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:

A systematic understanding of knowledge and current problems/insights relating to mitochondrial biology and metabolic dysfunction in human disease.
	Critical thinking skills for evaluating strategies and research data.
	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).