Mitochondria contain their own DNA (mtDNA), and mutations in either mtDNA or nuclear DNA can disrupt the ATP synthesis machinery and trigger a number of pathways that can lead to disease. Besides studying the function of mitochondrial proteins affecting energy production, Dr. Moraes’s lab also studies the role of mitochondrial function in aging and develop pharmacological and genetic approaches to treat mitochondrial diseases.

For more details, please see the Moraes Lab web site: https://moraeslab.weebly.com