| abstract |
The examination of mutations in the mitochondrial genome is used as a diagnostic system for diseases such as prostate cancer, and non melanoma skin cancer. Characteristic mutations and rearrangements including, point mutations (transitions, transversions), deletions, inversions, duplications, recombinations, insertions or combinations thereof in the mitochondrial genome are used as early indicators of prostate cancer, and non melanoma skin cancer. Moreover, the 4977 bp, or “common deletion” as well as other associated mutations and/or deletions are used as a measure of aging. |