Mitochondria & Organelle Crosstalk - Rethinking Organelle Crosstalk: Mitochondrial-Derived Vesicles in Peroxisome Biogenesis Presented by Dr. Ayumu Sugiura
At the heart of cellular metabolism, mitochondria and peroxisomes play tightly interconnected roles in lipid regulation, redox homeostasis, and energy dynamics. While direct contacts between these organelles have long been observed, the mechanisms underlying their communication and biological significance are only beginning to emerge.
In an insightful presentation, Dr. Ayumu Sugiura of Juntendo University, Japan, introduces a compelling hypothesis: mitochondrial-derived vesicles (MDVs) may serve as essential mediators in peroxisome biogenesis. These vesicles, generated by mitochondria in response to cellular cues, could carry lipids, enzymes, or signaling molecules critical for initiating or modulating peroxisomal function.
“Mitochondrial-derived vesicles may provide a missing mechanistic link in understanding how mitochondria influence peroxisome formation and specialization,” says Dr. Sugiura.
His talk emphasized that this vesicular communication is not a byproduct of stress or degradation but a targeted and regulated form of inter-organelle signaling, reflecting a deeper evolutionary connection.
Understanding MDVs and their role in peroxisome biology may open new avenues in treating metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and inherited mitochondrial syndromes, where organelle cooperation is often impaired.
This new perspective encourages scientists to rethink organelle crosstalk not as static interactions but as dynamic exchanges of molecular information, and places MDVs at the center of this emerging dialogue.
Book Your Hotel at Reduced Rate
The 16th World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria on October 22-24, 2025, at
DoubleTree by Hilton Berlin Ku'damm
Los-Angeles-Platz 1
10789 Berlin, Germany
Book your room with a special rate
The WMS arranged a deal for all attendees, a special reduced rate for all rooms booked at the DoubleTree by Hilton.
King Guest Room: €209 per night
- Includes complimentary breakfast
- Surcharge for double occupancy: €20 per day
- City Tax not included – 7.5% ( with the new German law, all stays in hotels are taxed for personal & professional use)
How to Reach DoubleTree by Hilton:
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
16th Targeting Mitochondria 2025 Congress
October 22-25, 2025 - Berlin, Germany
www.wms-site.com
Targeting Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier: Impact on Future Metabolic Therapies
Prof. Edmund Kunji from the University of Cambridge will give a major talk entitled Targeting mitochondrial pyruvate carrier: impact on future metabolic therapies, during the Targeting Mitochondria 2025 Congress, which will be held on October 22-24, in Berlin, Germany.
About Prof. Kunji's talk:
Fifty years after the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) was first identified, researchers have now resolved its molecular structure and mechanism of action. In a landmark study published in Science Advances, Sichrovsky et al. (2025) unveiled how this critical mitochondrial complex mediates pyruvate transport and how its inhibition could be leveraged for therapeutic purposes in cancer, metabolic disorders, and more.
About his outstanding study:
Major Discoveries of the Study by Prof. Edmund Kunji and his teams
Molecular Structure of MPC:
The authors used cryo-electron microscopy to capture the architecture of the human MPC complex. They discovered that MPC forms a heterodimeric transport unit (MPC1/MPC2), creating a selective channel that guides pyruvate across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Mechanism of Transport and Inhibition:
The study revealed how small-molecule inhibitors bind to the MPC complex and block its function, offering a blueprint for drug development. Structural analysis pinpointed specific binding sites that explain both transport dynamics and inhibition sensitivity.
Conserved Functionality:
Evolutionary conservation of the MPC mechanism across species (including yeast and human) underscores its universal biological role in cellular energy homeostasis.
Therapeutic Implications
Cancer:
Some tumors overexpress MPC to fuel high mitochondrial activity. MPC inhibitors could starve these cells of essential metabolites, selectively disrupting their growth.
Metabolic Diseases:
In conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), blocking MPC forces hepatocytes to burn fat instead of relying on glucose, leading to reduced liver fat accumulation.
Regenerative Medicine & Hair Growth:
MPC inhibition has been shown to stimulate lactate production, which may promote hair follicle cell activation, opening potential new treatments for alopecia.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction & Neurodegeneration:
Targeting MPC may allow modulation of energy metabolism in neurodegenerative and mitochondrial diseases, where ATP production and redox balance are impaired.
Broader Impact
Drug Development:
The structural elucidation of MPC provides a molecular framework for designing selective modulators, setting the stage for new classes of metabolic drugs.
Precision Medicine:
Understanding individual differences in MPC structure/function may lead to personalized metabolic therapies tailored to genetic or disease-specific metabolic profiles.
Synthetic Biology & Bioenergetics:
The detailed MPC model can inform the engineering of customized metabolic pathways, supporting advances in synthetic biology, cell therapies, and biotechnology.
Keynote Speech: Targeting Mitochondrial Channels: Update and Strategies
Keynote Speech: Targeting Mitochondrial Channels: Update and Strategies
In his keynote speech, Prof. Szewczyk will provide the latest insights into the role of mitochondrial channels in cellular function and disease. He will discuss recent advancements and strategic approaches for targeting these channels, highlighting their potential in therapeutic interventions.
