Gabriel D Dakubo
The mitochondrion is the only eukaryotic organelle with its semi-autonomously controlled genome. The minuscule nature of this genome does not undermine the importance of its products in cellular functions. This double-stranded circular genome sustains numerous mutations that have been useful to molecular anthropologists in phylogenetic studies. Some of the mutations sustained by this genome are rather pathogenic, being involved in a wide spectrum of human diseases. In recent times, the importance of mitochondrial mutations in cancer is being established. However, there are still “dark or enigmatic” spots in our knowledge in regard to making an attempt to explain various mitochondrial pathologies. The recent uncovering of novel and, possibly coding fusion genes, as well as noncoding transcripts should usher in a new era of knowledge about this genome. The importance of these novel transcripts in diagnostics and pharmaceutical targeting in various diseases awaits further discovery and validation.
