Newcastle University

Mitochondrial Research Group

Research Achievements

We have developed a major centre in Newcastle which focuses on combining basic and applied science to further understand and develop treatments for patients with mitochondrial diseases. These studies include the largest patient cohort in the UK, the development of new methods for investigating mitochondrial disease, understanding mitochondrial gene expression and the inheritance of mtDNA disease, and developing novel treatments for patients. In addition, we have developed collaborative link with Professor Tom Kirkwood to explore the role of mitochondria in the ageing process. We have recently been awarded funds to investigate the importance of mitochondrial abnormalities in Multiple Sclerosis. Our recent studies have also highlighted the importance of mtDNA changes within colonic cancer and leukaemia and have identified the first mismatch repair activity in mitochondria.

Research Strategy

We wish to build upon recent achievements to foster our clinical and basic research. We aim to provide further support for patients through our clinical research programme. Our basic research focuses on understanding mitochondrial gene expression, nuclear-mitochondrial interaction, role of mitochondria in neurodegeneration and importance of mitochondrial DNA mutations in ageing and cancer. The group attracts a high calibre of postgraduate students (PhD and MD) and post-docs.

Further information about this group can be found at the Institute of Neuroscience, Institute for Ageing and Health and Institute of Genetic Medicine.

Staff List

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