MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit

11/06/2025

Interested in ubiquitin?

Register for our latest ECR webinar to uncover the surprising role of TRIM proteins in disease and discover how mtDNA mutations evade QC systems & lead to mitochondrial diseases affecting 1 in 8,000 people.

Secure your place today: https://ow.ly/k91Z50W6Tyt

28/04/2025

Structure of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier visualised by cryo-electron microscopy
https://www.mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk/news/structure-mitochondrial-pyruvate-carrier-visualised-cryo-electron-microscopy

19/03/2025

https://www.mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk/news/batten-disease-global-research-initiative-grant-kasparas-petkevicius

Congratulations to Kasparas Petkevicius, who has been awarded a grant of $50,000 from the Batten Disease Global Research Initiative, which will fund a research project “Exploring the efficacy of bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate synthesis pathway intermediates in treating CLN8 Batten disease in precli...

23/11/2024

We’re ready - come on down! 😎

17/10/2024

Prepare to have your minds energised and curiosity sparked at this year’s RAREfest24. The MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit (MRC MBU) from the University of Cambridge will take you on a journey into the heart of your cells with innovative games, hands-on learning, and a fun introduction to the world of mitochondria!

But wait – what exactly are mitochondria, why are MRC MBU studying them and why should you care about them? To find out more - and why you should come to - read the new blog up on our website:

Unlocking the Powerhouse of the Cell: https://www.camraredisease.org/unlocking-the-powerhouse-of-the-cell-mrc-mbu-brings-mitochondria-to-life-at-rarefest24/

20/09/2024

Looking forward to this! 😎

For World Mitochondrial Disease Week (WMDW) we'd like to tell you about the amazing research going on at the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge!
mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk

Mitochondria are the power stations of the cell, providing us all with our energy. The mitochondria contain many copies of mitochondrial DNA, so they often contain some mutated DNA. The higher ratio of mutated DNA, the higher the chance of life threatening disease.

Scientists from the MBU will be at to show us their research, specifically the mtZFN 'therapy', which can destroy the mutant DNA while leaving the good DNA behind! Have go yourself at their fun and interactive “Mitochondrial DNA fishing” game .

Come along to Cambridge Guildhall on 23 Nov to learn more!

Tickets and more information here: bit.ly/RAREfest24_Home

17/09/2024

24/04/2024

Hirst Building at Greenhead College, Huddersfield named after MBU Director

We are delighted to share coverage of the official opening of the Hirst Building at Greenhead College Huddersfield, which has been named after the MBU’s Director - Professor Judy Hirst, who is a former Greenhead College student.

The Hirst Building replaces the College’s 1960s Science block with vibrant, modern classrooms and laboratories for the teaching of A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Science, Government & Politics and Psychology. It also contains study and social space for all students.

HRH The Duke of Gloucester officially opened the building on Tuesday, 23 April, when he and Judy unveiled the commemorative plaque and joined staff, students and guests for a celebration of this tremendous milestone for the College.

Further coverage is available on the Greenhead College website: https://www.greenhead.ac.uk/royal-opening-of-greenhead-colleges-new-hirst-building

Many congratulations Judy!

Photo credit: Matt Radcliffe Photography Greenhead College’s latest building development has officially been opened by HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO.

16/02/2024

FREE tickets for our Rare-i-Tea Party are now live!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rare-disease-day-rare-i-tea-party-cambridge-tickets-802605363247

Cambridge Rare Disease Network (CamRARE) invite you to join our community to celebrate Rare Disease Day 2024 at the wonderful Storey's Field Centre in Eddington, Cambridge.

WHO IS THE EVENT FOR?

Everyone’s welcome! This public event is open to all - children, families and friends, those affected by rare conditions and those working with them, students, company representatives, scientists, healthcare professionals, and all friends of CamRARE.

WHAT'S ON?

Cards for Bravery will be hosting a card-making session where kids and adults can get crafty and creative and make cards to brighten the days of hospitalised and seriously ill children. Cards for Bravery is a charity founded and led by Katie Callaghan, a young adult with a rare condition who is a passionate advocate and good friend of CamRARE.

Shake Rattle and Roll Cambridge will host live interactive music sessions throughout the day. A great opportunity for children (and adults!) to listen, enjoy movement, explore instruments and have tonnes of sensory fun.

Test your rare knowledge with our rare quiz or make a rare chatterbox to take home and teach others.

Visit the CamRARE stand and learn about our community work. Meet members of our Unique Feet group, apply for a rare bear if your child has a rare or undiagnosed condition and sign up for our Rare Patient ‘"This is Me" passport.

Pinpoint Cambridgeshire Rare Disease Day RARE Revolution Magazine Rare Disease UK SWAN UK (Syndromes Without A Name) Cambridge Rare Disease Society East Anglia's Children's Hospices - EACH NIHR Cambridge BioResource Disability Cambridgeshire Unique Feet: Cambridge Rare Disease Network Community Active at Cambridge University Hospitals Cambridge University Paediatrics Society Cambridge University Teddy Bear Hospital

16/02/2024

Display on "Mitochondrial Energy" at the Irish Patchwork Society Exhibition
https://www.mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk/news/display-mitochondrial-energy-irish-patchwork-society-exhibition

09/02/2024

We are pleased to have another Nobel laureate in the keynote speaker lineup: Sir John Walker - awarded the 1997 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his seminal 1994 crystallographic studies on the F1-ATPase.

See who else is speaking at : https://www.ebec2024.org/index.php/speakers-and-chairs/

MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge