World Mitochondria Society 2024 Keynote Speaker Day 2: Prof. Howy Jacobs
It is with great pleasure that we welcome Prof. Howy Jacobs from Tampere University, Finland, as a keynote speaker on Day 2 at Targeting Mitochondria 2024 in Berlin this October.
Prof. Jacobs has documented "A century of mitochondrial research, 1922–2022" in the Enzymes Book Series (2023). The chapter discussed the comprehensive research history of mitochondria, starting from their initial recognition as resembling bacteria in 1922, to their integration into cell physiology today, highlighting major advances in various scientific fields such as biochemistry, genetics, pathology, and cell biology.
Keynote Speech: "Mitochondria: More Heat Than Light?"
"Mitochondria are not just producers of ATP or clearing houses of intermediary metabolism. Here I will trace the history of how mitochondria have come to be regarded as key contributors to cell and organismal physiology, and how recent findings have opened up new chapters in our thinking" stated Prof. Jacobs.
Prof. Jacobs will discuss the implications of elevated mitochondrial temperature for evolution, development, cell signaling, immunity and pathology.
© Photo Credits: Rami Hanafi
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
LinkedIn | Facebook
World Mitochondria Society 2024 Keynote Speaker Day 1: Prof. Eric Schon
WMS is happy to welcome Prof. Eric Schon from Columbia University, USA, as a keynote speaker on Day 1 of Targeting Mitochondria 2024 in Berlin this October.
Prof. Schon will deliver a presentation titled "Mitochondria in Alzheimer disease: it's not what you think"
The dominant hypothesis of Alzheimer disease (AD) pathogenesis invokes the accumulation of a cleavage product of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), called beta-amyloid, as the driver of pathogenesis. However, the poor track record of clinical trials based on this hypothesis suggests that other causes likely underlie the disease. We propose an alternative hypothesis in which a different APP cleavage product, called C99, is the main culprit, via its role as a regulator of cellular cholesterol metabolism. In AD, both C99 production and cellular cholesterol levels are increased well above normal levels, resulting in essentially all of the biochemical and clinical features of the disease. From this perspective, AD is, at bottom, a lipid disorder.
About Eric Schon
Eric Schon, a professor of Neurology and Genetics, has focused on the intricacies of mitochondrial genetics, highlighting their unique semi-autonomous nature governed by both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondria, once bacteria, contribute to cellular energy production through oxidative phosphorylation. Schon's research explores various inherited and sporadic mitochondrial disorders, employing innovative techniques like cytoplasmic hybrids. Recently, his focus shifted to Alzheimer's disease, uncovering heightened ER-mitochondrial communication as a potential key player in its pathogenesis, offering insights into diagnosis and treatment.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
LinkedIn | Facebook
Cracking the Code of Aging: Exploring Mitochondrial Dynamics and Organelle Connections
It is a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Antentor Hinton, Vanderbilt University, USA, at Targeting Mitochondria 2024 this October in Berlin.
Presentation title: Cracking the Code of Aging: Exploring Mitochondrial Dynamics and Organelle Connections.
Highlights
- Overview of the current understanding regarding mitochondrial structural changes during aging.
- Summary of the altered structural changes that occur with age in cristae architecture and their impact on mitochondrial calcium signaling.
- Implications of how aging modifies organelle contact communication.
- Illustration of how the MICOS (mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system) complex influences physiology and metabolism throughout the aging process.
More information on Dr. Hinton's latest research.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
LinkedIn | Facebook
The Role of Mitochondria in Zika Virus Propagation: Mechanisms of Immune Evasion and Inter-Cellular Transmission
It is a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Indira Mysorekar, Baylor College of Medicine, USA, at Targeting Mitochondria 2024 this October in Berlin.
Presentation title: The Role of Mitochondria in Zika Virus Propagation: Mechanisms of Immune Evasion and Inter-Cellular Transmission.
