New Center for AI in Biomedicine Kicks Off with Mitochondrial Research Seminar

July 11, 2025 - On July 2, we welcomed Dr. Zhenglong Gu, Professor at Fudan University, for a seminar on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and their role in human health and disease. Dr. Gu’s professional background includes education and research at the University of Chicago and Cornell University, as well as establishing and running his very own lab in China. His research has uncovered critical roles that mitochondrial DNA mutations play across a range of diseases, from childhood conditions like autism to age-related disorders and immune dysfunction.

Mitochondria are responsible for essential cellular processes such as energy production, calcium signaling, and iron homeostasis. Unlike other organelles, mitochondria possess their own DNA, which mutates at a much higher rate than nuclear DNA. Dr. Gu explained how these mutations accumulate over time, contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction and disease progression. He shared his lab studies regarding the patterns of mtDNA mutations and development of tools such as cybrids, CRISPR techniques, and de novo genetic manipulation that work to better understand and potentially treat these conditions.

The presentation also highlighted the connection between mtDNA mutations and diseases like systemic lupus and lung fibrosis. He also addresses growing concern over autism, which affects roughly 1 in 46 children, and its relation to mtDNA mutations. Dr. Gu explained how mitochondrial mutations passed down from parents may influence disease severity in offspring and stressed the importance of efficient mitochondrial quality control mechanisms.

In closing, Dr. Gu addressed high salt intake, which can induce mitochondrial stress and DNA leakage, especially in aging tissues. His team’s ongoing work aims to uncover how mitochondrial-nuclear communication and targeted therapies could mitigate these effects.

The seminar was a great insight into the Center for AI in Biomedicine (CAIB) to kick off their time in IEM. We look forward to more informative seminars and events with CAIB and are excited for the research they can bring to the table for the UC San Diego bioengineering community. 

Caption:  Sheng Zhong, Ph.D (left) and Dr. Zhenglong Gu (right)