Rescuing mitochondria in peril by targeting of a critical antioxidant protein
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Glasgow
Department Name: College of Medical, Veterinary, Life Sci
Abstract
This project aims to advance our understanding of how mitochondria are able to retain their function under severe stress. Mitochondria are fundamental components of animal cells that are essential for proper cell metabolism and physiology. Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to ageing, and to numerous human pathologies and so the maintenance of their normal function is very important.
The project will analyse how a critical antioxidant protein that normally resides in the cytoplasm is redirected into redox stressed mitochondria and how it is then able to ameliorate this stress. Protein import into mitochondria is essential for their construction. Most mitochondrial proteins (~10-15% of the human proteome) are synthesized in the cytosol and so must be imported following their synthesis. Under healthy conditions most of the import of most of these proteins is powered by the mitochondrial transmembrane energy gradient. Remarkably this antioxidant protein is imported by a system that does not require this energy gradient, which is just as well since that gradient is compromised under these severe redox stress conditions.
Our findings offer the first opportunity to explore the mechanism of this entirely new import pathway that is critical to defend cells against deleterious oxidative stress. Our interdisciplinary approach outlined in this project will further our understanding of mitochondrial protein import and cell stress mechanisms and it is likely to provide a novel paradigm for understanding the coordination of oxidative stress signalling in eukaryotic cells.
The project will analyse how a critical antioxidant protein that normally resides in the cytoplasm is redirected into redox stressed mitochondria and how it is then able to ameliorate this stress. Protein import into mitochondria is essential for their construction. Most mitochondrial proteins (~10-15% of the human proteome) are synthesized in the cytosol and so must be imported following their synthesis. Under healthy conditions most of the import of most of these proteins is powered by the mitochondrial transmembrane energy gradient. Remarkably this antioxidant protein is imported by a system that does not require this energy gradient, which is just as well since that gradient is compromised under these severe redox stress conditions.
Our findings offer the first opportunity to explore the mechanism of this entirely new import pathway that is critical to defend cells against deleterious oxidative stress. Our interdisciplinary approach outlined in this project will further our understanding of mitochondrial protein import and cell stress mechanisms and it is likely to provide a novel paradigm for understanding the coordination of oxidative stress signalling in eukaryotic cells.
Technical Summary
We have recently discovered that under severe redox stress mitochondria are able to import a protective antioxidant protein that is able to promote reactions that counteract this stress. This protein normally resides in the cytoplasm and is only redirected to the mitochondria under conditions of strong redox stress. Somehow this stress is detected and it results in the antioxidant protein being expressed from a novel start site that introduces a specific leader sequence that targets the protein to the mitochondria. Its import uses a novel uptake system that does not require the mitochondrial proton motive force. This project aims to fully characterise the molecular processes whereby it is imported and how it discharges its antioxidant function. Mitochondria are not only important for cellular energy metabolism but they also play a key role on apoptosis and their dysfunction is linked to many pathologies. Understanding mechanisms that can potentially save mitochondria from irreversible damage are therefore very important.
Planned Impact
This proposal addresses a fundamental research question developing new concepts at the core of ideas emerging within the international cell biology and chemical biology community. The work is based on the study of a critical yet unexplored pathway of targeting an antioxidant protein into mitochondria in peril of irreversible loss of function due to severe oxidative stress. The research should stimulate thinking about the topics of plasticity of the mitochondrial protein import system under stress and compartment-specific discharge of stress defence mechanisms. It should help facilitate a paradigm shift in approach. These studies are based on recent findings by KT's group in expanding the capacity for protein targeting mechanisms into the mitochondrial IMS and how an antioxidant protein in the cytoplasm can relocate to the organelle under severe stress conditions. Mitochondrial function is central to life of all cells. As a consequence mitochondrial dysfunction is key to several devastating human diseases and ageing. The fundamental bioscience questions underpinning this research will apply to a very broad range of research audiences: cell biologists and biochemists, biomedical researchers and clinical scientists. This research project has the potential to have significant and wide-ranging impact. In addition to solving a fundamental biological question, our aim is to develop the chemistry required to produce new peptide tools that will be used to investigate protein-protein interactions that define the cellular architecture.
