Mitochondrial and Metabolic Research Center

The Mitochondrial and Metabolic Research Center (MMRC) at the University of Rochester brings together basic scientists and physician-scientists to advance knowledge across mitochondrial biology, metabolism, and translational medicine to improve patient outcomes. Led by Dr. Andrew Wojtovich, with principal investigators Dr. Paul Brookes, Dr. Gail Johnson, Dr. Michael J. Scott, and Dr. Laurent G. Glance, MMRC integrates molecular, cellular, clinical, and population science. Its unique structure — encompassing basic science, translational research, and population health — ensures that scientific advances move from bench to bedside and into real-world outcomes, in partnership with the centers across the University of Rochester. 

The MMRC provides a centralized framework for collaboration related to mitochondrial biology and metabolism across the University.

Training, Education, & Mentoring

• Interdisciplinary Training: Cross-platform mentorship for laboratory scientists, clinicians, data scientists, and health services researchers.
• Annual Symposium & Career Development: Includes sessions on basic discovery, translational therapeutics, trial design, outcomes analysis, and policy translation.
• Core courses: A flagship metabolism/mitochondria elective course, to be offered to students at URMC with practical components (e.g. CPET labs, metabolomics experiments).
• Mito-Centric Resources: MMRC labs are dedicated to providing access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, bioenergetics, imaging, and biochemical analysis capabilities. MMRC will support investigators in study design, execution, and data interpretation, offer expert training on advanced technologies, and ensure rigorous assessment of mitochondrial function, metabolism, and related cellular processes.
• MRIG Shey-Shing Sheu lecture in Mitochondrial Physiology. The Shey-Shing Sheu endowed lectureship in mitochondrial biology serves as a legacy to honor Dr. Shey’s foundational contributions toward MRIG and mitochondrial science in Rochester.

Mitochondria & Metabolism Day

MMRC hosts an annual “Mitochondria & Metabolism Day,” showcasing the latest scientific advances in basic and clinical research within the fields of metabolism and mitochondrial biology. This full-day conference includes the Sheu Lecture keynote address, delivered by a distinguished national or international expert in metabolism, and highlights the groundbreaking research conducted by University of Rochester investigators.