San Diego, CA. (April 9, 2002) MitoKor today announced the publication of a large, wide ranging study analyzing the mitochondrial DNA sequences of more than 500 individuals of different ethnic origins in The American Journal of Human Genetics. The study succeeded in identifying novel patterns arising from geographically distinct subpopulations, and will form the basis of ongoing investigations aimed at uncovering the association of variations in mitochondrial DNA with diseases of aging such as Alzheimers and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The data may be accessed at http://www.mitokor.com/science/560mtdnas.php.

The paper entitled: Reduced-median-network analysis of complete mitochondrial DNA coding region sequences for the major African, Asian, and European haplogroups, outlines a large DNA sequencing study undertaken at MitoKor in collaboration with scientists from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, the VA Medical Center and University of California, San Diego, and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School. The study analyzed mitochondrial DNA sequence variations between ethnically diverse populations providing important information concerning human molecular evolution and population genetics. This data will also form the basis from which to understand how changes in mitochondrial DNA sequence can affect susceptibility to disease.

Mitochondrial genetics is improving our understanding of human evolution and prehistoric migratory patterns. In addition, mitochondrial sequence variation has been implicated as a causative or contributing factor in a number of human diseases, commented Neil Howell, Ph.D Vice President of Research at MitoKor and the senior author of the paper. We are now combining these two aspects to understand the genetics of these complex disorders. This continuing study requires comparative sequence analysis of mitochondrial DNA from large, clinically-cha
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Contact: Ruey-Li Hwang
r.hwang@noonanrusso.com
415-677-4455 x209
Noonan/Russo Communications
9-Apr-2002

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