Mitochondrial DNA methylation (mtDNAm) changes have been identified and linked to aging, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. However, methods of mtDNA isolation, sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis are still technically challenging. Thus, our workshop will combine interdisciplinary experts to explore the biological importance of mtDNAm analysis and to provide insights into different methodological detection techniques.
Remarkably, Dr. Camila Bruna de Lima will come from ULaval (Canada) to share her pioneering knowledge on working with low-input mtDNA samples. Researchers interested in mitochondrial functions and the importance of mtDNAm epigenetic changes will be invited to join our workshop.
The two workshop days are free of charge, but registration is mandatory. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of 40 participants on Day 1 (May 26th) and a maximum of 10 participants on Day 2 (May 27th), only for Ph.D. and Postdoctoral researchers).
Registration will be available online from March 26th to April 26th, 2026.
PRELIMINARY SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM
DAY 1
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
9:00 – 9:10 Welcome and opening
9:10 – 9:30 Maternal metabolic research line: current focus and prospects
SESSION 1: WHY ANALYZING MITOCHONDRIAL DNA METHYLATION?
9:30 – 10:00 Application of mtDNAm analysis in the reproductive field of livestock animals
9:50 – 10:20 Application of mtDNAm analysis in metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD)
10:20 – 10:40 Coffee-Break
10:40 – 11:10 Involvement of mitochondrial analysis in the identification of biomarkers and molecular therapeutic targets in cancer
11:10 – 11:40 mtDNAm bioinformatics: what to consider when analyzing the data, similarities and differences to nuclear DNA methylation
11:40 – 12:30 Round table open discussion: research challenges across fields, technical limitations, and opportunities for collaboration
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch-Break
SESSION 2: MITOCHONDRIAL DNA METHYLATION PROFILE AND FUNCTIONS: HOW TO ANALYZE?
13:30 – 14:00 mtDNAm profile using enzymatic conversion and a DNA sequencing system
14:00 – 14:30 mtDNA profile using nanopore episequencing using unconverted DNA samples
14:30 – 15:00 Coffee-Break
15:00 – 15:30 Targeted modulation of mitochondria activity using validated plasmids
15:30 – 16:00 How to plan and perform mtDNAm sequencing analysis at the Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) facility?
16:00 – 17:00 Open discussion: how to choose the best tool, questions, applications, brainstorming, and opportunities for collaboration
17:00 – 18:30 Networking Reception
DAY 2
HANDS-ON TRAINING (for PhDs and Postdocs)
9:00 – 9:15 Reception of the PhD and Postdoctoral researchers
9:15 – 10:45 Mitochondrial isolation and DNA extraction
10:45 – 11:00 Coffee-break
11:00 – 12:00 mtDNA enzymatic conversion (advantages and disadvantages)