The human mitochondrial genome may code for more than 13 proteins

Abstract

The human mitochondrial (mt) DNA is commonly described as a small, maternally inherited molecule that encodes 13 protein components of the oxidative phosphorylation system and 24 structural RNAs required for their translation. However, recent studies indicate that the human mtDNA has a larger functional repertoire than previously believed. This paper briefly summarizes these studies, which suggest to reconsider our way to describe the human mitochondrial DNA as it may code for more than 13 proteins.

• Genomics
• humanin
• mitochondrial DNA
• mtDNA
• open reading frames

Declaration of interest

The authors report that they have no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.