Matchmaking for proposals for the 7th Call

Proposal for a Workshop of the VMU  Vienna supported by the AFRICA-UNINET

Research on mitochondria is relevant to a wide range of scientific questions but isn´t to date on primary focus for researchers. The proposed workshop will introduce participants to the applications of mitochondrial research and present the mitochondrial expertise at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (VMU) for initiating research cooperations. Furthermore, hands-on training sessions during the workshop will demonstrate that high impact data in mitochondrial research can be obtained not only through expensive methods but also with a limited budget. 
 

Mitochondrial function is impaired in many degenerative diseases, leading to increased formation of reactive oxygen species and altered ATP production. Therefore, reducing oxidative stress due to mitochondrial dysfunction is a starting point for research into new protective substances. For cell protection, researchers are seeking substances that support mitochondrial function, for example, by reducing oxidative stress, degrading damaged mitochondria via mitophagy, or through other mechanisms. In contrast, cancer researchers are interested in starving cancer cells, i.e., reducing mitochondrial ATP production. In addition, mitochondrial research is relevant in parasitology, as reducing mitochondrial function can support the fight against infectious diseases. These diverse research interests are combined by the use of cell lines. Various parameters can be determined in cell cultures, providing insights into the effects of substances. The measurements include i) the mitochondrial membrane potential, ii) the level of reactive oxygen species, iii) the oxygen consumption rate, and iv) ATP production. Taken together, these parameters provide a good indication of the state of the mitochondria. 

Mitochondrial studies are equally relevant for describing pathophysiological processes and investigating the mechanisms of action of pharmacologically active substances. In pharmacognosy, the screening of secondary plant metabolites in cell cultures provides an initial indication of their pharmacological properties. However, the individual methods vary in their informative value, and the data obtained should not be overinterpreted. Furthermore, screening methods should be cost-effective and easy to perform. The workshop will present and apply the methods mentioned before. The data will be discussed with regard to their limitations, reliability, and applicability.

 The workshop will lay the foundation for further collaboration between VMU and participating universities in the Africa Uninet network. The VMU has many years of experience in mitochondrial research. Several research groups at the Department of Biomedical Sciences at VMU Vienna have been involved for years. Of particular note are the Physiology and Biophysics Unit (Prof. Elena Pohl, research focus: uncoupling proteins) and the Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology (Assoc. Prof. Lars Gille and Assoc. Prof. Katrin Staniek, current research focus: mitochondrial targeting in leishmaniasis). The Neurochemistry research group (Dr. Rudolf Moldzio) focuses on cell culture models for Parkinson's disease. Their research interests include secondary plant metabolites relevant to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. 

We propose a four-day workshop open to all interested African members of the Africa Uninet, which can be attended online. VMU plans approximately 12 presentations in English, to be held in the mornings. Depending on interest, presentations from African partners will also be included. The afternoons will be dedicated to hands-on techniques. For this, however, the number of participants will need to be limited. We consider networking not only between Europe and Africa, but also among the African universities themselves as an additional benefit of the workshop. We would appreciate it if time could be allocated for discussion rounds during the workshop, either in French or in Swahili for all interested African members.

Contact: Dr.rer.nat. Dipl.-Biol. Rudolf G. Moldzio (Rudolf.Moldzio@vetmeduni.ac.at), Medical Biochemistry Dept. for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna 

The Institute of Engineering Design and Product Development (IKP) at TU Wien, specifically the Research Unit of Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering, is an academic research group focused on the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system and on the development of assistive and rehabilitation technologies. Its work includes computer-aided modeling and simulation, as well as the development of wheelchairs, exoskeletons, functional electrostimulation systems, and other mobility-support technologies.

The research unit comprises two professors and a core team of six PhD researchers, and it is further supported by a strong group of master’s and bachelor’s students in mechanical and biomedical engineering through teaching and research activities. This structure enables agile research, development, and prototyping across a wide range of rehabilitation engineering applications.

The unit also works on wheelchair development and offers strong experimental and technical capabilities through its motion analysis laboratory and in-house manufacturing infrastructure. Available facilities include an 8-camera motion analysis system, EMG, force plates, 3D printing, and a fully equipped mechanical workshop for prototype development and testing.
Within the Africa-UniNet network, the research unit is interested in establishing collaborations for joint research projects, exchange activities, and capacity building, and is especially eager to jointly apply for funding for innovative and context-relevant healthcare technologies.

Website: https://www.tuwien.at/mwbw/ikp/reha/forschung

Contact: Georgios Aronis, PhD (georgios.aronis@tuwien.ac.at), Senior Scientist TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology) Institute of Engineering Design and Product Development: