Course Identification

Mitochondria, metabolism, and bioenergetics
20223342

Lecturers and Teaching Assistants

Prof. Atan Gross, Dr. Guy Las
N/A

Course Schedule and Location

2022
Second Semester
Tuesday, 14:15 - 16:00, FGS, Rm A
29/03/2022
19/08/2022

Field of Study, Course Type and Credit Points

Life Sciences: Lecture; Elective; Regular; 3.00 points
Life Sciences (Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Track): Lecture; Elective; Regular; 3.00 points

Comments

The course consists of oral presentations given by experts in the field of mitochondrial study. In addition to a frontal lecture, there will be a one hour pre-recorded lecture every week.

Prerequisites

Basic biochemistry

Restrictions

100

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

02/08/2022
FGS, Rm C
1000-1200
N/A

Scheduled date 2

15/08/2022
FGS, Rm C
1000-1200
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 ageing process and in diseases associated with aging such as-diabetes, Parkinson and cancer.  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: History of bioenergetics research (from Lavoisier to Mitchell’s chemiosmotic theory). Evolution of mitochondria (the endosymbiotic theory).

2. The components of the respiratory chain (respiratory complexes, OXPHOS system, ATP synthase)

3. Approaches for studying bioenergetics I: at the level of the cell, of isolated mitochondria and muscle biopsies (ATP, NAD(P)H, respirometry, mitochondrial potential).

4. Approaches for studying bioenergetics II: metabolism at the level of the whole organism during rest and exercise (direct and indirect calorimetry, BMR, RQ).

5. Thermogenesis: Shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis. Brown adipose tissue (UCP1 and its regulation).

6. Reactive oxygen species: oxidative damage, antioxidant enzymatic mechanisms, role of ROS in cell signaling during exercise. 

7. Regulation of mitochondrial mass by diet and exercise I: Mitochondrial biogenesis- (PGC1 alpha) and its regulation (AMPK, SIRT1, SIRT3).

8. Regulation of mitochondrial mass by diet and exercise II: Mitochondrial clearance- autophagy, mitophagy and their regulation (mTOR, PINK1 and Parkin). 

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

10. Mitochondria in apoptosis (BAD, BAX).

11. Mitochondrial Ca2+ in physiology and pathology (PTP, NCLX, MCU).

12.  Mitochondria in disease I: Mitochondrial DNA and mitochondrial genetic diseases (LOHN, Leigh syndrome, MELAS).

13. Mitochondria in disease II: Metabolism in cancer (Warburg effect).

14. Mitochondria in disease III: Metabolism in diabetes.

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