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
The Intersection of Mitochondrial Function and Psychiatric Disorders: Biomarkers, Gene Variants, and Patient Stratification
It is a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Ana Andreazza, University of Toronto, Canada at Targeting Mitochondria 2024 this October in Berlin.
Presentation title: The Intersection of Mitochondrial Function and Psychiatric Disorders: Biomarkers, Gene Variants, and Patient Stratification
Points to be covered:
1. Mitochondrial Dynamics in Health and Disease:
Explore the essential role of mitochondria in energy balance, neuronal signaling, and cellular health. Emphasize their influence on the brain and other critical organs, underlining the importance of mitochondrial health in overall bodily function.
2. Linking Mitochondrial Dysfunction to Mood Disorders:
Explore the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and mood disorders. Present clinical evidence showing their correlation and introduce cutting-edge mitochondrial-targeted metabolomics to improve patient classification and treatment paths.
3. Innovative Therapeutic Approaches:
Discuss advancements in mitochondrial transplantation and the creation of the MitoGENE risk score. These innovations aim to refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, supported by data from real-world clinical trials.
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
Mitochondria Iron Metabolism: Its Role in Pathogenesis of Diseases
It is a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Sonia Levi, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Italy, at Targeting Mitochondria 2024 this October in Berlin.
Presentation title: Mitochondria Iron Metabolism: Its Role in Pathogenesis of Diseases
In her talk Dr. Levi will cover the following:
- Discuss the importance of iron in the physiology of mitochondria.
- Mitochondria as the critical controllers of cellular iron homeostasis and their involvement in the mechanism of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cellular death driven by lipid peroxidation.
- Example of how mitochondrial iron-deficiency and -overload impair mitochondrial metabolism, promoting disease development.
- Focus on mitochondrial iron-imbalance role in the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
More information on Dr. Mysorekar's latest research.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
LinkedIn | Facebook
Mitochondria Function Evaluation: Workshop Highlights, Methods, Discrepancies, and Recommendations
Dr. Naig Gueguen, CHU Angers, France, will join the 15th WMS Annual Congress on Targeting Mitochondria 2024.
Dr. Gueguen will present the following contribution: "Mitochondria Function Evaluation: Workshop Highlights, Methods, Discrepancies, and Recommendations".
This presentation will summarize the workshop she will host on October 29 about Mitochondrial Evaluation.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
LinkedIn | Facebook
State of the Science Mitochondria-specific Targets, Therapeutics and Biomarkers Investigation following Traumatic Brain Injury in the US Military
It is a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Jignesh D. Pandya, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, USA, at Targeting Mitochondria 2024 this October in Berlin.
Presentation title: State of the Science Mitochondria-specific Targets, Therapeutics and Biomarkers Investigation following Traumatic Brain Injury in the US Military.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
LinkedIn | Facebook
Mitochondrial Dynamics: Updates and Perspectives
It is a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Ježek Petr, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic, at Targeting Mitochondria 2024 this October in Berlin.
Presentation title: Mitochondrial Dynamics: Updates and Perspectives.
Highlights
- Mitochondrial network facilitates rejuvenation of fragments and communication via exosomes.
- Mitochondrial cristae morphology changes with metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS).
- INS-1EΔe+g cells showed lower ATP synthesis, inhibited insulin secretion (IS), and distinct mitochondrial cristae structures.
- Exosomes from stressed pancreatic cells may communicate stress responses.
- Regular mitochondrial cristae can form without major FO subunits of ATP-synthase.
- Delayed mitophagy in IS-impaired cells might lead to exosomes signaling pathology.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
LinkedIn | Facebook
Role of Light in Regulating Blood Glucose via Mitochondrial Stimulation
It is a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Michael B. Powner, City University of London, United Kingdom, at Targeting Mitochondria 2024 this October in Berlin.
Presentation title: Role of Light in Regulating Blood Glucose via Mitochondrial Stimulation.
About Michael B. Powner
Dr. Michael Powner is a Senior lecturer in Neurobiology, joining the Optometry division at City, University of London in February 2016. Dr. Powner is a neurobiologist who explores the mechanisms behind cellular stress during the early stages of retinal diseases; including age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. He is also passionate about developing or adapting non invasive interventions, including optical and electrical stimulation, to improve patients health and quality of life.
In collaboration with Prof. Jeffery at UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, he is investigating the potential of red light (670nm) as a therapy for aging and ocular diseases, including age related macular degeneration.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
LinkedIn | Facebook
Investigating Mitochondria as Age-Old Drivers of Inflammation
It is a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Stephen Tait, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom, at Targeting Mitochondria 2024 this October in Berlin.
Presentation title: Investigating Mitochondria as Age-Old Drivers of Inflammation.
Stephen Tait's Research Interest
Cell death is a key tumour suppressor mechanism that must be inhibited in order for cancer to develop. Sensitivity to cell death also governs therapeutic efficacy because anti-cancer therapies often act by killing cells. The major form of programmed cell death is apoptosis, a process in which mitochondria play an essential role.
His research focuses upon understanding how mitochondria control cell death and addressing how this is deregulated in cancer. Clinical translation of our findings should lead to improvements of existing therapies and development of new approaches to enable tumour selective killing.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
LinkedIn | Facebook
Targeting Giant Mitochondria (Megamitochondria) in Human Liver Disease: Potential Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interventions
It is a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Elena Palma, King's College London, United Kingdom, at Targeting Mitochondria 2024 this October in Berlin.
Presentation title: Targeting Giant Mitochondria (Megamitochondria) in Human Liver Disease: Potential Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interventions.
Key Points
- Megamitochondria are disproportionately enlarged organelles with regular paracrystalline inclusions.