Longer term beneficiaries include the pharmaceuticals, healthcare agencies, patients and the general public. More immediate, academic and educational impacts will be delivered to researchers and students in this field. Specific communication channels:
1. Industry: We have made contacts with the Dundee Drug Discovery Unit and the University's knowledge exchange partnership with AstraZeneca, GLAZgo. With these industry partners we have identified clear pathways whereby once a potential target or technology is identified we will apply for company funded initiatives to develop an activity assay for future drug screens. Other University KE support mechanisms will be leveraged at various stages including research and business development managers, relevant events and communications channels.
2. Public: We have set up several communication channels via our website, and we will continuously update the college research and business development office as a means of dissemination to stakeholders. Outreach activities will be undertaken by the PI and the PDRA as public lectures incl. the Science Show-Off, Glasgow Science Festival, Glasgow Pint of Science and Science Showcase at the Hunterian Museum.
The new chemical biology tools we propose could impact a diverse range of beneficiaries including academics, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. We plan to engage with beneficiaries in academia and the pharmaceutical industry through dissemination of our research results in high impact journals, at conferences (both home and abroad) and through professional networks (e.g. Protein-Protein Interaction Network). The general public will also be engaged with our research using news articles appearing on our website and through social networking sites
Dissemination to the immediate beneficiaries (academics at all levels) will be through publications, reviews on the state-of-the-art suitable for a wider audience incl. healthcare/pharmaceutical professionals and decision and policy makers, and presentations in international meetings (FEBS, EMBO, Gordon Conference) and invited talks in Academia and Industry. The PDRA and technician will benefit from tailored training and mentoring.
Longer term beneficiaries include the pharmaceuticals, healthcare agencies, patients and the general public. More immediate, academic and educational impacts will be delivered to researchers and students in this field. Specific communication channels:
1. Industry: We have made contacts with the Dundee Drug Discovery Unit and the University's knowledge exchange partnership with AstraZeneca, GLAZgo. With these industry partners we have identified clear pathways whereby once a potential target or technology is identified we will apply for company funded initiatives to develop an activity assay for future drug screens. Other University KE support mechanisms will be leveraged at various stages including research and business development managers, relevant events and communications channels.
2. Public: We have set up several communication channels via our website, and we will continuously update the college research and business development office as a means of dissemination to stakeholders. Outreach activities will be undertaken by the PI and the PDRA as public lectures incl. the Science Show-Off, Glasgow Science Festival, Glasgow Pint of Science and Science Showcase at the Hunterian Museum.
The new chemical biology tools we propose could impact a diverse range of beneficiaries including academics, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. We plan to engage with beneficiaries in academia and the pharmaceutical industry through dissemination of our research results in high impact journals, at conferences (both home and abroad) and through professional networks (e.g. Protein-Protein Interaction Network). The general public will also be engaged with our research using news articles appearing on our website and through social networking sites
Dissemination to the immediate beneficiaries (academics at all levels) will be through publications, reviews on the state-of-the-art suitable for a wider audience incl. healthcare/pharmaceutical professionals and decision and policy makers, and presentations in international meetings (FEBS, EMBO, Gordon Conference) and invited talks in Academia and Industry. The PDRA and technician will benefit from tailored training and mentoring.
