Mitochondrial Research

All of the latest news and updates from the Wellcome Trust centre for Mitochondrial Research at Newcastle University.

The Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research is built on our long standing clinical and scientific expertise in mitochondrial disease. We are totally committed to provide the best of care for our patients and this means that we must understand more about the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial disease. If we are to develop new strategies for preventing or treating mitochondrial disease it is fundamentally dependent upon very high quality research.
On the background of a long history in this area we were delighted to be awarded a Wellcome Trust Centre and the significant support of the Trust and Newcastle University means that we can develop our research into new areas and potentially help more patients with mitochondrial disease.
In addition to our research strategy we are very committed to keeping patients and families fully informed of new advances in mitochondrial research and explaining the complexities of mitochondrial disease. This website is part of our initiative in this area and we want to make sure that everyone finds coming to the website helpful and informative. Over the next few years we will be developing new videos to explain mitochondrial disease and are constantly looking at new ways to explain mitochondrial disease.
One of the things we most value is the continued relationship with our patients and their supporters. Our research over the years has received invaluable help from support from both the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and The Lily Foundation. Both are marvellous charities that help patients and families with mitochondrial disease. The whole field will only move forward by us all working together to provide better care for all patients with mitochondrial disease.
The Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, based in Newcastle University, was established in May 2012 Mitochondrial Research Group with the aim of developing a seamlessly integrated programme of basic and clinical mitochondrial disease research. The Centre will not only push forward our understanding of mitochondrial disease mechanisms, but is also committed to training future generations of exceptional young researchers and to a programme of public engagement that will inform the development of its research strategy. A huge breadth of mitochondrial research is undertaken at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, but the Centre is specifically funded to address fundamental questions regarding mitochondrial gene expression, the prevention of mitochondrial DNA disease transmission, the identification of mechanisms by which mitochondrial dysfunction causes neurological problems and the role that mitochondria play in chronic disease.
We have very close links to the NHS Highly Specialised NHS Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders of Adults and Children. This Clinical Service is based within the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and provides care for patients throughout the UK both in terms of diagnosis and management. It is led by Professor Doug Turnbull for adults and Dr Robert McFarland for children. There is a diagnostic laboratory led by Professor Rob Taylor providing tests for both biochemical and genetic diagnosis.
In addition, we are developing the next generation of outstanding scientists through an innovative research training program in mitochondrial medicine and have established a new MRes course in Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine. This course, together with an array of PhD and post-doctoral training iniatives, will enable the Centre to provide world-class education and training in mitochondrial disease research to leading scientists of the future.

Public Engagement
As a Wellcome Trust Centre, we are committed to a process of public engagement that we hope will inform and develop our strategies for research and communication of research outcomes. Our work to prevent the disease passing from mothers to children involves new IVF techniques that involve a greater understanding by the public as well as discussion with key policy makers. We will develop new approaches to engage with patients and public, and guide policy development to support the use of new techniques to prevent transmission of mitochondrial DNA disease.
Our Vision
The Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research is an internationally recognised centre of excellence. We aim to make a major difference to the lives of patients with disease caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. We will achieve this by integrating international quality research with training excellent young scientists and engaging with policy makers, our patients and the public.