Highlights
- Mitochondrial dynamics in viral pathogenesis
- Use of Tunneling nanotubes for infecting neighbouring cells and siphoning mitochondria to fuel infection
More information on Dr. Mysorekar's latest research.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
LinkedIn | Facebook
Dynamics of Mitochondria: Regulation of Nucleoid Morphology to Protect Mitochondrial Function
Prof. Naotada Ishihara, Osaka University, Japan, will be joining Targeting Mitochondria 2024 this October in Berlin.
Presentation title: Dynamics of Mitochondria: Regulation of Nucleoid Morphology to Protect Mitochondrial Function.
Highlights
- Discuss the connection between mitochondrial dynamics (fusion/fission) and the behavior of mtDNA nucleoids within the cell.
- Mitochondrial membrane activity influences the shape and distribution of mtDNA nucleoids.
- Abnormalities in both mitochondrial morphology and nucleoid structure are linked to certain diseases.
- Expose the new methods to manipulate nucleoid structures, improving mitochondrial and cellular functions in some pathogenic conditions.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
LinkedIn | Facebook
New Biosensing Solutions and Optimized Pharmacological Inhibitors to Counteract Mitophagy in Cancer Cells
It is a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Giulia Bertolin, Université de Rennes, France, at Targeting Mitochondria 2024 this October in Berlin.
Presentation title: New Biosensing Solutions and Optimized Pharmacological Inhibitors to Counteract Mitophagy in Cancer Cells
Highlights
- Mitochondria play vital roles in cell physiology, and dysfunctions are implicated in diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Mitochondria are closely integrated with other cellular components, impacting functions such as cell cycle regulation and ATP production.
- The talk will explore how cancer cells exploit mitochondrial functions, focusing on the cell cycle protein AURKA, which is often overexpressed in breast cancer.
- Advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques are utilized to track AURKA activation in living samples, providing insights into its role in mitochondrial function.
- Ongoing research aims to develop sensitive biosensors for monitoring mitochondrial activation of AURKA and exploring pharmacological inhibitors to alter its interaction with mitophagy partners.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
LinkedIn | Facebook
Mitochondria and Photomedicine: Advances in Infrared Light Treatment
Prof. Maik Hüttemann, Wayne State University, USA, and active member of the WMS Scientific Committee will be joining Targeting Mitochondria 2024 this October in Berlin.
Presentation title: Mitochondria and Photomedicine: Advances in Infrared Light Treatment.
Highlights
- Brain ischemia followed by reperfusion leads to neuronal death due to mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Reperfusion causes hyperactivity in the electron transport chain, leading to cell death.
- Current pharmacological treatments have limitations in effectiveness and timing.
- Specific Near Infrared Light (IRL) wavelengths inhibit mitochondrial dysfunction noninvasively.
- New waveguide technology was developed for safe and efficient IRL delivery into the brain.
- IRL treatment reduces neuronal death in animal models.
- Cytochrome c-COX-inhibitory IRL emerges as a promising non-pharmacologic, noninvasive therapy for cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
LinkedIn | Facebook
DoubleTree by Hilton Berlin Ku’damm will host Targeting Mitochondria 2024
The 15th World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria on October 29-31, 2024 in
DoubleTree by Hilton Berlin Ku'damm
Los-Angeles-Platz 1
10789 Berlin, Germany
Book your Hotel with a Reduced Price
Attendees of Targeting Mitochondria 2024 can benefit from discounted room booking rates at the DoubleTree by Hilton Berlin Ku'damm Hotel.
King Guest Room: 209€ per night, inclusive of VAT and breakfast.
Important note: The rooms are limited in quantity. The offer is valid until September 13, 2024.
How To Access
1. From Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL):
- By Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
- By Public Transport: Take the X9 bus towards Zoologischer Garten. The hotel is a short walk from there.
2. From Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF):
- By Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
- By Public Transport: Take the regional train RE7 or RB14 to Zoologischer Garten, then a 10-minute walk.
3. By Train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof:
- Take S-Bahn lines S3, S5, S7, or S9 to Zoologischer Garten, then a brief walk.
4. By Car:
- The hotel is near the A100 city motorway.
