Objective The mitochondria theory of ageing proposes that the accumulation of somatic mutations in mitochondria DNA during life results in a progressive decline in energetic function and eventual cellular and organism senescence. We propose to test this idea directly, by engineering and expressing a version of the mitochondria DNA polymerise POLG that lacks proofreading exonuclease activity, and hence results in the rapid accumulation of medina mutations. This medina matador will be created and tested in parallel in four model systems: yeast, the mouse, cultured human cells and the fruit fly Drosophilae. The phenotypic consequences of an enhanced rate of accumulation of medina mutations will be investigated via studies of cellular bioenergetics function, ageing-related physiological decline and tissue degeneration, alterations in the pattern of gene expression, and overall lifespan. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNAagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturehorticulturefruit growingnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsmutation Programme(s) FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002 Topic(s) 1.1.1.-6. - Key action The Ageing Population and Disabilities Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator UNIVERSITY OF TAMPERE Address 6,lenkkeilijänkatu 6 33014 Tampere Finland See on map EU contribution No data Participants (4) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all ASTRA ZENECA AB Sweden EU contribution € 0,00 Address Soedertaelje 15185 Jaerna See on map Other funding No data KAROLINSKA INSTITUTE Sweden EU contribution € 0,00 Address Karolinska hospital 171 76 Stockholm See on map Other funding No data UNIVERSIDAD AUTONOMA DE MADRID Spain EU contribution € 0,00 Address Arzobispo morcillo n2 28029 Madrid See on map Other funding No data UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN Belgium EU contribution € 0,00 Address Place croix du sud 2/19 1348 Louvain-la-neuve See on map Other funding No data