CDRI holds Mitoconf-2018 to discuss mitochondrial diseases at length

New Delhi: Mitochondria is one of the important organelles of the cell. Any dysfunction in the mitochondria can lead to large number of diseases in human and mitochondrial disease are difficult to diagnose, because these affect each individual differently. Symptoms can include seizures, strokes, severe developmental delays, inability to walk, talk, see, and digest food combined with a host of other complications.

In this backdrop, the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow has organized the ‘Mitoconf-2018′ which is the 7^th Annual Conference of the Society for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine (SMRM), from 28th to 30th November 2018.

A total of 18 eminent scientists from India and abroad (USA, Norway, Denmark and Taiwan) have come together for discussing the recent developments in the field of mitochondrial research and medicine.

The three-day event will include plenary and invited lectures, flash talks and posters by number of International/national scientists featuring investigational biology, clinical aspects and translational biomedical research. Mitoconf-2018 will provide a common platform for assessment of the challenges associated with drug design and development in these areas.

During the inaugural function, Prof. Tapas K. Kundu, Director, CSIR-CDRI welcomed the delegates and highlighted the importance of mitochondria and overview of the research activities of CSIR-CDRI.

Dr Bhupendra Singh, organizing secretary of the Conference had also welcomed the gathering and described about the structure of the conference. Dr K Thangaraj, Secretary, SMRM had highlighted the primary objectives and activities of SMRM.

Dr Keshav K. Singh, Vice President of SMRM had shared the importance of Societies of Mitochondrial Research and presented his recent work on how the mitochondria play a major role in ageing and therapy.

Prof. Satyamoorthy, President, SMRM had delivered the presidential address, where he highlighted importance of mitochondria in health and disease. Dr. D. P. Singh had proposed the vote of thanks.

Dr Lalji Singh was the first President of the Society for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine (SMRM) and held the post until 2012. After Dr Lalji Singh’s untimely sudden demise on 10th December 2017, SMRM in his memory instituted “Dr Lalji Singh Memorial Lecture Award”, which would be presented during the annual meetings of the SMRM to those who have made significant contributions in the field of “Mitochondrial Research”.

The first Dr Lalji Singh Memorial Lecture Award was conferred to Dr Anurag Agarwal. In his award oration, he talked about the critical role of mitochondria in pathogenesis of respiratory diseases and the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to act as mitochondrial donors, reversing lung injury and inflammation.