Our lab works on the molecular basis of mitochondrial disorders which are caused by defects in the cellular energy production system. Mitochondria contain their own DNA (mtDNA) and mutations in either mtDNA or nuclear DNA can disrupt the ATP synthesis machinery and trigger a number of pathways that can lead to disease. Besides studying the function of mitochondrial proteins affecting energy production, we also study the role of mitochondrial function in aging and develop pharmacological and genetic approaches to treat mitochondrial diseases.