Publications
Purohit PK
(2019)
MiR-195 regulates mitochondrial function by targeting mitofusin-2 in breast cancer cells.
in RNA biology
Dimogkioka AR
(2021)
Protein import in mitochondria biogenesis: guided by targeting signals and sustained by dedicated chaperones.
in RSC advances
Ledahawsky LM
(2022)
The mitochondrial protein Sideroflexin 3 (SFXN3) influences neurodegeneration pathways in vivo.
in The FEBS journal
Title | Mitochondria and Us Video 2021 |
Description | Video (15 min) including interviews with PI and lab members, recordings from the webinar, animation film provided by the Lily Foundation and photographs and videos taken at the University of Glasgow (external shooting and shooting in the lab) |
Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Impact | The video is used as a resource for outreach activity at the University of Glasgow, at the RSE and the Lily Foundation |
Title | Video on Crossover Workshop with Glasgow School of Art Innovation School |
Description | A video was generated that capctured the views, feedback, ideas that were generated during the Crossover Workshop between Design and Biochemical Sciences |
Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Impact | Access to wider audience including artists and designers and generation of interest in working at the interface between design and Biochemical Sciences to develop new public engagement activities with new routes to impact |
Description | We have discovered a new pathway for protein import into mitochondria that is activated when cells are stressed. We have found a key protein complex in mitochondria that facilitates this import pathway. This reveals a new function for this protein complex and its capacity to interact with a new class of protein substrates. Further, we have elucidated the critical role of cardiolipin, a key lipid enriched in the mitochondrial inner membrane, in this process. The findings are of importance to understand the ways proteins use to find their localization inside mitochondria, and will of interest to biomedical researchers interested in mitochondrial biogenesis, function and homeostasis. We have dissected the role of the N18 peptide that is madein response to stress as an extension of the protein Gpx3, how it guides protein import. We have shown that a novel pathway that bypasses the default disulfide relay pathway is activated by stress. |
Exploitation Route | The findings are of interest in potential applications aiming at controlling the redox state of cells and mitochondrial function |
Sectors | Healthcare Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | The findings have allowed us to identify novel ways to target useful payload to mitochondria as a potential means of modulating mitochondria function undepining disease conditions. We are in the process of securing IP protection and in talks with interested parties (Biomedical and Healthcare Industry). |
First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
Sector | Creative Economy,Education,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Impact Types | Societal Economic |
Description | Engagement with Lily Foundation mitochondrial patient charity |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or improved professional practice |
Impact | The Lily foundation is the largest mitochondrial patient charity in the UK. I have advised them on issues regarding new ways to simplify scientific research findings and make them more accessible to their members and more broadly the public. |
Description | Engagement with MyMitomission patient charity |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
Description | BBSRC-EPSRC Joint Impact Accelerator Award |
Amount | £33,844 (GBP) |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 07/2019 |
End | 02/2020 |
Description | CiC-A first-in-class peptide-based platform delivery technology to modulate mitochondria function in disease |
Amount | £122,738 (GBP) |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2021 |
End | 06/2022 |
Description | IAA joint BBSRC-EPSRC award:Mitotargin: A novel peptide tool for external payload delivery to mitochondria in cells |
Amount | £33,844 (GBP) |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2019 |
End | 01/2020 |
Description | Proximity to Discovery MRC |
Amount | £9,900 (GBP) |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2019 |
End | 05/2020 |
Description | Scottish High Field NMR access |
Amount | £3,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2019 |
End | 12/2020 |
Description | Tokatlidis - Inaugural Wellcome Early Concept Development Fund |
Amount | £32,318 (GBP) |
Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2020 |
End | 03/2021 |
Description | Training workshop for student and invited seminar for PI |
Amount | € 400,000 (EUR) |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 05/2018 |
End | 06/2019 |
Description | Wellcome Trust Translational Partnership - Industry Champion - Keith Wreggett for Mitotargin |
Amount | £13,200 (GBP) |
Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2021 |
End | 07/2022 |
Title | Fluorescence assay for monitoring peptide targeting into isolated mitochondria |
