MDA awarded a grant totaling $363,672 to Carlos Moraes, professor of neurology at the University of Miami School of Medicine, to study the effects generated by an increase in functional mitochondria (the "energy factories" in cells) in mitochondrial myopathy.

In previous studies, Moraes and colleagues increased the production of new mitochondria (a process called "mitochondrial biogenesis") in the cells of mice with a disease resembling mitochondrial myopathy. The mice, which began receiving treatment during the embryonic stage of development, exhibited improved symptoms and prolonged life.

As part of their new work, Moraes and his team will test various methods, alone and in combination, of increasing production of mitochondria in adult mice with a disease similar to human mitochondrial myopathy. The investigators also will study whether endurance-based exercise increases production of mitochondria.

"This project may lead to improved treatment for mitochondrial myopathies," Moraes said.

For more information read MDA's press release.

Funding for this MDA grant began August 1, 2010.