Exploring Mitochondria-Containing Extracellular Vesicles in Alzheimer’s Disease Wins WMS Best Poster Presentation (2)
Congratulations to Tingting Chen from the University of Groningen, Netherlands, for receiving the Best Poster Presentation Award at the 15th Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria!
Her groundbreaking research investigates mitochondria-containing extracellular vesicles (mitoEVs) and their role in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Chen’s study involved isolating mitoEVs from neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from an AD patient with a PSEN1 mutation and comparing them with control cells. While no significant differences were observed in protein concentrations or particle sizes, proteomic analysis revealed a greater diversity of proteins in control EVs.
Dr. Chen stated to the WMS:
"Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affects millions of people worldwide and we do not have a cure for it. Dysfunctional intercellular communication contributes to the pathology of the disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are now recognized as key components in cell–cell communication. During my research I investigate the role of mitochondria-containing EVs in AD pathology. Through proteomic analysis of EVs derived from the neural progenitor cells (NPCs) with the PSEN1 ΔE9 mutation, I aim to identify potential biomarkers for AD. This work aims to shed light on the connection between mitochondrial proteins in EVs and mitochondrial health within cells.
Ultimately, I hope to demonstrate the potential of mitochondria-containing EVs as a promising tool for tracking disease progression in early-stage AD."
WMS Best Short Oral Presentation: GPCR Agonist CAP-1902 Enhances Mitophagy to Improve Mitochondrial Function in Complex III Deficiency
Congratulations to Cristiane Beninca, the scientific director of the Metabolism and Mitochondria Imaging Core at UCLA. for receiving the Best Short Oral Presentation Award at the 15th Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria! Her research introduces a novel approach to treating mitochondrial dysfunction by activating selective mitophagy.
In this study, Beninca and her team demonstrated that CAP-1902, an agonist of the MAS G-protein-coupled receptor (MASR), can selectively induce mitophagy in cells with complex III deficiency, a common mitochondrial dysfunction. Activation of MASR by CAP-1902 stimulated the AMPK/ULK1/FUNDC1 pathway, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and turnover, which ultimately improved cellular bioenergetics and reduced mitochondrial stress. This innovative approach could pave the way for new GPCR-mediated therapies targeting mitochondrial diseases.
Dr. Beninca stated "Our core's mission is to provide access to state-of-the-art microscopes, training, and comprehensive services for mitochondrial imaging techniques in collaboration with academia and industry. Our research projects focus on discovering new pathological processes and exploring potential treatments for mitochondrial disorders."
This research highlights the therapeutic potential of selective mitophagy in addressing mitochondrial disorders and enhancing cellular health.
Abstracts of Targeting Mitochondria 2024 are Published in the "Journal of Mitochondria, Plastids and Endosymbiosis"
It is a great pleasure to announce that all abstracts accepted at Targeting Mitochondria 2024 are now published in the journal by Taylor & Francis "Journal of Mitochondria, Plastids and Endosymbiosis" - with a DOI !
This publication serves as a lasting record of the innovative research and findings shared during the congress. All abstracts are accessible under a single DOI, ensuring easy reference and seamless access for researchers and professionals around the world.
Access the abstracts: https://doi.org/10.1080/28347056.2024.2422726.
New Workshop on Mitochondrial Transfer and Transplantation: From Bench to Bedside
The World Mitochondria Society is pleased to announce a hands-on workshop, “Mitochondrial Transfer and Transplantation: From Bench to Bedside,” led by Dr. Andrés Caicedo, a prominent faculty member at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) School of Medicine, Ecuador, and Vice President for South and Central America of the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT).
This workshop will be held on October 22, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Berlin, as part of the pre-congress activities for the Targeting Mitochondria 2025 Congress.
Building on the success of the traditional “Mitochondria Evaluation” Workshop conducted by Dr. Naig Gueguen, it offers an immersive and practical learning experience.
Participants will explore advanced techniques in studying horizontal mitochondrial transfer (HMT) between cells, the isolation and artificial transfer of mitochondria to other cells ex vivo, their reimplantation into hosts, and the methodologies behind mitochondrial transplantation. The session will also address therapeutic applications, key challenges, and future prospects in this innovative field.
Key points to Be Covered
1. How it works – Understanding mitochondrial transfer and transplantation.
2. Barriers and pitfalls to avoid – Challenges to navigate during the process.
3. Challenges and future perspectives – Emerging applications, issues and potential solutions.
4. Methods and tools – Supporting materials provided in the workshop book.
Supporting Material
1. Recorded Demonstrations – Key techniques for mitochondrial isolation and transplantation.
2. Case Studies and Applications – Real-world examples showcasing successful implementations in research and clinical settings.