- Parking is available at the hotel for a fee.
5. Public Transportation:
- U2 subway line stops at U-Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten.
- Numerous bus lines stop nearby.
World Mitochondria Society
15th Targeting Mitochondria 2024 Congress
October 29-31, 2024 - Berlin, Germany
www.wms-site.com
Dr. James McCully will be invited by Dr. Marvin Edeas to highlight Mitochondrial Transplantation on March 22
Dr. Marvin Edeas, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Université Paris Cité, France, is pleased to invite Dr. James McCully of Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital to present a talk dedicated to Mitochondrial Transplantation, both online and in Paris.
The focus of the Dr. McCully's talk will be on "Mitochondrial Transplantation: Rescue of Cellular Viability and Function and Modulation of the Ischemic Phenotype in the Myocardium".
Dr. McCully will discuss the role of mitochondrial transplantation in improving outcomes for myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and its effects on the transcriptomic profile.
You are all cordially invited to join us.
World Mitochondria Society
Practical Information
Date & Venue
The webinar is scheduled for Friday, March 22, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 5:15 PM Paris time.
Participants can choose to attend the event in two ways:
- In person at the Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin - Bâtiment Méchain, Salle Rosalind Franklin, in Paris.
- Virtually, through a Zoom webinar.
Registration & Participation
There is no fee to attend this webinar, but space is limited. Interested individuals are encouraged to register early to ensure participation.
Why did Dr. Marvin Edeas invite Dr. James McCully to host a webinar on Mitochondrial Transplantation?
Dr. McCully plays a strategic role in the field of medicine, especially his groundbreaking work in pediatric cardiac surgery and his development of mitochondrial transplantation. Dr. McCully has dedicated his career to innovating treatment approaches for congenital heart conditions, significantly improving outcomes for pediatric patients. His research has not only advanced surgical procedures but also introduced new technologies to enhance the quality of life for children with heart defects.
The technique of mitochondrial transplantation, pioneered by Dr. McCully, represents a major advancement in medical science, offering a novel method to deliver healthy mitochondria directly to damaged tissues, thus rescuing organ function. This innovation, first applied at Boston Children's Hospital in 2014, has shown that mitochondrial transplantation can safely and effectively restore injured heart muscle, even in critical cases.
Given Dr. McCully's extensive publication record, with 234 papers and 13 patents, and his involvement in leading scientific associations, his expertise and contributions are highly valued by the medical community. His work aligns closely with the interests of the World Mitochondria Society, making him an ideal candidate to share insights on the therapeutic efficacy of mitochondrial transplantation in treating myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and its potential for broader applications in medicine.
Emerging Trends & Strategies: 15th World Congress 2024
Join us in Berlin from October 29-31, 2024, for the 15th World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria.
Targeting Mitochondria 2024: New Visionary Approaches
The President of the World Mitochondria Society, Volkmar Weissig, and the Chairman of the Scientific Board, Marvin Edeas, have highlighted the complexities involved in curating an agenda and identifying suitable speakers as significant challenges. In response, they are adopting a progressive and "out of the box" perspective.
Volkmar Weissig and Marvin Edeas aim to take an unconventional approach by concentrating on Emerging Trends and Strategies in mitochondrial research. To this end, they have selected topics such as exosomes and extracellular vesicles, the application of artificial intelligence, the mitochondria-microbiota interplay, the role of mitochondria in photomedicine, and exploratory discussions on the incorporation of Chinese medicine principles.
Summary of the Agenda
Day 1 - Tuesday, October 29, 2024: Mitochondria Workshop
- Workshop Title: “How to Evaluate Mitochondria Function? Bridging Theory and Practice”
- Led by: Dr. Naïg Gueguen, MitoVasc Institute, Angers University Hospital Center, France.
- Focus on methodologies and techniques for assessing mitochondrial function accurately.
Day 2 - Wednesday, October 30, 2024: Keynote and Sessions
Keynote Presentation: “The Mitochondrial Kingdom: Historical Moments, Evolutionary Insights, Current Understanding, and Future Projections.”
