Principal Investigator: Joanna Elson

By looking at mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), genetic instructions found within the cells of our body, we can make predictions about how a condition may change over time and help identify suitable medicines or treatments to improve care and treatment options specific to each patient.

The aim of this project was to further our understanding of mtDNA genes to better predict levels of fatigue in patients with a variety of long-term conditions where low energy is an important feature, including mitochondrial disease, Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. The project explored whether the course and severity of these conditions can be predicted, leading to better health care decisions for patients living with these conditions.