Description | We have established a new method for monitoring uptake of targeting peptides to isolated mitochondria, using a fluorescently labelled synthetically made peptide. The assay is used to assess the capacity of a peptide to be targeted and internalised into the mitochondrial intermembrane space (IMS). It has been validated for peptides that follow distinct import routes into the IMS. Specificity has been tested using mitochondria devoid of key protein import components as controls. |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | Could be used for testing the mitochondrial targeting capacity of any synthetic peptide (libraries) with a fluorescent moiety tagged to the peptide |
Title | SNAP and HALO tagged cells for fluorescent probe detection of ROS with sub-mitochondrial resolution |
Description | We have generated SNAP- and Halo tagged versions for cells expressing the tags in all submitochondrial locations. These can be used to label (using appropriate fluorescent ligand probes selective for SNAP or Halo proteins) in specific sub-compartments ROS species (hydogen peroxide and superoxide) |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | too early for impact . Expected to generate impact after publication of technology |
Title | peptide based technology for delivering payload to mammalian cells |
Description | developed a platform technology for delivering payload (small molecules, peptides and small proteins) to mitochondria in mammalian cells as a way to modulate their function. Applications range from improving mitochondrial function in cases of primary mitochondria diseases and common conditions (neurodegeneration, diabetes) where mitochondria is an underpinning problem to blocking mitochondria function as a means of cell killing of cancer cells. |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | IP rights generated - patent filed Initiated discussion with Venture capital companies interested in the technology New funding obtained (MRC Proximity to discovery award, BBSRC-EPSRC Impact accelerator award, Wellcome Trust Early stage discovery award) Market research outsourced to company and completed |
Title | MiR-195 regulates mitochondrial function by targeting mitofusin-2 in breast cancer cells |
Description | Mitochondrial dynamics is a highly dysregulated process in cancer. Apoptosis and mitochondrial fission are two concurrent events wherein increased mitochondrial fragmentation serves as a hallmark of apoptosis. We have shown earlier that miR-195 exerts pro-apoptotic effects in breast cancer cells. Herein, we have demonstrated miR-195 as a modulator of mitochondrial dynamics and function. Imaging experiments upon miR-195 treatment have shown that mitochondria undergo extensive fission. We validated mitofusin2 as a potential target of miR-195. This may provide a molecular explanation for the respiratory defects induced by miR-195 over-expression in breast cancer cells. Active, but not total, mitochondrial mass, was reduced with increasing levels of miR-195. We have further shown that miR-195 enhances mitochondrial SOD-2 expression but does not affect PINK1 levels in breast cancer cells. Collectively, we have revealed that miR-195 is a modulator of mitochondrial dynamics by targeting MFN2 thereby impairing mitochondrial function. Concomitantly, it enhances the scavenger of reactive oxygen species (SOD-2) to maintain moderate levels of oxidative stress. Our findings suggest a therapeutic potential of miR-195 in both ER-positive as well as ER-negative breast cancer cells. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://tandf.figshare.com/articles/MiR-195_regulates_mitochondrial_function_by_targeting_mitofusin-... |
Title | MiR-195 regulates mitochondrial function by targeting mitofusin-2 in breast cancer cells |
Description | Mitochondrial dynamics is a highly dysregulated process in cancer. Apoptosis and mitochondrial fission are two concurrent events wherein increased mitochondrial fragmentation serves as a hallmark of apoptosis. We have shown earlier that miR-195 exerts pro-apoptotic effects in breast cancer cells. Herein, we have demonstrated miR-195 as a modulator of mitochondrial dynamics and function. Imaging experiments upon miR-195 treatment have shown that mitochondria undergo extensive fission. We validated mitofusin2 as a potential target of miR-195. This may provide a molecular explanation for the respiratory defects induced by miR-195 over-expression in breast cancer cells. Active, but not total, mitochondrial mass, was reduced with increasing levels of miR-195. We have further shown that miR-195 enhances mitochondrial SOD-2 expression but does not affect PINK1 levels in breast cancer cells. Collectively, we have revealed that miR-195 is a modulator of mitochondrial dynamics by targeting MFN2 thereby impairing mitochondrial function. Concomitantly, it enhances the scavenger of reactive oxygen species (SOD-2) to maintain moderate levels of oxidative stress. Our findings suggest a therapeutic potential of miR-195 in both ER-positive as well as ER-negative breast cancer cells. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://tandf.figshare.com/articles/MiR-195_regulates_mitochondrial_function_by_targeting_mitofusin-... |
Title | MiR-195 regulates mitochondrial function by targeting mitofusin-2 in breast cancer cells. |
