Õ¬ÄÐÊÓƵ

Content:

Mitochondrial dysfunction has emerged as a key mechanism in the pathophysiology of a wide range of diseases, presenting novel therapeutic targets. Therefore, understanding fundamental mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial metabolism is likely to prove invaluable in the medicine of the future. This module will explore the basic mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial metabolism in health and the roles of mitochondrial dysfunction in human disease, ranging through metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative and neurological disease, cancer and primary mitochondrial genetic disease. A technical component will ensure that students understand how measurements are made and interpreted, including opportunities for hands-on demonstrations of major technical approaches in metabolic studies. The module will suit students in their final BSc year and on Masters programmes and provide solid foundations for progression into postgraduate research either in Academia or Industry.

By taking this module you will develop:

1. A systematic understanding of knowledge and current problems/insights relating to mitochondrial biology and metabolic dysfunction in human disease.
2. Critical thinking skills for evaluating strategies and research data.
3. Independent learning skills, original problem-solving abilities and written presentation skills.

This module is an option for students on Biosciences and Natural Sciences programmes, and may be taken as an elective by students (including affiliate students) on other degree programmes. A strong background in Biochemistry/Cell Biology is required.

Indicative lecture topics (based on module content in the last couple of years):

• Mitochondria and the origins of the eukaryotic cell
• Energy transformations in mitochondria: Redox balance and oxidative phosphorylation
• Mitochondrial quality control pathways 1: Trafficking, fission and fusion
• Mitochondrial quality control pathways 2: Biogenesis, autophagy
• Basic principles of free radical biology: mitochondria as sources and targets
• mtDNA 1: Replication, regulation and maintenance.
• mtDNA 2: Mutations and human disease and mitochondrial protein handling
• Nuclear encoded mitochondrial mutations and human disease
• Mitochondrial cell death pathways 1: Apoptosis
• Mitochondrial calcium signalling and cell death pathways 2: Necrosis and PTP
• Mitochondrial cell death pathways 3: Intermediary pathways to cell death
• Mitochondria and cancer 1: Cell death pathways and cancer
• Mitochondria and cancer 2: Metabolic pathways and cancer
• Mitochondria and sepsis
• Mitochondria and ischaemia 1: Stroke
• Mitochondria and ischaemia 2: Ischaemic heart disease
• Mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegenerative/neurological disease
• Are mitochondria involved in ageing?
• Diabetes
• Mitochondria, the evolution of the sexes, uniparental inheritance, the germline and influences on fertility.

Module organizers: Professor Michael Duchen (m.duchen@ucl.ac.uk) and Professor Gyorgy Szabadkai (g.szabadkai@ucl.ac.uk).