Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
Alzheimer's disease, AD, mitochondrial genome, Q-PCR
College
Life Sciences
Department
Biology
Abstract
The purpose of this research project was to identify genetic variation, or more specifically variation in the average number of mitochondria per cell, and determine how these variations relate to risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The project started off with a measurement of the ratio of mitochondrial genome copies to nuclear genome copies by using Q-PCR. We checked this because mitochondrial concentration is necessary for normal energy metabolism and cell growth. This heritable trait may be regulated by genetic variation in the mitochondrial genome. We are currently attempting to determine if there is an association that exists between the measured ratio and age, gender, and apoe genotype. We hope that the results we have gained will provide us with more information that will be used in identifying important biomarkers of AD.
Recommended Citation
McKee, Miles and Kauwe, Dr. John
(2014)
"Alzheimer’s Disease and Mitochondrial Genome Copy Number,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014:
Iss.
1, Article 728.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/728