Description | Mitochondrial dynamics is a highly dysregulated process in cancer. Apoptosis and mitochondrial fission are two concurrent events wherein increased mitochondrial fragmentation serves as a hallmark of apoptosis. We have shown earlier that miR-195 exerts pro-apoptotic effects in breast cancer cells. Herein, we have demonstrated miR-195 as a modulator of mitochondrial dynamics and function. Imaging experiments upon miR-195 treatment have shown that mitochondria undergo extensive fission. We validated mitofusin2 as a potential target of miR-195. Which may provide a molecular explanation for the respiratory defects induced by miR-195 over-expression in breast cancer cells? Active, but not total, mitochondrial mass, was reduced with increasing levels of miR-195. We have further shown that miR-195 enhances mitochondrial SOD-2 expression but does not affect PINK1 levels in breast cancer cells. Collectively, we have revealed that miR-195 is a modulator of mitochondrial dynamics by targeting MFN2 thereby impairing mitochondrial function. Concomitantly, it enhances the scavenger of reactive oxygen species (SOD-2) to maintain moderate levels of oxidative stress. Our findings suggest a therapeutic potential of miR-195 in both ER-positive as well as ER-negative breast cancer cells. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://tandf.figshare.com/articles/MiR-195_regulates_mitochondrial_function_by_targeting_mitofusin-... |
Description | Collaboration with Dr Brian Smith (UofG-IMCSB) on NMR analysis on the initial binding to mitochondrial receptors of the N18 peptide of Gpx3 which is synthesized in response to oxidative stress |
Organisation | University of Glasgow |
Department | Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have started collaborative experiments with Dr Brian Smith using NMR analysis to determine the mode of biding (with high resolution) of the N18 extended peptide that guides Gpx3 to the surface of mitochondria and interacts with the receptor Tom20. My team is purifying the proteins, and does the labeling (N15) for NMR experiments. |
Collaborator Contribution | Dr Brian Smith is taking the NMR spectra of the proteins in isolation or in complex with each other to analyse their interaction |
Impact | Spectra of Gpx3 and N18Gpx3 |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | NMR analysis of MIa40 and Gpx3 interactions with CERM-Florence Italy |
Organisation | University of Florence |
Department | Magnetic Resonance Centre |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | purification and labeling of proteins, development of protocols for interactions |
Collaborator Contribution | NMR analysis of isolated proteins and of their complexes |
Impact | multidisciplinary collaboration with chemists and spectroscopists |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | NMR study of Gpx3 interaction with mitochondrial chaperones and the inner mitochondrial membrane |
Organisation | University of Glasgow |
Department | Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Establish a collaboration with Dr Brian Smith to study using NMR the interactions of the thiol peroxidase and hydroperoxide sensor Gpx3 with the mitochondrial IMS-localised chaperones and with the inner membrane lipid bilayer |
Collaborator Contribution | Dr Smith provides expertise in 15N- and 13C-labelling of protein samples and subsequent NMR analysis |
Impact | We have been able to secure a pilot grant of 3000GBP through the High Field NMR access network (EPSRC and SULSA funded) |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Peptide based chemical biology tools for mitochondrial biogenesis and targeting |
Organisation | University of Glasgow |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Design and analysis of peptides for targeting mitochondria |
Collaborator Contribution | Chemical synthesis of the peptides |
Impact | None yet Interdisciplinary with Chemistry (Chemical Biology group of Dr Andrew Jamieson at the School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Reconstitution of targeting events of mitochondrial proteins in GUVs and biomimetic protoganelles |
Organisation | University of Glasgow |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Purification of proteins and peptides to establish a system to study targeting to lipid bilayer of mitochondrial targeting peptides using GUVs and protoorganelle biomimietic membranes Binding experiments |
Collaborator Contribution | Formulations of GUVs using microfluidics and biomimetic lipid bilayers Biomedical Engineering group University of Glasgow (Dr Julien Reboud/Prof John Cooper) |
Impact | None yet |
Start Year | 2018 |
Title | Targeting peptide |
Description | novel type of targeting peptide for mitochondria |
IP Reference | |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2021 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | in discussions to set up a spinout company |
