Advanced genetic testing is a basis for accurate diagnosis and customized therapy of mitochondrial diseases. Protheragen's innovative, comprehensive, and highly-tailorable genetic analysis services are specifically tailored to the stringent requirements of researchers and developers who are working on therapeutics by going beyond off-the-shelf panels to deliver the precise data you need for accurate diagnostics, exact target discovery, or model creation.
Overview of Genetic Testing
Genetic testing is central in the study of mitochondrial disorders and constitutes the keystone for disentangling their complex aetiology. Detection of pathogenic mutations in either the nuclear DNA (nDNA) or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is critical for accurate diagnosis, genetic counselling, and making genotype-phenotype correlations. Using advanced sequencing and bioinformatics, genetic testing accurately maps the intricate genetic landscape of these highly heterogeneous diseases. This includes the identification of point mutations, deletions, duplications, and copy number variation (CNV), together with accurate quantification of levels of mtDNA heteroplasmy, which is important for disease severity and progression.
Application of Genetic Testing in Mitochondrial Disease Research
Precision Diagnostic Development
Facilitating comprehensive and definitive identification of pathogenic variations is essential for the design of diagnostics. Identification of distinct genetic profiles and genotype-phenotype correlations contributes to individual cohort grouping, critical for the design of trials and development of predictive biomarkers for the progression of disease.
Therapeutic Target Identification and Validation
Identifying the particular molecular defect induced by a given pathogenic mutation (e.g., complex I deficiency due to NDUFS8 mutation). Such detailed genetic data also provides a focus for the choice and validation of therapeutic targets, specifically in relation to gene therapy or small molecule development targeted at bypassing/correcting the underlying genetic fault.
Preclinical Model Development & Validation
The genetic testing is essential for the generation and quality control of experimental models. Accurately identifying the exact mutation (including specific mtDNA heteroplasmy levels) allows for the precise genetic engineering of cell-based models (such as iPSCs) or animal models, which are indispensable tools for drug screening or elucidating the mechanism of diseases.
Our Services
Using our cutting-edge next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, powerful bioinformatics infrastructure, and deep mitochondrial genetics expertise, we offer a complete solution from sample handling to comprehensive reporting. This is essential to help researchers and therapeutic developers understand true causative mutations and discover new genetic contributors to mitochondrial dysfunction so they can de-risk and more quickly advance downstream development efforts.
Workflow of Genetic Testing Services
- Consultation & Custom Design
Beginning with an early collaboration to define goals, continue with the tailored design of a test strategy, including optimal targets (complete mitochondrial genome or specially-designed nuclear gene panels).
- Sample Processing & Quality Control
After obtaining the sample, rigorous quality control is carried out. Together, nuclear and mitochondrial DNA are extracted in common and quantified by standardized methods to ensure analytical integrity for downstream sequencing applications.
- Sequencing & Bioinformatics Analysis
Utilizing high-throughput sequencing, we perform parallel analysis of the full mitochondrial genome and relevant nuclear targets. Alignment, variant calling, annotation, and heteroplasmy quantification are subsequently taken care of through proprietary bioinformatics pipelines.
- Reporting & Delivery
The identified variants are classified according to guidelines in the context of pathogenicity and disease association. A clear, comprehensive report based on findings should be provided detailing findings and relevance to mitochondrial disease.
Core Technical Methodologies for Genetic Testing
Leveraging a robust, multi-faceted technical platform ensures comprehensive genomic interrogation with high sensitivity and specificity. By integrating complementary methodologies, we provide a complete and reliable assessment of both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes.

Comprehensive Sequencing Strategies
- Mitochondrial Genome Sequencing (mtDNA Sequencing): Focusing on the entire mitochondrial genome using specialized protocols to achieve exceptional depth critical for downstream analysis.
- Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS): A comprehensive approach for detecting all variant types across both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA.
- Targeted Gene Panels: High-coverage analysis of predefined nuclear and mitochondrial genes associated with mitochondrial disorders.

Specialized Detection & Validation
- Precise Heteroplasmy Quantification: Utilizing ultra-deep sequencing coupled with digital PCR for orthogonal validation and absolute, high-sensitivity measurement of mtDNA mutant load.
- Structural and Copy Number Variation (CNV) Detection: Implementing advanced NGS-based CNV calling algorithms, supplemented by molecular verification methods (e.g., quantitative PCR or MLPA) to reliably identify large-scale deletions/duplications in both mtDNA and nuclear genes.
Contact Us
Protheragen's cutting-edge genetic testing solutions deliver the genetic evidence you need to advance awareness and understanding of mitochondrial disorders, transforming raw sequence data into validated insights for research and development. Through partnering with us, you gain access to a dedicated team whose aim is to help the success of your project with clear, robust, and interpretable genetic results. For project-specific designs, custom panel design, or help with your analysis, please contact our expert team to form a collaboration.
Reference
- Zong, Yao et al. "Mitochondrial dysfunction: mechanisms and advances in therapy." Signal transduction and targeted therapy 9.1 (2024): 124.