Next-generation sequencing (NGS) based on massively parallel sequencing (MPS) of 
the entire 16,569 bp mitochondrial genome generates thousands of reads for each 
nucleotide position. The high-throughput sequence data generated allow the 
detection of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) point mutations and deletions with the 
ability to accurately quantify the mtDNA point mutation heteroplasmy and to 
determine the deletion breakpoints. In addition, this method is particularly 
sensitive for the detection of low-level mtDNA large deletions and multiple 
deletions. It is by far the most powerful tool for molecular diagnosis of mtDNA 
disorders.