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Translational Organoid and Mitochondrial Biology

Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment University of Bari

Prof. Giuseppe Fiermonte is Full Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Bari, Italy. Trained in pharmacy and mitochondrial biochemistry, he worked as a visiting scientist at the MRC Laboratory with Nobel Laureate Sir John E. Walker before joining the University of Bari, where he advanced from Researcher to Full Professor.

An internationally recognized expert in bioenergetics, cell metabolism, and mitochondrial carrier deficiencies, Prof. Fiermonte has elucidated the molecular basis of numerous human mitochondrial transporter disorders. His work has appeared in leading journals such as Nature Genetics, Nature Metabolism, Nature Cell Biology, and The New England Journal of Medicine.

His group has made seminal contributions to understanding mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs) and their roles in cancer metabolism and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). His ongoing projects, funded by AIRC, NIH, and the Citrin Foundation, employ iPSC-derived organoid systems, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and metabolic analysis to dissect disease mechanisms and identify new therapeutic targets.

Through his pioneering work linking mitochondrial transport, metabolism, and disease pathogenesis, Prof. Fiermonte is regarded as a leading authority in translational mitochondrial biology and metabolic research.

Main Areas of Interest

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) 3D Models: Development and application of advanced iPSC-derived and patient-derived 3D organoid systems to study PDAC initiation, progression, and therapeutic vulnerabilities.
Mitochondrial Carrier Deficiency & Metabolic Diseases: Investigation of human diseases caused by mitochondrial carrier deficiencies, with emphasis on dissecting altered metabolic pathways and their role in pathophysiology.
iPSC-Derived Organoid Models: Generation and characterization of liver, pancreatic, and other organ-specific 3D organoids from induced pluripotent stem cells to model genetic and metabolic disorders, enabling translational applications.
Functional Characterization of Transporters: Biochemical and structural-functional studies of recombinant mitochondrial and cellular transporters reconstituted in liposomes, advancing the understanding of their physiological and pathological roles.

Specialties

Biochemistry

Techniques You Will Learn

CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing: Hands-on training in genome editing techniques, including knockout, base editing, and prime editing, to investigate gene function and disease mechanisms.
Recombinant Protein Production: Practical experience in expressing and purifying recombinant proteins using bacterial, yeast, and mammalian systems, with emphasis on structural and functional characterization.
Seahorse & Oroboros Metabolic Analysis: Training in state-of-the-art respirometry platforms to assess mitochondrial function, bioenergetics, and cellular metabolic reprogramming.
Core Molecular & Cell Biology Techniques: Broad exposure to essential laboratory methods, including cloning, transfection, immunoblotting, qPCR, and advanced microscopy for cell characterization.
Reprogramming Primary Cells into iPSCs: Practical skills in the reprogramming of patient-derived primary cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), followed by differentiation into organoid systems for disease modeling.

Curriculum

Introduction & Organoid Models

Orientation to laboratory facilities, safety protocols, and biosafety procedures
Introduction to 3D culture systems and organoid biology
Hands-on training in establishing iPSC-derived 3D pancreatic and liver organoids
Tutorials on maintenance, characterization, and applications of organoid systems in disease modeling
Case-based discussions on the use of organoids in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and metabolic diseases

Gene Editing & Recombinant Protein Production

Training in CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing (knockout, base, and prime editing)
Observation and practice of reprogramming patient-derived primary cells into iPSCs
Laboratory exposure to recombinant protein expression in bacterial, yeast, and mammalian systems
Tutorials on protein purification and functional characterization
Participation in journal club on recent applications of gene editing and protein engineering in disease models

Metabolic Analysis & Transporter Studies

Practical training in Seahorse and Oroboros metabolic analyzers for mitochondrial function studies
Case-based teaching on mitochondrial carrier deficiencies and metabolic diseases
Functional characterization of recombinant transporters using liposome systems
Data analysis workshops: interpretation of bioenergetics and metabolomics outputs
Participation in translational research meetings focusing on metabolism-driven cancer biology

Integration, Research Development & Academic Training

Application of molecular and cell biology techniques (qPCR, immunoblotting, microscopy) in ongoing research projects
Case discussions on KRAS-driven metabolic rewiring in PDAC and therapeutic implications
Participation in grant/project meetings and exposure to translational collaborations
Academic development sessions: journal club presentations, manuscript writing, and research ethics tutorials
Guided reflection, mentor feedback, and final review of learning outcomes
Certificate of completion awarded

Accommodation

Try airbnb.com

Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Fee
2 weeks	$1,063.00
6 weeks	$1,594.00
12 weeks	$2,750.00

Who Can Apply

Biochemists

Host Details

Host Name: Prof. Giuseppe Fiermonte

Affiliation: Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment University of Bari

Address: Via Orabona, 4 70125 Bari, Italy

Website URL: https://www.uniba.it/en

Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.

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