Challenges of mitochondrial disorders focus of seminar
HOUSTON -- (October 1, 2007) -- An update on challenges in the care of
people with mitochondrial disorders will be presented in a public forum
Oct. 9. The talk will feature experts in mitochondrial disorders from
Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital.

The speakers will be Dr. William Craigen, director of the Metabolic
Clinic at Texas Children's, Dr. Fernando Scaglia, associate
professor of molecular and human genetics at BCM, and Debra Schindler,
president of the Houston Chapter of United Mitochondrial Disease
Foundation.

Mitochondria are tiny structures found in all cells in our bodies and
produce most of the energy we need to function normally. Since almost
all of the organs of the body rely on mitochondria for energy, people
suffering from a mitochondrial disorder may have a wide range of
symptoms, including exercise intolerance, muscle or heart weakness,
diabetes, strokes, or vision and hearing loss, or they may have only
mild signs of the disorder.

Mitochondrial disorders are due to changes or mutations in the genes
that are the blueprint for normal development and health. Treatments are
available for many of the symptoms and current studies hope to improve
the diagnosis and treatment of children and adults.

Organized by BCM and Texas Children's, the event is part of a
monthly Evening with Genetics lecture series organized by BCM's
Department of Molecular and Human Genetics. The series offers current
information regarding care, education and research about genetic
disorders.

The program is free and open to the public, taking place at 7 p.m. at
the Children's Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz. Valet parking is
complimentary. As seating is limited, register by calling 832-822-4182
or by sending an e-mail to fernbach@... <mailto:fernbach@...> .
Please pass on to clinicians, students and patients



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