welcome
Live Science

Live Science

Science

Science

POLG diseases: Rare genetic conditions that starve cells of energy and afflicted the late Prince of Luxembourg

Live Science
Summary
Nutrition label

78% Informative

POLG-related diseases are a group of rare, incurable conditions caused by inherited gene mutations.

Estimates suggest that these diseases affect approximately 1 in 10,000 people worldwide.

These diseases are caused by several hundred different mutations in the POLG gene.

Mitochondria are cellular powerhouses responsible for breaking down the carbohydrates and fatty acids in food to produce molecules called ATP , which the body then uses as energy.