A MULTI-MILLION pound centre to investigate a rare but devastating medical condition has opened.
The £5.8m Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, at Newcastle University, is dedicated to understanding the biology of mitochondria.
Mitochondria generate energy used by cells and control cell growth.
Tissues affected by problems with mitochondria are usually those most dependent on energy such as the heart, muscles and brain. Children can be left severely disabled and with a shorter lifespan.
One of the major areas of work is to try to prevent mitochondrial disease being passed from mother to child.
The technique involves transferring DNA to replace defective mitochondria.
It was developed by Professors Doug Turnbull and Mary Herbert at Newcastle University.
Prof Turnbull, who will be director of the centre, said: “Mitochondrial diseases can seriously affect the quality of life of both patients and their families.
“It often affects several generations, and if we can stop that happening, it will be a tremendous help.”
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