- Their significance and how they form are still under debate.
- Their detection has strikingly been linked to improved survival among patients with Alcohol-related liver disease.
- New models are needed to investigate this intriguing phenomenon and human precision cut liver slices represent a crucial advance for this purpose.
About Elena Palma
One of Dr. Palma's interests is developing ex vivo experimental models to study liver diseases and malignancies, using dynamic cultures of human precision-cut tissue slices.
Her research investigates the role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis and progression of Alcohol-related liver diseases with the final aim to target these organelles for therapeutic purposes.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
LinkedIn | Facebook
Evaluation and Quality Control of Mitochondrial Function: Where we are Now & What's Next?
It is a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Egbert Mik, Erasmus MC, The Netherlands, and active member of the WMS scientific committee, at Targeting Mitochondria 2024 this October in Berlin.
Presentation title: Evaluation and Quality Control of Mitochondrial Function: Where we are Now & What's Next?
About Egbert Mik
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
LinkedIn | Facebook
The Power and Potential of Mitochondria Transfer
Dr. Jonathan R. Brestoff, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, USA, will join the 15th WMS Annual Congress on Targeting Mitochondria 2024.
Dr. Brestoff will present his latest research on The Power and Potential of Mitochondria Transfer.
Join Targeting Mitochondria 2024 to learn more about the latest advances in mitochondrial transfer.
About Jonathan R. Brestoff
Jonathan R. Brestoff, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., is an assistant professor of pathology and immunology at Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM). He completed his M.D./Ph.D. at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania with Dr. David Artis, where Dr. Brestoff’s work identified that group 2 innate lymphoid cells induce beige fat to limit the development of obesity. He then moved to WUSM in 2016 for his residency in pathology, during which time Dr. Brestoff completed his postdoctoral training with Dr. Steven Teitelbaum. For his research on a process called intercellular mitochondria transfer, Dr. Brestoff was awarded the NIH Director’s Early Independence Award and Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award for Medical Scientists, allowing him to launch his independent laboratory at WUSM in 2019. His lab continues to study immunometabolism and intercellular mitochondria transfer, leading to his lab’s pioneering studies on mitochondria transfer from adipocytes to macrophages, which was named in Cell Metabolism’s Best of 2021 special issue. His work on these subjects has been published in Nature, Cell, Science, Cell Metabolism, Nature Immunology, Nature Metabolism, and other top journals. He is a member of the scientific advisory board for LUCA Science, Inc., based in Tokyo, and is a trustee at his alma mater, Skidmore College.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
October 28-30, 2024 - Berlin, Germany
LinkedIn | Facebook
World Mitochondria Society Task Force: Call For Strategic Projects
We have the pleasure to announce the formation of the WMS Task Force, a groundbreaking initiative committed to driving innovation and reshaping the landscape of mitochondria research in health and diseases.
The Aim of WMS Task Force
Through the establishment of a cooperative environment, this Task Force aims to address the challenges that impede the understanding, prevention and treatment of diseases related to mitochondria. It is a platform where knowledge and expertise are freely shared, fostering an atmosphere conducive to significant advancements in mitochondria research in health & diseases.
Our vision of establishing a Task Force that brings together multidisciplinary experts, which is crucial for pushing the boundaries of mitochondrial research and innovation. By fostering a collaborative environment, we can collectively address challenges, share knowledge and expertise, and drive advancements in the understanding of mitochondria research and related diseases.
WMS Task Force Projects
The WMS Task Force is launching 2 projects for the improvement of mitochondrial research and applications:
1- Mitochondrial Transfer & Tunneling Nanotubes (TNTs). Read more.
2- Mitochondrial Oscillation and Resonance: Impact on ATP Production and Distribution in Health and Diseases. Read more.
The Funding
In terms of funding, the WMS Task Force is prepared to submit the selected projects to both public and private institutions. The objective is to secure the necessary resources to fuel these projects, and ensure the sustainability and longevity of the task force.
The collected funding will be distributed to all teams invovled in the Task Force.
How to Join the Task Force & Structure your Project Proposal?
To contribute to one of these 2 pioneering projects, the WMS requests interested researchers and teams to submit a proposal detailing the following aspects:
· Project Overview:
Please provide a concise description of your current research or project. Include key goals, methodologies used, and any preliminary results or findings that could highlight the relevance and potential impact of your work.
· Alignment with Task Force Goals:
Articulate how your work contributes to the broader objectives of the task force. This could be in terms of techniques being developed, the specific aspects of mitochondrial transfer your project focuses on, or the potential applications of your research.
· Challenges and Solutions:
Identify any potential hurdles or obstacles you anticipate in the course of your research. This could be technical issues, logistical constraints, or theoretical problems. Additionally, provide an outline of how you propose to tackle these challenges. This shows proactive problem-solving and can help us better understand the feasibility of your project.
· Team Profile:
Furnish an overview of your team and its expertise. Highlight the skills, qualifications, and experiences of your team members that make them well-equipped to carry out the proposed project. Include any past achievements or relevant projects that demonstrate your team’s capacity to successfully execute the research.
How to Submit?
Please submit your projects and details above to:
· Prof. Volkmar Weissig, President of the WMS
· Prof. Marvin Edeas, Chairman of the Scientific Committee
- At the following email address: mitochondria(at)wms-site.com.
- Deadline for the submission: June 30, 2024.
Applications will be reviewed by the Task Force Selection Committee, and successful applicants will be contacted to proceed to the next stage of the process. Please note that acceptance into the task force is competitive, and only a select number of applicants will be chosen to join.
We look forward to your valuable input and collaboration in this groundbreaking endeavor.
World Mitochondria Society
Targeting Mitochondria Congress
