Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing viral infection-induced symptoms are disclosed. Methods for treating or preventing a viral infection are disclosed. Methods for treating or preventing mitochondrial dysfunction are disclosed. The viral infections include SARS-CoV-2, HIV, Influenza, and MERS. The methods include administering an emblica extract or a compound constituent of or having a similarity score of at least 95% with a compound constituent of an emblica extract, a fucus extract or a compound constituent of or having a similarity score of at least 95% with a compound constituent of a fucus extract, or a chebula extract or a compound constituent of or having a similarity score of at least 95% with a compound constituent of a chebula extract.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal model is disclosed. The system comprises an inducible transgene allowing the expression of a mutant POLG1 polypeptide that results in modulation of mitochondrial DNA copy number and/or concentration in the whole transgenic non-human animal or selected cells or tissues of the transgenic non-human animal. Methods of producing and using the model system are also provided.

Abstract: Test agents are screened for their effects on mitochondria using a bioassay. Mutant cells with mutations in their mitochondria are readily detectable. Agents which induce such mutations are thereby identified as potential disease causing agents.