Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) accumulate at a higher rate than mutations in nuclear DNA, and although somatic mtDNA mutations are known to be involved in mammalian ageing, the role of germline mutations in this process is unclear: here germline-transmitted mtDNA mutations are shown to be associated with ageing and brain malformations, and maternally transmitted mtDNA mutations may thus influence both development and ageing.
- Jaime M. Ross
- James B. Stewart
- Nils-Göran Larsson