Session 1: Mitochondrial Biodynamics in Health and Diseases
- Topics include mitochondrial mitophagy and biogenesis, mitochondria in cancer, aging, cell communication, and the interconnections between iron, ferritin, and mitochondria.
Session 2: Evaluation and Quality Control of Mitochondrial Function
- Highlights innovations in mitochondrial function measurement, real-time visualization techniques, new monitoring devices, and quality control mechanisms.
Day 3 - Thursday, October 31, 2024: Continuing Sessions and Concluding Remarks
Session 3: 15th World Mitochondria Society Meeting on Emerging Trends and Strategies
- Covers exosomes and extracellular vesicles, AI in research, mitochondria-microbiota interplay, updates on mitochondria in photomedicine, and considerations of Chinese medicine.
Session 4: Mitochondrial Medicine 2024: From Bench to Bedside
- Focuses on practical applications like mitochondrial transplantation, transfer & tunneling nanotubes, pharmaceutical approaches, and the latest clinical studies targeting mitochondria.
Concluding Remarks & Awards:
- Summarizing key takeaways, next steps in mitochondrial research, and recognizing outstanding contributions.
It will be a great pleasure to meet you in Berlin next October for this exciting congress!
Sincerely,
Prof. Volkmar Weissig
President of the World Mitochondria Society
Midwestern University, USA
On behalf of the WMS Scientific Board
Mitochondrial Innovations Workshop: Bridging Theory and Practice
The World Mitochondria Society has scheduled an annual workshop on the Evaluation of Mitochondrial Function, led by Dr. Naig Gueguen, for October 29 in Berlin, preceding the Targeting Mitochondria 2024 conference.
Aims & Objectives
- Focus: Investigation of mitochondrial function, dysfunction, and activities.
- Purpose: To advance comprehension of mitochondria, metabolism, and bioenergetics.
- Content: Features technological instruments, biomarkers, and diagnostic methodologies for mitochondrial diseases.
- Application: Incorporates practical cases for experiential learning and insight.
Intended Audience
- Medical practitioners, biologists, geneticists, researchers in fields including oncology, neuroscience, pediatrics, metabolic diseases, and others.
- R&D directors, engineers, research assistants, business executives, and individuals interested in mitochondria, metabolism, bioenergetics, and therapeutic advancements.
Post-Workshop Materials
- A comprehensive PDF report summarizing workshop proceedings.
- A bibliography and additional resources for extended learning.
WMS 2024 Workshop: Topics & Sessions
Session 1: Bioenergetics
- Analysis methods for mitochondrial function including respiratory chain activity and oxidative metabolism.
- Technological tools for research in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo.
- Discussion covers respiration rates, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP synthesis, and redox states.
Session 2: Biogenesis, Dynamics, and Mitophagy
- Techniques for examining mitochondrial networks and mitophagy.
Session 3: Practical Insights into Mitochondrial Function
- Diagnosing mitochondrial disorders
- Parctical case presentations:
- Mitochondrial function in models of longevity.
- Mitochondrial activity in the context of skin aging and skincare.
Dr. Naig Gueguen, affiliated with the Mitovasc Institute, Mitolab team, INSERM 1083, CNRS 6215, at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d’Angers, Angers, France, leads the workshop.
World Mitochondria Society
Targeting Mitochondria 2024 Congress
October 29-31, 2024 - Berlin, Germany
LinkedIn | Facebook
2023 Best Scientific Contribution Award at Targeting Mitochondria 2023
Dr. Naig Gueguen from the Mitovasc Institute has been recognized with the coveted 2023 Best Scientific Contribution Award, a testament to her role as a trailblazing scientist in the field.
In her excellent workshop titled "How to Evaluate Mitochondrial Function," Dr. Gueguen, affiliated with INSERM 1083, CNRS 6215, and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d’Angers, showcased the depth of her expertise.
She navigated through the nuances of mitochondrial study, touched on key technological tools, delved into critical markers, elucidated diverse techniques for examination, presented diagnostic approaches, and shared invaluable case studies centered on mitochondrial anomalies.
