Bill Text: CA SJR23 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Chaptered

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Bill Title: Mitochondrial disease: federal support for research.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2010-09-07 - Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 136, Statutes of 2010. [SJR23 Detail]

Download: California-2009-SJR23-Chaptered.html

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BILL NUMBER: SJR 23	CHAPTERED
	BILL TEXT

	RESOLUTION CHAPTER  136
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE  SEPTEMBER 7, 2010
	ADOPTED IN SENATE  AUGUST 27, 2010
	ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY  AUGUST 2, 2010
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  JUNE 15, 2010
	AMENDED IN SENATE  APRIL 29, 2010

INTRODUCED BY   Senator Simitian
   (Coauthors: Senators Alquist, Cox, Leno, Negrete McLeod, and
Strickland)

                        FEBRUARY 19, 2010

   Relative to research for mitochondrial disease.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SJR 23, Simitian. Mitochondrial disease: federal support for
research.
   This measure would urge the President and Congress of the United
States to take the action necessary to support research for
mitochondrial disease.



   WHEREAS, Mitochondrial diseases result when there is a defect that
reduces the ability of the mitochondria in a cell to produce energy.
As mitochondria fail to produce enough energy, the cells will cease
to function properly and will eventually die. Organ systems will
begin to fail, and the life of the individual is compromised or
ended; and
   WHEREAS, Mitochondria are organelles within most human cells that
convert oxygen and calories into the energy the cell needs to power
activity and sustain human life. If mitochondria malfunction, there
is a lack of cellular energy to perform functions and an accumulation
of byproducts that may impair or destroy the cell; and
   WHEREAS, Mitochondrial diseases are a relatively newly diagnosed
group of diseases, first recognized in an adult in the 1960s and in
the 1980s for pediatric onset cases. Mitochondrial diseases are
underdiagnosed and the diagnosis of these diseases is extremely
difficult; and
   WHEREAS, Mitochondrial diseases can present themselves at any age,
with associated mortality rates that vary depending upon the
particular disease. Mitochondrial diseases generally cause
progressive deterioration and weakness. The most severe diseases
result in progressive loss of neurological and liver function, and
death within several years; and
   WHEREAS, According to the National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences, half of the individuals affected by a mitochondrial
disease are children. When these children show symptoms before age
five, approximately 80 percent will not survive beyond age 20.
Researchers estimate that one in 4,000 children will develop a
mitochondrial disease related to an inherited mutation by age 10, and
that 1,000 to 2,000 children born annually in the United States will
develop a mitochondrial disease in their lifetime; and
   WHEREAS, There are over 40 mitochondrial diseases, and
mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with many disorders including
neurological diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ALS, and
autism, as well as other diseases associated with aging, diabetes,
and cancer; and
   WHEREAS, Mitochondrial diseases are most commonly the result of an
inherited or spontaneous genetic mutation, either in the nuclear or
mitochondrial DNA. Some mitochondrial diseases have been attributable
to environmental factors that interfere with mitochondrial function;
and
   WHEREAS, There is no cure for mitochondrial disease; and
   WHEREAS, Improving understanding of mitochondrial function and
disease has wide potential application to areas of biomedical
research. Understanding mitochondrial disease could uncover
treatments for a range of serious diseases; and
   WHEREAS, The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation has
designated the week of February 15 to February 19, 2010, as "CALL TO
ACTION" week to encourage support for mitochondrial disease research
and treatment; and
   WHEREAS, Pursuant to Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 25 (Res.
Ch. 15, 2009) the third full week in September in each year the
Legislature has proclaimed Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week, and
has urged Californians to observe the week with appropriate
activities and programs; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of
California, jointly, That the Legislature of the State of California
urges the President and Congress of the United States to take the
action necessary to support research for mitochondrial disease; and
be it further
   Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the President and Vice President of the United States,
to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to the Senators and
Representatives from California in the Congress of the United States,
and to the author of this resolution for appropriate distribution.