Ewelina Musial

• MSci Biomedical Sciences
• Investigating the Level of mtDNA Carryover in Mitochondrial Replacement Embryos

Mitochondrial replacement is a technique that could be used to prevent transmission of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) disease.  It involves removing the nuclear DNA from an affected woman’s egg containing faulty mitochondria and transferring it to an egg containing healthy mitochondria that has also had its nuclear DNA removed.  Our research focuses on the safety and efficacy of this technique.  One important consideration is the potential transfer of faulty mitochondria from the affected egg during the manipulation as this must be minimal to prevent transmission of mtDNA disease.

Project Supervisor: Prof Doug Turnbull, Institute for Cell & Molecular Biosciences

Funding Source: Newcastle University