The WMS extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Gueguen for her stellar contributions and presentation.
Targeting Mitochondria 2023 Congress
October 11-13, 2023 - Berlin, Germany
wms-site.com
2023 Best Short Oral Presentation Award
Targeting Mitochondria 2023 Best Short Oral Presentation Award #2
The World Mitochondria Society celebrates Sami Noujaim from the University of South Florida, USA, for clinching the Targeting Mitochondria 2023 Best Short Oral Presentation Award.
Dr. Noujaim's insightful talk, "Mitochondrial Involvement in Cardiac Electrophysiological Injury Due to Inhalation Exposure to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)," delved into the alarming effects of vaping on heart electrophysiology.
He expertly highlighted the role of adverse mitochondrial changes and increased oxidative stress in these effects.
All our congratulations.
Targeting Mitochondria 2023 Congress
October 11-13, 2023 - Berlin, Germany
wms-site.com
2023 Best Short Oral Presentation Award
Targeting Mitochondria 2023 Best Short Oral Presentation Award #1
The World Mitochondria Society congratulate Dr. Ioannis Tsichlis from the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, for earning the Best Short Oral Presentation award at Targeting Mitochondria 2023.
Dr. Tsichlis's profound talk, titled "Development of Mitochondria-Inspired Lipopolyplexes for Gene Delivery," was a deep dive into the cutting-edge realm of gene therapy.
He presented a novel mitochondrial-inspired nanosystem, which incorporated the properties of mitochondria into hybrid lipopolyplexes. These meticulously crafted structures are geared towards efficient gene delivery, offering a potential leap in therapeutic interventions. Particularly noteworthy was their remarkable stability across various media, an essential characteristic for real-world applications.
His talk was a testament to his dedication and innovative approach in the field of targeting mitochondria.
Dr. Tsichlis shared with the World Mitochondria Society: "Following the successful development of mitochondria-inspired lipopolyplexes, our research involves in vitro cytotoxicity studies and in vivo biological experiments in the well-established C. elegans model to evaluate the specificity and efficiency of the nanoplatform in targeting mitochondria. The ultimate goal is to develop a safe and effective bio-inspired gene delivery nanoplatform that will contribute to mitochondrial gene therapy."
All our congratulations.
Targeting Mitochondria 2023 Congress
October 11-13, 2023 - Berlin, Germany
wms-site.com
Targeting Mitochondria 2023 Best Poster Presentation Award for Young Investigator
It gives us immense pleasure to announce that Tatjana Kuen from Leopold-Franzens Universität Innsbruck, Austria, has been distinguished with the Targeting Mitochondria 2023 Best Poster Presentation Award for Young Investigators.
Her poster, titled "Inhibitors of Fumarylacetoacetate Domain Containing Protein 1 (FAHD1) Induce Premature Cellular Senescence in Human Endothelial Fibroblasts in Vitro," delves into the intricate role of FAHD1 as an oxaloacetate decarboxylase in the TCA cycle regulation. Notably, the findings revealed that a lentiviral knockdown of FAHD1 could lead HUVEC cells into premature cellular senescence. The proposed model suggests a mitochondrial dysfunction-associated senescence-like phenotype that is potentially mediated through the reduction of complex-II activity. Currently, Tatjana and her team are exploring the use of second-generation FAHD1 inhibitors to replicate this intriguing effect.
Join us in extending heartfelt congratulations to Tatjana Kuen for this outstanding achievement.
Targeting Mitochondria 2023 Congress
October 11-13, 2023 - Berlin, Germany
wms-site.com
More Articles...
- World Mitochondria Society Task Force: Call For Strategic Projects
- The Power of Epigenetics: The Patterns of mitoDNA Methylation Transmitted Across Generation
- Targeting MCJ/DnaJC15 to modulate mitochondrial respiration in disease
- Repairing Marginal Kidneys With Mitochondrial Transplantation: A New Powerful Tissue Engineering Tool That Will Change the Transplant Landscape
