Changes in
mitochondrial DNA
in Parkinson’s
Gavin
Project information
Lead researcher
Dr Gavin Hudson
Location
Newcastle University
Cost
£180,083 over 2 years (extended for a further 18 months)
Start date
October 2012
Type of project
Senior Research Fellowship
Project code
F-1202
Gavin has been awarded an 18 month extension and a further £42,353 to continue
this work.
Project background
People with Parkinson’s don’t have enough of a chemical called dopamine because some
nerve cells in their brain have died. But we still don't know why these nerve cells stop
working and die, or why some people get Parkinson’s while others don’t. Research
suggests that problems with mitochondria – the energy-producing batteries inside cells –
may play a crucial role in nerve cell death in Parkinson’s, but the exact cause of these
problems is unclear.

Mitochondria play an essential role in all cells. These tiny batteries provide the
energy needed for our cells to live and function properly. Nerve cells need lots of
energy because of the huge amount of work they do, so their mitochondria are under
extra pressure to produce lots of energy.

Most DNA is found inside the nucleus – the control centre at the heart of each cell.
But mitochondria have a small amount of their own DNA. This DNA codes for a handful
of proteins which play an important part in the process that mitochondria use to
generate energy.

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA can be inherited or can happen randomly during
our lives. Research has shown that both types of mutation are more common in
people with age-related conditions like Parkinson’s. But, it’s not clear exactly which
inherited mutations are important or why some people seem to be more likely to have
random mutations.
What the researchers are doing
In this project Gavin will first compare variations in mitochondrial DNA between 2000
people with Parkinson’s and 2000 healthy people of a similar age. He’ll be looking for
inherited mutations that may increase a person’s risk of developing the condition.
Secondly, Gavin will look for random mutations in the brain tissue of people with and
without Parkinson’s. In particular, Gavin will look to see if certain variations in inherited
mitochondrial DNA make the mitochondria more prone to random mutations later in life.
With the additional funding awarded Gavin aims to identify exactly how these mutations
cause the nerve cells to stop working properly and understand how changes in our
mitochondria may lead to the condition.
How the research will help people with Parkinson’s
This project will help us unravel the complex relationship between mitochondrial problems
and nerve cell death – and ultimately the underlying causes of Parkinson’s. Gavin hopes
this work will lead on to further studies to investigate the effects of mitochondrial mutations
in living cells. This will help identify the specific mechanisms involved and open up
possibilities for developing new treatments.
For more information, please talk to the Research Team
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020 7963 9313
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