The effects of nuclear DNA mutations on mitochondrial function

The multiple functions of mitochondria, including adenosine triphosphate synthesis, are controlled by the coordination of both the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the nuclear DNA (nDNA) genomes. Mitochondrial disorders manifest because of impairment of energy metabolism. This article focuses on mutations in two nuclear genes and their effect on mitochondrial function. Mutations in the polymerase gamma, or POLG, gene are associated with multisystemic disease processes, including Alpers Syndrome, a severe childhood-onset syndrome. Mutations in the OPA1 gene are associated with autosomal dominant optic atrophy and other neurologic, musculoskeletal, and ophthalmologic symptoms. When assessing for disorders affecting energy metabolism, sequencing of both the mtDNA genome and the nDNA whole exome sequencing is necessary.