Mitochondria, Health & Longevity Research groups

Strategic Objectives

Mitochondria produce energy from food, and essential to this process are their small circles of Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). mtDNA abnormalities have been widely implicated in neurodegeneration and the normal ageing process.Dr. Ian James Holt is a world leader in the field of energy production and human disease with a special focus on the DNA in mitochondria. He identified the first disease causing mutations in human mtDNA 30 years ago and since then has made many important contributions to our understanding of mtDNA metabolism in normal and disease states.

The overarching aim of the Research Group is to understand the contribution of altered energy metabolism to neurodegeneration and ageing. The allied goal is to use this knowledge to design interventions to slow or prevent the progressive defects in energy metabolism in these contexts, and thereby extend human health-and life-span. A central component of the Group´s approach will be to dissect the processes of mtDNA metabolism and to understand how they impact the body in disease states and as we age.

Main lines of research
•    To determine the range of mtDNA abnormalities that afflicts humans with the emphasis on neurodegenerative disorders and ageing.
•    To determine the factors that underlie the progressive nature of mtDNA abnormalities especially the role of nutrient availability and utilization.
•    To utilize the information obtained in the previous point to design and develop interventions that slow, halt or reverse the accumulation of mutant mtDNA molecules.
•    To elucidate the contribution of interactions between the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum to energy metabolism and mtDNA maintenance and its relevance to disease and ageing.
•    To dissect the cholesterol-mtDNA axis and its contribution to neurodegenerative disease and ageing.
•    The molecular basis of SPG7 deficiency; shining light on the boundary of motor neuron and mitochondrial disease.
•    Experimental modelling of ALS.
•    The development and testing of small molecules to combat pathological mtDNAs.

Campo de investigación

Life & Medical Sciences

Institución
Biogipuzkoa
Prioridades RIS3
  • Biosciences & Health
Investigador principal
Ian James Holt, Ph.D.
Dirección
Paseo Dr. Begiristain, s/n, 20014 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
Cómo llegar
Principales líneas de investigación.
  • To determine the range of mtDNA abnormalities that afflicts humans with the emphasis on neurodegenerative disorders and ageing
  • To determine the factors that underlie the progressive nature of mtDNA abnormalities especially the role of nutrient availability and utilization
  • To utilize the information obtained in the previous point to design and develop interventions that slow, halt or reverse the accumulation of mutant mtDNA molecules
  • To elucidate the contribution of interactions between the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum to energy metabolism and mtDNA maintenance and its relevance to disease and ageing
  • To dissect the cholesterol-mtDNA axis and its contribution to neurodegenerative disease and ageing
  • The molecular basis of SPG7 deficiency; shining light on the boundary of motor neuron and mitochondrial disease
  • Experimental modelling of ALS
  • The development and testing of small molecules to combat pathological mtDNAs