Mitochondrial Diseases

What causes mitochondrial diseases?

Mito can be caused by changes in either the mtDNA or nuclear DNA.

• Mito caused by mutations in mtDNA are inherited (passed down) from mothers. Adult-onset mito are often due to mutations in mtDNA.
• Mito caused by mutations in nuclear DNA may be inherited from either parent. Childhood-onset mito are often due to mutations in nuclear DNA.

Mito can affect an individual at any age and symptoms vary widely among individuals.