Explaining Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondria, the “batteries” of the cell, produce up to 90% of the body’s energy. When mitochondria malfunction, the result can be a wide range of chronic and life-threatening conditions. http://www.chop.edu/mito

What are mitochondria? :26
What is mitochondrial disease? 1:46
Genes and mitochondrial disease 2:18
Symptoms of mitochondrial disease 2:45
Treatment for mitochondrial disease 4:10
Research – the quest for answers 5:12
New tests for mitochondrial disease 5:59

Discovered just 30 years ago by scientist Doug Wallace, PhD, Director of the Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, there is still much to learn about mitochondrial disease. The Mitochondrial Medicine team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is leading research to understand the genetic origins of these conditions, and develop better diagnostic tests and individualized treatments for children and adults.

In Mito 101, Marni Falk, MD, Executive Director of CHOP’s Mitochondrial Medicine Program provides a clear, easy-to-understand introduction to mitochondria, mitochondrial disease, diagnosis, treatments and ongoing research.