Course Identification

Mitochondria: linking cell fate and energetics, to health and aging
20253561

Lecturers and Teaching Assistants

Prof. Atan Gross, Dr. Guy Las, Dr. Tslil Ast, Prof. Gad Asher
N/A

Course Schedule and Location

2025
First Semester
Tuesday, 09:15 - 12:00, WSoS, Rm 2
05/11/2024
28/01/2025

Field of Study, Course Type and Credit Points

Life Sciences: Lecture; Elective; Regular; 3.00 points

Comments

The course consists of oral presentations given by experts in the field of mitochondrial study.

Prerequisites

Basic biochemistry

Restrictions

25

Language of Instruction

English

Attendance and participation

Required in at least 80% of the lectures

Grade Type

Numerical (out of 100)

Grade Breakdown (in %)

20%
80%
The student will have to watch 1hr pre-recorded lecture every week

Evaluation Type

Examination

Scheduled date 1

11/02/2025
WSoS, Rm 5
0900-1200
N/A

Scheduled date 2

04/03/2025
WSoS, Rm 1
0900-1200
N/A

Estimated Weekly Independent Workload (in hours)

N/A

Syllabus

Description:

Mitochondria play several roles in eukaryotes: they serve as main suppliers of energy; they are involved in apoptosis, in calcium homeostasis and in iron homeostasis. During the respiratory process, mitochondria produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can induce mutations in the mitochondrial DNA, leading to gradual deterioration of tissue function, that is reflected in the aging process and in diseases associated with aging.  The present course will provide a panorama of the physiology of mitochondria, along with its different functions in the cell, emphasizing the contribution of damaged mitochondria to disease.

Aim:

The course intends to provide an up-to-date overview of the field

of mitochondrial research in health and disease.  

Objectives:

1. Teach the students about the centrality of mitochondrial research in various fields

of research of biology.

2. Provide tools for understanding and appreciating studies in cellular biology in general and in mitochondrial research in particular.

3. Provide an overview of state of the art techniques in cellular biology.

4. Expose the students to cellular approaches in studying disease, as opposed to more common molecular approaches.

Structure:

The course consists of oral presentations.

Syllabus:

 
 
  1. Introduction: Evolution of mitochondria (the endosymbiotic theory)
  2. The components of the respiratory chain (respiratory complexes, Proton gradient, ATP synthase)
  3. Iron Sulfate clusters (essential role in cell viability)

4.   Approaches for studying bioenergetics I: cellular level (ATP, NAD(P)H, respirometry, mitochondrial potential).

5. Approaches for studying bioenergetics II: isolated mitochondria (State 1,2,3,4, RCR)

6. Brown fat and thermogenesis (Shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis. Brown adipose tissue -UCP1 and its regulation)

7.  Aging and Reactive oxygen species: free radicals, oxidative damage, antioxidant enzymatic mechanisms, role of ROS in aging and in cell signaling

8. Aging and Mitochondrial turnover I: Mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC1 alpha, AMPK)

8. Aging and Mitochondrial turnover II: Mitochondrial clearance )autophagy, mitophagy, mTOR, PINK1, Parkin, Parkinson’s Disease(

9. Mitochondrial dynamics Fusion, fission and their various functions (Mfn1/2, OPA1, DRP1)

10. Mitochondria and apoptosis (cytochrome c)

11. Mitochondrial Ca2+ in physiology and pathology (PTP, NCLX, MCU). Mitochondrial protein import (TOM, TIM complexes)

12. Circadian clock control of mitochondrial function

13. Mitochondrial DNA (TFAM, haplogroups, heteroplasmy, the mother of all humans: Mitochondrial Eve, identification of the Romanovs)  

14. Mitochondrial DNA diseases and therapies (LOHN, Leigh syndrome, MELAS, cybrids)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to:

1. Evaluate mitochondrial Oxphos function.

2. Analyze respirometry data.

3. Critically read articles related to mitochondrial research.

4. Assess the potential of mitochondrial involvement in disease.

Reading List

N/A

Website

N/A