Mitochondrial Patient Cohort

The Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research Patient Cohort (previously known as the MRC MitoCohort) is run from Newcastle University by Chief Investigator Prof Robert McFarland but is also open at hospitals around the UK, including University College London (Prof Mike Hanna), Oxford (Dr Victoria Nesbitt), Cambridge University Hospitals/ Addenbrookes (Dr Deepa Krishnakumar), Greater Glasgow and Clyde (Dr Maria Farrugia), Birmingham Children’s Hospital (Dr Evangeline Wassmer).

If you would like to receive further information about taking part please contact your mitochondrial specialist.

The aim of this research is to establish a database, which is a computer record, of patients living with mitochondrial disease. Having information on patients with mitochondrial disease allows us to study these diseases over time and identify eligible patients from all over the UK to take part in research studies or drug trials in the future. We collect information such as a patient’s genetic mutation, clinical features and results of medical investigations. The Mitochondrial Research Groups in Newcastle, London and Oxford work together with support from the Wellcome Centre to collect this information. This study aims to benefit patients living with mitochondrial disease. We may make contact with you on behalf of researchers running a research project in which you may be able to participate. Such research projects could include new treatments or drug trials.

If you are a researcher who would like to access data stored within the MitoCohort, please contact Clinical Research Manager Laura Brown at [email protected] or Clare Jordison at [email protected] for further information.

Benefits to taking part

  • We inform patients about suitable clinical trials and research studies that they may wish to join.
  • With the patient’s permission, we will update them on any new developments regarding treatment or management of their condition.
  • The details collected also provide information for doctors interested in the best standards of care for mitochondrial disease. This helps to develop national standards and guidelines on management of mitochondrial disease.

Access to data is available to research groups based in the UK and elsewhere around the world. All applicants who would like to view anonymous data must first submit an application form detailing their project and the intended use of any data that is released. A panel of experts in mitochondrial disease, neuromuscular disease, research ethics and a patient representative from across the UK review all applications and make a decision based on the scientific quality of the research, practical considerations and ensure that the research will be carried out according to national and international research guidelines.

To date the MitoCohort has ~1800 patients enrolled and has assisted 29 laboratory/clinical research projects, clinical audits and service evaluation/development. These projects have led to further understanding of mitochondrial disease, looked at new diagnostic techniques and have led to the development of new and existing clinical guidelines for the management of patients with Mitochondrial Disease.

Cohort Management

The MRC MitoCohort is run from Newcastle University by Chief Investigator Dr Robert McFarland but is also open at hospitals around the UK, including University College London (Prof Mike Hanna), Oxford (Prof Jo Poulton), Cambridge University Hospitals/ Addenbrookes (Dr Deepa Krishnakumar), Greater Glasgow and Clyde (Dr Maria Farrugia), Salford Royal (Dr Mark Roberts) and Norfolk and Norwich (Dr David Dick)

If you would like to receive further information about taking part please contact your mitochondrial specialist

If you are a researcher who would like to access data stored within the MitoCohort please contact Clinical Research Coordinator Julia Maddison at [email protected] for further information.

Recent Cohort Projects

  • Incidence of complications of pregnancy in patients diagnosed with mitochondrial disease or carrying a mitochondrial DNA mutation 
  • Evaluating the prevalence of mitochondrial disease of both mtDNA and nuclear origin
  • Determining the Nature and Mechanisms of Progression of Mitochdrial DNA Disease: Why do Patients Get Worse 
  • Reproductive Decision Making in Mitochondrial Patients: A Qualitative Investigation of Women’s Experience 
  • Movement Disorders in Mitochondrial Disease: a clinical and genetic study.
  • Natural history of patients who are affected by mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke like episodes (MELAS) syndrome 
  • Mitochondrial Disease and Male Reproductive Health: Auditing Current Practices