Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions are associated with mitochondrial disease, and also accumulate during normal human ageing. The mechanisms underlying mtDNA deletions remain unknown although several models have been proposed. Here we use deep sequencing to characterize abundant mtDNA deletions in patients with mutations in mitochondrial DNA replication factors, and show that these have distinct directionality and repeat characteristics. Furthermore, we recreate the deletion formation process in vitro using only purified mitochondrial proteins and defined DNA templates. Based on our in vivo and in vitro findings, we conclude that mtDNA deletion formation involves copy-choice recombination during replication of the mtDNA light strand.

CitationNovel peptidomimetic compounds containing redox active chalcogens and quinones as potential anticancer agents.

No abstract

No abstract

The improved synthesis of the antitumor compound (+)-tedanolide is described through an aldol coupling of bis-ketone 7. This modification shortens the synthetic steps in the endgame and provides rapid access to this biologically important natural product. Additionally, it serves as a probe in order to unravel the conformational effects that impede or enable its successful synthesis. Having this way access to des-epoxy-tedanolide, its biological characterization surprisingly unravelled the mode of action to resemble candidaspongiolide rather than deoxytedanolide.