Mitochondria Research Affinity Group

The field of mitochondrial medicine continue to experience a scientific and medical renaissance. As research has advanced over the past several decades, it has become apparent that mitochondria, organelles that generate most of the energy needed for cells, are far more complicated than they once were thought and actually play a large role in many common disorders. But these organelles’ impact doesn’t stop there, as a mitochondrial basis is increasingly becoming clear for rare pathologies that cross all ages and many medical specialties.

Because of the growing connection between the organelles and myriad disorders, mitochondria-focused research today naturally involves a diverse community of researchers. Their efforts fall under the Mitochondria Research Affinity Group (MITO RAG), established in 2008, which aims to improve research collaborations, enhance interaction between graduate students, research staff, and faculty, and increase familiarity with research programs involving mitochondria at CHOP, the University of Pennsylvania, and beyond.

Dozens of investigators at Children’s Hospital are currently pursuing mitochondria-focused research. Due to the importance of mitochondrial biology in many forms of disease, the clinical backgrounds of these investigators are wide-ranging and include clinical genetics, metabolism, endocrinology, anesthesiology, hematology, oncology, gastroenterology, neonatology, immunology, neurology, pathology, intensive care, anesthesiology, cardiology, sports medicine, and ophthalmology. The basic science affiliations of these investigators are equally wide-ranging and include pathology, biochemistry and biophysics, biology, genetics, metabolism, animal biology, physiology, and anthropology.