Diseases Studied
The Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network is an NIH-funded research network of 20 active consortia or research groups working to advance treatment for diseases that are rare. Use the search tools on this page to find the diseases we currently study. You can reach out to the indicated consortia or research groups for more information on those diseases and studies underway.
This network focuses on clinical research and does not generally support clinical care outside of research activities. To learn about other rare diseases, please visit the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD), which is an NIH program that helps the public find reliable information about rare and genetic diseases. Their staff are specialists. Contact them at 1-888-205-2311 or email GARDinfo@nih.gov.
All Diseases > Multiple Deletions of Mitochondrial DNA
Multiple Deletions of Mitochondrial DNA
Disease Category: Mitochondrial Disorders
A term referring to more than one piece of DNA (genetic material) that is missing within the mitochondria (specialized cell structures that produce energy). These DNA pieces may differ in size. Disorders caused by the missing mitochondrial DNA are often inherited due to mutations in nuclear DNA (genetic material found in the nucleus of cells) which are responsible for repairing, building, or maintaining mitochondrial DNA. These disease affects the muscles, nerves, eyes, and heart and often present as chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (see above).
Research groups studying this disease
Mitochondrial Disorders
North American Mitochondrial Disease Consortium (NAMDC)
MitoAction
Improves quality of life for people affected by mitochondrial disease through education, outreach, advocacy, and clinical research initiatives.
United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation
Promotes research and education for the diagnosis, treatment, and cure of mitochondrial disorders while providing support to those affected.