Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathies and Mental Retardation: Investigations of Clinical Syndromes Associated With MtDNA Point Mutations
Columbia University
Summary
Carriers of the m.3242A\>G mutation often have clinical symptoms which can include migraines, seizures, strokes, hearing loss, balance issues, gastrointestinal issues, and many other symptoms. The investigators would like to learn more about these disorders and have designed a "Natural History Study" to monitor these conditions over time so that physicians and scientists can not only understand the problems that patients have, but work on developing treatments. The focus of the current work is to evaluate known mutation carriers of the m.3243A\>G (mitochondrial DNA) and their maternal relatives (carrier status not a requirement for participation). Paternal relatives will serve as controls. This study involves no treatment.
Description
The purpose of this study is to investigate the neurological and biochemical consequences of the m.3243 A\>G mutation. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell and are controlled by nuclear genetic material (DNA) and mitochondrial (mt) DNA. Mitochondrial DNA mutations impair mitochondrial function, and cause cellular energy failure. These mutations, when present in high abundance, cause neurological signs and symptoms that are clinically obvious. The investigators hypothesize that these mutations, when present in lesser abundance, will cause measurable alterations in the patient's neuropsy…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 4+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: Known carrier of a the m.3243 A\>G mitochondrial mutation, ,or Maternally related to someone who carries the m.3243A\>G mitochondrial mutation. A family member who is not maternally related to someone who carries the m.3243A\>G mitochondrial mutation Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 4 years of age * No confirmed m.3243 A\>G mitochondrial DNA mutation in the family.
Location
- Columbia UniversityNew York, New York