FinMIT, an Academy of Finland Centre of Excellence, includes seven closely integrated research teams. Four of them, led by Howy Jacobs, Hans Spelbrink, Laurie Kaguni and Alberto Sanz are based in the Institute of Biomedical Technology of the University of Tampere. The others, led by Anu Wartiovaara, Brendan Battersby and Henna Tyynismaa, are housed in Biomedicum Helsinki, where they also participate in the Research Program of Molecular Neurology of the University of Helsinki.

The various teams have overlapping interests and complementary expertise. Howy Jacobs’ team uses mammalian cell and fruit fly models to analyse mitochondrial gene expression and disease. Hans Spelbrink studies the genetic apparatus of mitochondrial DNA maintenance in mammalian cells, and collaborates closely with Anu Wartiovaara’s team to investigate the clinical and molecular consequences of mutations in these genes. Anu Wartiovaara’s main interest is to identify disease-causing genes and to clarify the disease pathogenesis in defects of the mitochondrial energy-generating system. Brendan Battersby uses genetic approaches to study the control of mitochondrial division and mitochondrial DNA segregation to daughter cells. Laurie Kaguni studies the enzymology of the mitochondrial DNA replication machinery, which includes a collaboration with Anu Wartiovaara, and nuclear-mitochondrial interactions in fruit flies, together with Howy Jacobs. Alberto Sanz analyses the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction to ageing, using flies, whilst Henna Tyynismaa uses mammalian models to investigate the involvement in disease of components of the apparatus of mitochondrial protein synthesis.

FinMIT aims to use the knowledge gleaned from its basic research to develop novel strategies for therapy of mitochondrial disorders.

FinMIT's groups are highly international. Most of its scientists have either relocated to Finland from abroad, or have conducted part of their own research training abroad. FinMIT doctoral graduates typically go on to postdoctoral training in other countries, in order to develop their own research careers. The research of FinMIT is supported by many national and international agencies including, notably, the Academy of Finland, the Juselius Foundation and the European Union.

International Summer School on Mitochondria Energy, Signals and Homeostasis 23-30 June 2012 at Michigan State University Lecturers: Uli Brandt, Goethe University, Frankfurt Barbara Cannon, University of Stockholm Shelagh Ferguson-Miller, Michigan State University Thomas Langer, University of Cologne Guest Lecturers: Andy Dillin, Salk Institute Giovanni Manfredi, Weill Cornell Medical College Gerry Shadel, Yale University Organizers: FinMIT (Finland) and MitoSci Med (Michigan) Laurie S. Kaguni Michigan State University Howy Jacobs University of Tampere In conjunction with the ASBMB Symposium 27-29 June Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, Michigan State University www.asbmb.org/2012Mitochondria/ EXTENDED APPLICATION DEADLINE: 20 April 2012