Mitochondrial diseases are a heterogeneous group caused by genetic defects in mitochondrial DNA or in nuclear genes. POLG is the most frequently involved gene in mtDNA instability diseases resulting in mtDNA multiple deletion and/or depletion. It encodes the DNA polymerase gamma (POLγ), the only known DNA polymerase found in mammalian mitochondria. Mutations in POLG could explain 45% of familial progressive external ophtalmoplegia associated with multiple mtDNA deletions. However, in more than 70%, the analysis of the genes involved in mtDNA instability remains unsuccessful.