Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is in relatively close proximity to reactive oxygen species (ROS) arising from spontaneous superoxide formation during respiration. As a result, it sustains oxidative damage that may include base modifications, base loss, and strand breaks. mtDNA replication past sites of oxidative damage can result in the introduction of mutations. mtDNA mutations are associated with various human diseases and can manifest as loss of bioenergetic function. DNA repair processes exist in mitochondria from apparently all metazoans. A fully functional DNA base excision repair (BER) pathway is present in mitochondria of vertebrates. This pathway is catalyzed by a number of DNA glycosylases, an AP endonuclease, polymerase γ, and a DNA ligase. This chapter outlines the step-by-step protocols for isolating mitochondrial fractions, from a number of different model organisms, of sufficient purity to allow mtDNA repair activities to be measured. It details in vitro assays for the measurement of BER enzyme activities in lysates prepared from isolated mitochondria.
