NUMTs in the Brain (IMAGE) Columbia University Irving Medical Center Caption Mitochondria release segments of mitochondrial DNA that can travel through pores of the nucleus and integrate into a cell's chromosomes (where the insertions are called NUMTs, for nuclear mitochochondrial segments). A new study has found that nuclear mitochondrial DNA insertion—once thought rare—happens in the human brain likely several times over during a person’s lifespan. Credit Martin Picard laboratory at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Usage Restrictions Credit must be given to the creator. Only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted. No derivatives or adaptations of the work are permitted. License CC BY-NC-ND Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.