The Role of Mitochondria in Reproductive Function and Assisted Reproduction

Abstract Mitochondria are fascinating cytoplasmic organelles crucial to life because of their production of energy. Abnormalities in mitochondrial function may be responsible for cellular and organismal aging and can be reversed to some extent by mitochondrial nutrients such as coenzyme Q10. Mitochondrial DNA mutations can lead to catastrophic mitochondrial diseases that are maternally transmitted. Mitochondrial replacement techniques resulting in “three-parent” assisted reproduction may be beneficial in preventing these diseases and may also be helpful in managing infertility related to poor embryo development. Recently, autologous mitochondria from the patient's own ovarian cortex have shown potential benefits for embryo development when injected into poor-quality oocytes at the time of fertilization. In addition, measurement of trophectoderm cell mtDNA copy number may become a useful adjunct for selection of embryos with increased implantation potential. Much further research is anticipated in this exciting area of mitochondrial impact on human aging, heritable diseases, and reproduction.