3. Emerging Technologies – Innovative tools and methods reshaping the field of mitochondrial transfer and transplantation.
4. Interactive Q&A – A dedicated session for addressing specific questions, sharing challenges, and proposing solutions with expert input.
5. Workshop Book – Tangible takeaways for participants, including summaries of techniques, resources, publications and a certificate of participation.
6. Follow-up Webinars – Post-meeting sessions to track progress and share updates, fostering a sense of community within the WMS.
Brain Organoids for drug discovery of Mitochondrial Neurological Disorders
It is a great pleasure to announce that Prof. Alessandro Prigione, active member or WMS scientific committee, Heinrich Heine University, Germany, will join Targeting Mitochondria 2025 as a major speaker.
Presentation Title: Brain Organoids for drug discovery of Mitochondrial Neurological Disorders.
Summary
Brain organoids are three dimensional structures that can be generated from pluripotent stem cells to model human neurodevelopemt.
In this talk, Prof. Prigione will describe how we can harness brain organoids to identify molecular targets and possible disease-modifying interventions for currently incurable mitochondrial and neurological diseases such as Huntington´s disease and Leigh syndrome.
Join Targeting Mitochondria 2025 to learn more about Prof. Prigione's interesting findings. You can submit a related abstract here.
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Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
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Mitochondria and Creatine: Perspectives and Strategies
Dr. David Rizo Roca, Karolisnka Institutet, Sweden, will join the 16th World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria 2025 to tal about "Mitochondria and Creatine: Perspectives and Strategies".
Summary
Creatine supplementation is widely used for its benefits in muscle performance and energy metabolism. However, recent research has linked elevated creatine levels with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
This talk will explore the relationship between creatine metabolism, insulin resistance, and mitochondrial function, highlighting key findings from the latest research.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
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Fighting Fire with Fire: Boosting T Cell Therapy by Intercellular Mitochondrial Transfer
It is a great pleasure to announce that Prof. Luca Gattinoni, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Germany, will join Targeting Mitochondria 2025 as a major speaker.
Presentation Title: Fighting Fire with Fire: Boosting T Cell Therapy by Intercellular Mitochondrial Transfer.
Key Points
- Mitochondrial loss and dysfunction drive T cell exhaustion, representing major barriers to successful T cell-based immunotherapies.
- Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) form nanotubular connections with T cells, enabling mitochondrial transfer into T cells.
- Transferred mitochondria enhance T cell mitochondrial mass and metabolic fitness.
- Mitochondria-boosted T cells exhibit resistance to exhaustion and demonstrate superior antitumor activity.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
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Prof. Yosuke Togashi to Present Groundbreaking Insights on Mitochondrial Transfer and Immune Evasion in Cancer
Prof. Togashi’s upcoming lecture follows his landmark publication in Nature (February 2025), where his team uncovered a novel immune evasion mechanism in cancer: the direct transfer of mutated mitochondria from cancer cells to tumor-infiltrating T cells (TILs).
Why Prof. Togashi’s Contribution Is Strategic
- Discovery of Mitochondrial Transfer as an Immune Evasion Mechanism
Prof. Togashi and colleagues demonstrated that cancer cells transfer mutated mitochondria to tumor-infiltrating T cells (TILs), leading to functional impairment of the immune response. - Homoplasmic Replacement in T Cells
This transfer causes replacement of healthy T cell mitochondria with cancer-derived, mutation-bearing mitochondria—effectively sabotaging T cell metabolism, memory formation, and anti-tumor function. - Inhibition of Mitophagy via USP30
He uncovered that mitophagy-inhibitory molecules, especially USP30, are transferred along with the mitochondria, preventing the degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria in T cells. - Impact on Immunotherapy Resistance
The study linked mitochondrial transfer to poor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in melanoma and lung cancer patients, providing a novel biomarker and therapeutic target to overcome resistance. - Therapeutic Reversibility
Blocking mitochondrial transfer or inhibiting USP30 restored T cell function, paving the way for new combinatory approaches to boost immunotherapy efficacy.
A New Era in Cancer Immunometabolism
Prof. Togashi’s insights underscore the critical need to rethink cancer metabolism and immune resistance at the mitochondrial level. His work bridges cancer biology, immunology, and mitochondrial medicine—a core mission of the Targeting Mitochondria community.
