The mitochondrial encephalomyopathies are a clinically, morphologically, and biochemically diverse group of disorders. In the past several years, specific mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations have been found to result in several such human diseases. Unfortunately, there has been little or no correlation between the identification of the mtDNA mutations, the presumed etiology, and the pathogenesis of these disorders. The goal of this proposal is to analyze the pathological consequences and the molecular genetic causes of several specific mtDNA mutations causing neuro-ophthalmological disease. This analysis will take advantage of a unique cell culture system that permits the analysis of mtDNA mutations in a neutral nuclear background. This system is based upon the isolation of human cell lines that completely lack mtDNA (p-O cell lines) and the ability to repopulate these cells with exogenous mitochondria, and thus, mtDNA. This system will be applied to the analysis of the disease MELAS (mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes). Two point mutations, both in tRNA-Leu(UUR) of the mtDNA, are known to result in this disease. By examining the biochemical, morphological and genetic consequences of these two mutations, and comparing the results, it should be possible to determine the precise molecular mechanism of pathogenesis. In a similar fashion, NARP (neurogenic muscle weakness, ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa), caused by a point mutation in the mtDNA-encoded subunit 6 of ATP synthetase, and other neuroophthalmological diseases will be studied. Only after specific defects and their causes are known, will it be possible to develop rational therapies for patients suffering from these diseases. This in vitro system will permit the exact metabolic requirements for cells with impaired respiratory chain function to be determined. In addition, the effects of different growth conditions or treatments on the mutated and wild-type mtDNAs can be examined. If one genome can be preferentially damaged or inhibited in its replication, it may be possible to devise treatments for these currently incurable, and often fatal diseases. In addition to those diseases, being studied in this proposal, this model system can also be applied to the study of other diseases where mitochondrial involvement is known or suspected, and the proposed analyses will provide a foundation for these future characterizations.
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