Detection of a specific mitochondrial DNA deletion in tissues of older humans

GA Cortopassi, N Arnheim - Nucleic acids research, 1990 - academic.oup.com
Nucleic acids research, 1990academic.oup.com
Using PCR, we found that normal heart muscle and brain from adult human individuals
contain low levels of a specific mitochondrial DNA deletion, previously found only in patients
affected with certain types of neuromuscular disease. This deletion was not observed in fetal
heart or brain. Experimental tests support the idea that the deletion exists in vivo in adult
mitochondria and Is not an in vitro artifact of PCR. Our data provide direct experimental
support for the idea that accumulation of mitochondrial DNA deletions may be Important in …
Abstract
Using PCR, we found that normal heart muscle and brain from adult human individuals contain low levels of a specific mitochondrial DNA deletion, previously found only in patients affected with certain types of neuromuscular disease. This deletion was not observed in fetal heart or brain. Experimental tests support the idea that the deletion exists in vivo in adult mitochondria and Is not an in vitro artifact of PCR. Our data provide direct experimental support for the idea that accumulation of mitochondrial DNA deletions may be Important in aging.
Oxford University Press