Global InformationProtofection information
Protofection is a protein-mediated transfection of foreign mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into the mitochondria of cells in a tissue to supplement or replace the native mitochondrial DNA already present. The complete mtDNA genome or just fragments of mtDNA generated by polymerase chain reaction can be transferred into the target mitochondria through the technique.[1]
Scientists have hypothesized for the last couple of decades that protofection can be beneficial for patients with mitochondrial diseases. This technique is a recent development and is continuously being improved. As mitochondrial DNA becomes progressively more damaged with age, this may provide a method of at least partially rejuvenating mitochondria in old tissue, restoring them to their original, youthful function.[1][2]
- ^ a b Khan, Shaharyar M.; Bennett, James P. (1 August 2004). "Development of Mitochondrial Gene Replacement Therapy" (PDF). Journal of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes. 36 (4): 387–393. doi:10.1023/B:JOBB.0000041773.20072.9e. PMID 15377877. S2CID 25674350.
- ^ Aravintha Siva, M.; Mahalakshmi, R.; Bhakta-Guha, Dipita; Guha, Gunjan (1 May 2019). "Gene therapy for the mitochondrial genome: Purging mutations, pacifying ailments". Mitochondrion. 46: 195–208. doi:10.1016/j.mito.2018.06.002. PMID 29890303. S2CID 48356579.