This course discusses the central role of mitochondria in cell physiology, metabolism and disease with the aim of developing the students' ability to appraise new advances in several key areas of mitochondrial biology. These include mitochondria proteostasis (biogenesis/assembly/architecture/unfolded protein response and turnover), mitochondria evolution, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the role of mitochondria in apoptosis, aging, and signalling.

This option is assigned to block S2-C. There is normally 3 hours of teaching on Thursdays 

None.

The course will be assessed by a 2-hour examination (70%) and in-course assessment consisting of a written review of a scientific paper (30%), provided in advance.

The course aims are: 

■ to allow students to study current knowledge and research underpinning key aspects of mitochondrial biology;

■ to develop an awareness of how this knowledge is integral to understanding key aspects of whole cell physiology and dysfunction and how this underpins disease and can be used in therapeutic approaches. 

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

■ Evaluate and assess the following: 

■ key aspects of mitochondria biogenesis;

■ mitochondrial-linked pathways of apoptosis and aging; 

■ current understanding of the molecular basis of some major mitochondrially-linked diseases; 

■ Appraise and assess components and mechanisms of protein homeostasis and turnover of mitochondria;

■ Examine and discuss the crosstalk between signalling (redox and phosphorylation) and mitochondria function.