About Adam Szewczyk
Adam Szewczyk is a Professor of Biochemistry and former director of the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology (Polish Academy of Sciences) in Poland, and since 2022, he has served as the President of the Polish Biochemical Society. He completed his chemical studies at Warsaw University and his postdoctoral fellowship at Bern University (Switzerland), Institute of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology-Nice University (France), and at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. He is the Head of the Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels at Nencki Institute.
His research is focused on the role of ion channels on mitochondrial function and intracellular ion channels pharmacology and biophysical properties of mitochondrial potassium channels.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
October 22-24, 2025 - Berlin, Germany
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Development of Mitochondria-Based Therapeutic Strategies for Disease Treatment
We are pleased to announce that Prof. Kosuke Kusamori from Tokyo University of Science, Japan, will be presenting his pioneering research on "Development of Mitochondria-Based Therapeutic Strategies for Disease Treatment."
Summary
In recent years, the application of mitochondria isolated from cells for disease treatment has gained increasing attention, with their efficacy demonstrated in several diseases. However, the functions and characteristics of isolated mitochondria remain largely unknown, and their kinetics after administration into the body have yet to be fully elucidated.
Prof. Kusamori has been investigating the physical properties and in vivo kinetics of isolated mitochondria. In this talk, Prof. Kusamori will present his research on mitochondria-based therapeutic strategies aimed at advancing mitochondrial therapeutics.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
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How Mitochondria Organize Their Powerhouse Machinery for Optimal Performance
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Florent Waltz from the University of Basel, Switzerland, will be presenting at the Targeting Mitochondria 2025 congress in Berlin, Germany, on October 22-24, 2025.
Dr. Waltz will share insights from his groundbreaking research on "How Mitochondria Organize Their Powerhouse Machinery for Optimal Performance" with a special focus on photosynthetic organisms.
Key Highlights:
- In Situ Visualization: Researchers employed advanced imaging techniques to observe the mitochondrial respiratory chain within intact cells, providing a detailed view of its native architecture.
- Respiratory Supercomplexes: The study offers insights into how respiratory complexes assemble into supercomplexes, which are crucial for efficient electron transport and energy production in cells.
- Functional Implications: Understanding the organization of these supercomplexes sheds light on their role in cellular metabolism and energy conversion, potentially informing research into mitochondrial-related diseases.
Perspective:
- Challenging previous assumptions: The findings challenge long-standing models that assumed a more fluid, random distribution of respiratory chain components in mitochondrial membranes.
- Biological relevance: By analyzing structures in situ, this study underscores the importance of studying macromolecular organization in native cellular contexts, rather than relying only on purified proteins.
- Broader implications: These insights are critical not only for basic mitochondrial biology but also for understanding mitochondrial dysfunction in aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic disorders.
- New model for mitochondrial function: This study supports a model in which the geometrical and biochemical compartmentalization within cristae contributes significantly to the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation.
These findings enhance our comprehension of mitochondrial function and may have implications for addressing metabolic disorders linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Florent Waltz leads research at the University of Basel focusing on mitochondrial biology and evolution in photosynthetic organisms, particularly micro-algae. His laboratory employs state-of-the-art imaging technologies to reveal the intricate details of how these essential organelles function and adapt.
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.
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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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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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.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
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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.
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.
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.
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."
Gallbladder Mitochondrial Function as a Predictor of Liver Transplantation Outcomes Wins WMS Best Poster (2)
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The World Mitochondria Society is excited to announce that Danielius Umbrasas from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences received the Best Poster Presentation Award at the 15th WMS Annual Meeting on Targeting Mitochondria for his research on gallbladder mitochondrial function as a prognostic factor for liver transplantation (LT) outcomes.
Dr. Danielius Umbrasas and his team are investigating the connection between mitochondrial damage in the biliary system and patient outcomes following liver transplantation. Recognizing that up to 30% of patients experience biliary complications post-transplant, he questioned whether bioenergetic parameters in biliary tissues might serve as predictors for these issues. He specifically focused on mitochondrial respiratory rates, given that donor livers are subjected to ischemia before transplantation, with mitochondria being critical players in ischemia-reperfusion injury.
“To better understand this, Dr. Umbrasas utilized gallbladder mucosa as a representative for the biliary system in the liver. His research revealed that following ischemia-reperfusion, respiratory rates in gallbladder mitochondria show a significant decrease, particularly in Complex I-driven phosphorylating respiration. He identified an inverse correlation between this respiratory rate and poor early patient outcomes, including biliary strictures, leakage, and the need for repeat surgeries. Dr. Umbrasas is hopeful that these insights might one day assist in clinical settings to improve prediction of liver transplant outcomes.
Dr. Umbrasas shared with the WMS: "Looking forward, we plan to compare traditional cold static preservation with a newer method—cold machine perfusion—to assess any potential benefits of this approach on gallbladder mitochondrial function and patient recovery, both in the short and long term."
