We characterized mtDNA and nuclear DNA-based OXPHOS diseases in Russian and Ukrainian populations to better understand the etiology and mechanisms of the expression of mitochondrial disorders in population-specific genetic backgrounds.

Collaboration with Dr. Elena Y. Grechanina from the Kharkiv Medical Institute to study pediatric mitochondrial diseases in Ukraine.

Political map of Ukraine with provinces shown. Source: https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/ukraine

T.G. Schurr Meets Governor Avakov in Kharkiv. Photo Credit: Mayoral staff photographer

Dr. E.Y. Grechanina Talks with Governor Avakov. Photo Credit: Mayoral staff photographer

Discussing the Mitochondrial Disease Research Project in Kharkiv. Photo Credit: Mayoral staff photographer

Kharkiv Medical Institute. Photo credit: T.G. Schurr

Dr. Ekaterina Grechanina instructing a student. Photo credit: T.G. Schurr

T.G. Schurr with Kharkiv Medical Institute doctors. Photo Credit: Vlada Gusar

Vlada Gusar, PhD student at Kharkiv Medical Institute. Photo credit: T.G. Schurr

During our visit in 2008, we visited Kharkiv National Medical University, and explored its museum, library and

Kharkiv National Medical University. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kharkiv_National_Medical_University

Kharkiv National Medical University Museum. Photo credit: T.G. Schurr

Desk and study materials for 1919 medical students, Kharkiv National Medical University Museum. Photo credit: T.G. Schurr

During our initial visit in 2006, we had a chance to explore the city of Kharkiv, despite the snowy weather. The following photos provide a brief visual guide to this historic city in Ukraine.

Artists selling paintings in the Kharkiv City Park, Winter 2006. Photo credit: T.G. Schurr

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Kharkiv. Photo credit: T.G. Schurr

Kharkiv Center for the Arts. Photo credit: T.G. Schurr

Pushkin Theater. Photo credit: T.G. Schurr

A view of downtown Kharkiv. Photo credit: T.G. Schurr

State Radio Station, Kharkiv. Photo credit: T.G. Schurr

Annunciation Cathedral. Photo credit: T.G. Schurr

Publications

Schurr TG, Grechanina YB, Gusar VA, Grechanina EY, Zhadanov SI. 2012. Mitochondrial diseases in Ukraine: Role of mtDNA mutations in complex clinical syndrome and neurodegenerative diseases. J Ukr Acad Med Sci [in Ukrainian].

Gusar VA, Grechanina JB, Zhadanov SI, Schurr TG, Grechanina YB, Fadeeva AL. 2011. Visualizing exact mitochondrial DNA mutations through the method of restriction analysis. Clinical Genetics 1-2: 95-111 [in Ukrainian].

Zhadanov SI, Grechanina EY, Grechanina YuB, Gusar VA, Fedoseeva NP, Schurr TG, Doronin BM. 2008. Clinical complex syndromes: Importance of genetic screening of mtDNA mutations in the diagnosis of mitochondrial neurodegenerative syndromes. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 108(5): 80-83 [in Ukrainian].

Zhadanov SI, Grechanina EY, Grechanina YB, Gusar VA, Fedoseeva NP, Lebon S, Münnich SA, Schurr TG. 2007. Fatal manifestation of a de novo ND5 mutation: Implication for the pathogenetic mechanisms of ND5 gene defects. Mitochondrion 7(4): 260-266.

Zhadanov SI, Grechanina EY, Grechanina YB, Gusar VA, Fedoseeva NP, Schurr TG. 2006. Studying mitochondrial diseases in the Ukraine: The role of de novo ND5 mutations and pathogenic mechanisms of genetic defects in the ND5 gene. J Ukr Acad Med Sci 12(3): 443-456 [in Ukrainian].

Zhadanov SI, Atamanov VV, Zhadanov NI, Schurr TG. 2006. De novo COX2 mutation in a LHON family of Caucasian origin: Implication for the role of mtDNA polymorphism in human pathology. J Hum Genet 51(3): 161-170.

Zhadanov SI, Atamanov VV, Zhadanov NI, Oleinikov OV, Osipova LP, Schurr TG. 2005. A novel mtDNA ND6 gene mutation associated with LHON in a Caucasian family. Biochem Biophys Res Comm 332: 1115-1121.

Wallace DC, Stugard C, Murdock D, Schurr TG, Brown MD. 1997. Ancient mitochondrial DNA sequences in the human nuclear genome: A potential source of errors in identifying pathogenic mutations. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 94(26): 14900-14905.

Wallace DC, Singh G, Lott MT, Hodge JA, Schurr TG, Lezza AMS, Elsas, II, LJ, Nikoskelainen EK. 1988. Mitochondrial DNA mutation associated with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. Science 242(4884): 1427-1430.