Translational courseMitochondria are key to cellular energy production. Via a membrane potential equal to that of a bolt of lightning it produces most of the 65 kg of ATP that is turned over in the human body every day. It will therefore not surprise you that failing mitochondria are implicated in various diseases, including neuromuscular disease, ageing, cancer and metabolic syndrome/diabetes.At the Nijmegen Center for Mitochondrial Disorders NCMD we focus on understanding, diagnosing and potentially treating mitochondrial disorders by combining fundamental research, diagnostics, and patient care. The NCMD is recognised as Centre of Expertise for Rare Diseases.This translational course explores mitochondrial bioenergetics from perspectives of research, diagnostics, and clinic, from molecule, to man, to population. ln an interactive programme this course goes beyond the textbook to actively engage you in current state-of-the-art laboratory and clinical practice.lnteractive programme at the Radboud University Medical Center - RadboudumcEach course day allocates time for research, diagnostics, and clinical aspects, emphasizing the value of combined approaches:%E2%80%A2%09During the research sessions, starting from a basic introduction to cellular bioenergetics, the course focuses on the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system, (plasticity) of mitochondrial structure/microscopy, mtDNA genetics, maintenance & gene expression, biogenesis of the OXPHOS system, protein dynamics, and drug development. %E2%80%A2%09The diagnostic sessions will highlight existing and novel genetic and biochemical diagnostic approaches with a special focus on the development of biomarkers for disease. %E2%80%A2%09During the clinical sessions you will be introduced to the clinical presentation of mitochondrial disorders, the personal perspective of the patient, anamnesis, clinical guidelines, case reports, treatment options, trials, and the development of outcome measures. %E2%80%A2%09As part of the course you are expected to develop a translational mini-project in pairs of which the results are presented on the final course day. After this course you will understand the essence of translational research in a full-facility centre and think and behave as (junior) scientists in this field.

Course leader
Prof. Dr. J. (Jan) Smeitink, Professor of Mitochondrial MedicineRadboud University Medical Centre

Target group
Master's students in (bio-molecular) Life Sciences and Medicine and starting PhD candidates in the field of metabolic disorders.Entry levelMaster PhD

Course aim
You will able to:Understand the basic functions of mitochondria in a (multi)cellular context. Understand the molecular basis of mitochondrial disorders and their clinical consequences. Describe current possibilities and developments in the field of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these diseases. Appreciate the value of on interdisciplinary approach to combating disease.

Credits info
2 ECTS European Credits

Fee info
EUR 600: coffee/tea, lunch, and a number of social activities.Possible discounts10% discount for early bird applicants. The early bird deadline is 1 April 2015 15% discount for students and PhD candidates from Radboud University and partner universities

Radboud University
Address: P.O Box 9102 Nijmegen
Postal code: 6500 HC
City: Nijmegen
Country: Netherlands
Website: http://www.ru.nl/radboudsummerschool/
E-mail: radboudsummerschool@ru.nl
Phone: +31 (0)24 8187706