the cell. But in some disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, mitochondria don't appropriately respond, and the resulting metabolic dysfunction contributes to symptom severity.

Recent advancements in mitochondrial genome editing technologies take scientists one step closer to developing viable treatments for mitochondrial diseases, which affect 1 in 4300 adults.

Philip Yeske was an organic chemist for more than 20 years, but when his daughter died from the rare mitochondrial disorder Leigh Syndrome, he turned to connecting researchers, patients, and law makers to speed the discovery of treatments.