Dr. Cote’s research concentrates on the mitochondrial toxicity of drugs, primarily antiretroviral drugs used in HIV therapy. HIV combination therapy has significantly decreased mortality in the HIV infected population. However, treatment is life-long and as HIV infected individuals survive longer, the toxicity of the drugs and the serious side effects associated can cause of morbidity, non-adherence to prescribed therapy and mortality. HIV drugs can increase mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion/mutation/deletion through pressure on polymerase gamma, the enzyme responsible for mtDNA replication. In addition, some HIV drugs can inhibit telomerase, the enzyme complex elongating telomeric DNA. MtDNA damage and telomere shortening have been associated with diseases and aging.