Genetic testing

An in vitro method for diagnosing or detecting a predisposition to a condition at least partially characterized by inappropriate fibrosis or scarring, the method comprising examining the 16srRNA gene of the mitochondrial genome from a subject of interest to detect the presence of a genetic polymorphism or mutation linked to the development of the condition.

An in vitro method for diagnosing or detecting a predisposition to a condition at least partially characterized by inappropriate fibrosis or scarring, the method comprising examining the ND2 gene of NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (complex I) of the mitochondrial genome from a subject of interest to detect the presence of a genetic polymorphism or mutation linked to the development of the condition.

An in vitro method for diagnosing or detecting a predisposition to a condition at least partially characterized by inappropriate fibrosis or scarring, the method comprising examining the cytochrome b (complex III) region of the mitochondrial genome from a subject of interest to detect the presence of a genetic polymorphism or mutation linked to the development of the condition.

An in vitro method for diagnosing or detecting a predisposition to a condition at least partially characterized by inappropriate fibrosis or scarring, the method comprising examining the COI gene of Cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) region of the mitochondrial genome from a subject of interest to detect the presence of a genetic polymorphism or mutation linked to the development of the condition.

The use of a modulator of mitochondrial genome gene products for use in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a condition at least partially characterized by inappropriate fibrosis or scarring.

A delivery system for use in a gene therapy technique, said delivery system comprising a DNA molecule encoding for a protein which directly or indirectly modulates mitochondrial genome gene products, said DNA molecule being capable of being transcribed to allow the expression of said protein and thereby treating a condition at least partially characterized by inappropriate fibrosis or scarring.

An in vitro method for diagnosing or detecting a predisposition to a condition at least partially characterized by inappropriate fibrosis or scarring, the method comprising examining the mitochondrial genome from a subject of interest to detect the presence of a genetic polymorphism or mutation linked to the development of condition.