Somatic Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Control Region (CR) Mutations Associated with Alzheimer's Disease: the Cause and Diagnosis

Background: Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease (AD) has been associated with defects in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) as well as inherited and somatic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. To determine if mtDNA mutations contribute more generally to the etiology of AD, we have investigated the mtDNA control region (CR) from AD brains for possible disease causing mutations. Technology: We discoved that sporadic Alzheimer's Disease is associated with high frequencies of CONFIDENTIAL somatic mitochondrial DNA mutations. This suggests that Alzheimer's Disease is a product of mitochondria1 dysfunction. Application: This invention is designed to differentiate at the molecular level between patients with a low versus high probability of developing Alzheimer's Disease senile dementia.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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