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.
Registration
- 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 40 participants on Day 2 (May 27th).
- Registration will be available online from April 10th to May 10th, 2026.
Scientific programme
Day 1
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
8:30 – 9:00: Coffee and registration
9:00 – 9:20: Prof. Dr. Jo Leroy (¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ, Belgium) – Welcome and opening session
9:20 – 9:30: Dr. Patricia Kubo Fontes (¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ, Belgium) – Introduction to the workshop
SESSION 1: WHY ANALYZING MITOCHONDRIAL DNA METHYLATION?
Chairs: Dr. Patricia Kubo Fontes and Silke Roofthooft
9:30 – 10:00: Dr. Jorrit De Waele (¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ, Belgium) – Mitochondrial dysfunction in NK cells: implications and opportunities for cancer immunotherapy
10:00 – 10:30: Prof. Dr. Marcos Chiaratti (UFSCAR, Brazil) – Engineering new mouse models with mutant mitochondrial DNA and insights on transmission to offspring
10:30 – 11:00: Coffee-Break
11:00 – 11:30: Dr. Waleed Marei (¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ, Belgium) – Gamete Research Centre (GRC) – Maternal metabolic stress and fertility: the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction
11:30 – 12:00: Dr. Camila Bruna de Lima (ULaval, Canada) – Mitochondria at the Crossroads of Metabolism and Epigenetics
12:00 – 13:00: Lunch-Break
SESSION 2: MITOCHONDRIAL DNA METHYLATION PROFILE AND FUNCTIONS: HOW TO ANALYZE?
Chairs: Dr. Patricia Kubo Fontes and Lien Loier
13:00 – 13:30: Dr. Camila Bruna de Lima (ULaval, Canada) – Mitoepigenetic reprogramming insights from reproductive biology
13:30 – 14:00: Prof. Dr. Marianne G. Rots (UGroningen, The Netherlands) – Targeted modulation of mitochondrial activity and its effect on mtDNAm
14:00 – 14:30: Prof. Wim Vanden Berghe (¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ, Belgium) – Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD): analysing mtDNAm profile using nanopore episequencing without conversion
14:30 – 15:00: Coffee-Break
SESSION 3: ROUND TABLE
Chairs: Dr. Patricia Kubo Fontes and Lien Loier
15:00 – 16:30: Questions and open discussion
16:30 – 18:00: Networking Reception
Day 2
HANDS-ON TRAINING (for PhDs and Postdocs)
9:00 – 9:30: Dr. Patricia Kubo Fontes (¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ, Belgium) – Introduction to the hands-on session
9:30 – 12:00: Dr. Camila Bruna de Lima (ULaval, Canada) – EpiBov Explorer: the use of an interactive app to explore genome-wide DNA methylation patterns
Part 1 (9h30 – 10h30) / Coffee-Break (9h30 – 11h00) / Part 2 (11h00 – 12h00)
Practical information
- Date: Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 May 2026
- Venue: University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken
- Building & Room: Building Q - Room Q.003
- Address: Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp
- Car Park: 2
How to book a hotel
(please follow the steps in the right order)
- Go to the
- First enter the code UAACB19 (in capital) and click Search
- Enter your arrival and departure dates, then click Search again
- You’ll see an overview of all available hotels and their Best Available Rate minus 10%, at that moment, along with the applicable conditions
- Select a hotel and book your room.
With thanks to the Antwerp Convention Bureau (ACB)