Description | Crossover Exchange Workshop between Biochemical Science and Design |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | This workshop explored the potential for exchanges between design and biochemical science. It focused on sharing disciplinary expertise and perspectives through a series of design activities, the production of visual maps and provocative discussions that will prompt opportunities for future collaborations. Participants presented three minutes on their area of expertise, a key project, its contribution to their discipline and to society. The workshop then used visual mapping to draw the crossovers for potential exchanges between science and design and then conclude with a provocation discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of potential exchanges to frame future collaborations. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Crossover Workshop on Mitochondria and Us |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | The Mitochondria and Us workshop (25th February 2021) was done in collaboration with Enio Caccavale and Michael Johnson from the GSA and with support fomr the Biochemical Society and the Young Academy of Scotland (RSE). This workshop has invited a broad range of disciplinary expertise and interests to explore how to co-create stories at the societal, experiential and biochemical levels to provide greater understanding of people's experiences living with and working with mitochondrial diseases. Based on an image and 100 words summary in response to the question: How could your expertise contribute to a societal understanding of rare and invisible diseases (such as mitochondrial diseases)? the participants discussed in small groups a number of issues pertaining to mito diseases. The responses and contributions of the disciplines and motivations being brought together established crossover connections in the workshop The whole grouped discussed on innovative ways of engagement during the workshop activities. The outcome was thought by participants to shape novel, stimulating and important dialogues to achieve a better awareness among the different disciplines and with the general public. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.gsainnovationschool.com/post/crossover |
Description | Mymito mission weekend |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
Results and Impact | I was invited as an expert in the first weekend of the MyMItoMission patient organisaiton. I gave a talk on the importance of interdisciplinaty approach on mitochodnrial research and on the creation of a mitochondria research cluster in the University of Glasgow and the Mitochondria Collective, an intenrational netowk of mitohcondria research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Organized Interdisciplinary webinar on Mitochondria and Us with RSE support for mitochondrial awareness week 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | A webinar event bringing together experts from several disciplines (science fields incl biology, chemistry, medicine, physics data science, ethics, designers, social science, patient groups) to discuss research advances and impact on society of mitochondria dysfunction. The was more than 350 participants from global locations (Europe, Americas, Asia, Australia, Africa). I chaired and organized the event, with co-organisers from the Glasgow School of Art, and support from the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Lily Foundation (the largest UK mitochondria disease patient organization). There were 2 one-hour sessions with short talks (12 speakers in total) representing all disciplines , ECRs, and the organization of women working in mitochondria. There were two Q and A session with questions asked by the audience and a final panel discussion at the end. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.rse.org.uk/event/mitochondria-and-us/ |
Description | Patient group engagement |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
Results and Impact | I led two focus group discussions in the Lily Foundation patient family weekend. The Lily Foundation is the largets UK patient organisation for patients suffering from mitochondria disease. THere was a brief presentation from me on 'Basic mito facts' and 'International collaboration on mitohcondrial research' that was followed by patient families (one group of 20 and one group of 15. I also engaged in panel discussions (audience of about 70-80 people) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Press release on Mitochondria and Us webinar |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Press release generated for the Mitochondria and Us webinar. Distributed to media via the Royal Society of Edinburgh comms channels |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.rse.org.uk/energising-cells-zooming-cells-powerhouse-scotland/ |
Description | The Mito Challenge: PE activity in ythe Glasgow Science Festival 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | A board game will be set up called The MitoChallenge. This works like snakes and ladders, and the players will have to pick a colour and move their same coloured token ater rolling a dice. Every time they need to pick a card that gives them fact about mitochondria. The different colours define the different import pathways for specific sub-mitochondrial compartments. There will be two versions of the game, a simpler one ages 6-10) and a more elaborate one (for ages 10 and over). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |