North American Mitochondrial Disease Consortium Patient Registry and Biorepository (NAMDC)

Mitochondrial diseases comprise a group of relatively rare (~1 in 5000 adults) but very
serious genetic disorders. Mitochondria are often called the "powerhouses of the cell"
because they provide the energy our cells need to live. Mitochondria have their own DNA
(mtDNA), but they also rely on DNA from the nucleus (nDNA). Mitochondrial diseases are
caused by mutations in either mitochondrial or nuclear DNA that result in poorly functioning
mitochondria. This can cause a variety of symptoms including muscle weakness, seizures,
mental retardation, dementia, hearing loss, blindness, strokes, diabetes, and premature
death. Most mitochondrial diseases are progressive, and we are unable to cure most of these
diseases with currently available treatments.

Research into mitochondrial diseases has been hampered by the low frequency of these
disorders and by under-diagnosis by clinicians. This has hindered patient recruitment for
research studies and clinical trials. The North American Mitochondrial Disease Consortium
(NAMDC) was established to help surmount these issues. Led jointly by Drs. Michio Hirano and
Salvatore DiMauro, NAMDC is a consortium of several clinicians and researchers with an
interest in mitochondrial disease research in the United States and Canada.

By creating a mechanism for the sharing of patient samples with researchers, data and
patient contact information, NAMDC will make it easier to conduct clinical and basic
laboratory research.

Patient information will be shared through the use of the "Patient Data Registry," a
specially-designed database, and patient tissue samples will be shared through the use of
the "Patient Sample Biorepository", a storage facility in which patient-derived biological
samples will be maintained. The Registry and the Biorepository will hopefully accelerate
progress in the understanding and treatment of mitochondrial disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Patients diagnosed with or suspected to have a mitochondrial disorder

- Adult carriers of known mitochondrial DNA mutations

- Patients with laboratory analysis indicative of a mitochondrial disorder.

- Medical information and tissue samples are also accepted from deceased individuals
who fulfill the above criteria.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Patients not suspected of having a mitochondrial disorder

- Patients not suspected of carrying a mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA mutation that
affects mitochondrial function.