MGM Core

Overview

Mitochondrial dysfunction may represent one of the key cellular pathologies in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and may be intimately related to the progression of AD.  Defective metabolism and increased generation of excess reactive oxygen species in mitochondria, as widely observed in AD cases, can lead to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) oxidative modification and likely increases in rates of mtDNA mutations.  Such molecular changes can enhance the mitochondrial and cellular pathology, especially in populations of neurons selectively vulnerable to oxidative stress.  The Mitochondrial Genomics and Metabolism (MGM) Core of the KU AD Center was structured to provide unique resources and expertise to AD investigators who plan to probe mitochondrial changes in AD and unravel the relationships between AD and altered mitochondrial metabolism in white blood cells, platelets, neurons, glia, and muscle cells.

Core Resources and Expertise of MGM

MGM will assist investigators in the conduct of studies on mitochondria obtained from the brain, muscle, white blood cells, and platelets of well characterized cases of AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and age-matched controls.  Specifically, MGM offers the following core resources and expertise for ADC investigators:

Preparation, cataloging, and storage of mitochondria, protein extracts, DNA, and RNA from living and deceased subjects recruited by the Clinical Core of the KU ADC

Preparation and banking of cybrid lines using neuronal and platelet mitochondria obtained from living subjects;

Sequencing of mtDNA, determination of levels of mtDNA heteroplasmy, and measurements of mtDNA oxidation

The goal of the MGM core is to jump start independently-funded research focused on AD and mtDNA gene and protein structure, function, and expression.  The ultimate goal is to enhance AD-related research into mitochondrial structure and function in the Kansas City region and assist national AD research efforts focused on mitochondria.  MGM’s expertise in mitochondrial genome sequencing, heteroplasmy determination, mtDNA oxidation, cybrid generation, and mitochondrial metabolic activity measurements can prove to be an invaluable resource for investigators interested in the role of mitochondrial function and AD.

How to Request and Utilize MGM Core Resources and Expertise

MGM’s core resources, including the preparation of mitochondria, cybrid lines, DNA, RNA, and protein extracts, are available upon request.  For more information or to request service, please contact MGM@ku.edu.  A project description, possible available funding, and approaches to future funding of the project will be required before commitment of MGM and ADC resources to any individual project.