Prepare to have your minds energised and curiosity sparked at this year’s RAREfest24. The Medical Research Council—Mitochondrial Biology Unit (MRC MBU) from the University of Cambridge will take you on a journey into the heart of your cells with innovative games, hands-on learning, and a fun introduction to the world of mitochondria!
But wait – what exactly are mitochondria, and why should you care about them?
Mitochondria: The Cells Power Stations
Think of mitochondria as the power plants inside each of your cells. They’re small, but don’t let their size fool you. They’re responsible for producing ATP, the energy currency that powers just about every function your body performs. From moving your muscles to keeping your heart beating, ATP is the fuel, and mitochondria are the factories.
Mitochondria are unique compared to other parts of the cell. They have their own DNA (which is only inherited from your mum!) and can even change shape, divide, or fuse together depending on what your body needs at the time. Plus, they’re not just one-trick ponies. These fascinating organelles are involved in many vital processes, from regulating cell death to helping with calcium storage.
If you’ve ever heard of mitochondrial diseases, you’ll know that when these tiny powerhouses go wrong, it can lead to serious problems. These disorders can affect multiple organs and lead to symptoms as varied as muscle weakness, neurodegenerative conditions, and even heart disease. Mitochondrial mutations give rise to a range of rare conditions, including Pearson Syndrome, and several ultra-rare disorders, some of which remain unnamed.
So, who’s leading the charge in studying mitochondria and finding ways to address these diseases? Enter the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit!
Meet the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit
The MRC MBU is a world-leading research institute nestled in the heart of Cambridge’s Biomedical Campus. The Unit is dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of mitochondria, understanding how they work, how they sometimes fail, and how we might develop therapies for diseases linked to their malfunction.
Advances in genomics now allow for better analysis of mitochondrial mutations, but research isn’t without its challenges. The competitive nature of research and the pressure to secure funding mean scientists are constantly pushing to demonstrate the novelty and significance of their findings, while many ultra-rare mutations are poorly understood in comparison with their more historically researched counterparts.
“We’re at the forefront of understanding the role of mitochondria in human diseases, from rare disorders to common conditions like heart disease, neurodegeneration and cancer,” explains Dr Alex Whitworth, one of the leading scientists at the Unit. “The most exciting thing about our current research is that we’re discovering new ways mitochondria are involved in health and disease every day. This could open the door to entirely new treatments.”
The MRC MBU isn’t just about groundbreaking research. It’s also committed to sharing its discoveries with the public through an active public engagement programme. And what better way to engage than with games?
Adventure in the Cell: Games That Bring Mitochondria to Life
MRC MBU’s innovative approach to science communication has taken a playful turn with its suite of mitochondria-themed games. Designed to educate and excite, these games offer a hands-on way to understand mitochondrial biology.
“We believe that science should be accessible to everyone, no matter your age or background,” says Penny Peck, MRC MBU’s Communications Manager. “Games are an excellent way to bring people into the complex world of mitochondria in a fun and engaging way. At Rarefest24, we’ll be showcasing two of our most popular games: ‘Generating ATP Pinball’ and ‘Destroying Mutant Mitochondrial DNA.’” The games were thought up by members of the MBU, then designed and built by SciAnsell, headed by Dave Ansell, known for bringing science to life through interactive designs.
Let’s dive into these games and see how they bring science to life.
Generating ATP Pinball: Powering Up with Every Play
The ‘Generating ATP Pinball’ game is a fast-paced, interactive way to understand how mitochondria create energy. Picture this: you’re playing pinball, but instead of hitting random targets, you’re guiding a ball (representing an electron) through a mitochondrion! Your goal? To help the electron move through different protein complexes (imagine them as pinball bumpers) to generate as much ATP as possible.
The game cleverly mimics the process of the electron transfer chain, a series of steps that mitochondria use to convert food into energy. As you guide the electron, it must pass through Complexes I or II, flow through Complex III, and finally reach Complex IV to produce that all-important ATP—a real light-bulb moment. The more successful passes you make, the more energy you generate—and the more fun you have!
Destroying Mutant Mitochondrial DNA: A Hands on Learning Experience
Another must-try at Rarefest24 is the ‘Destroying Mutant Mitochondrial DNA’ game. This game is all about understanding how mitochondrial DNA mutations can lead to disease, but don’t worry—you won’t need a biology degree to play!
Players will find the mutant mitochondrial DNA floating around in the mitochondrion and throw the faulty DNA into a mutant mtDNA dustbin for disposal. The game is not only fun but also educational, teaching players about how mutations in mitochondrial DNA can lead to dysfunction and disease.
What’s even more fantastic is that this game is fully accessible to people with visual impairments. The MBU incorporated textured mutant DNA pieces so that they could be identified by touch, making it an inclusive experience for everyone.
Catch MRC-MBU at RAREfest24
Now that you’ve had a sneak peek into the world of mitochondria and the fun games created by MRC MBU, you won’t want to miss their arcade of an exhibit at Rarefest24. This one-of-a-kind science festival is the perfect opportunity to explore the latest research on rare diseases while having a blast.
Attendees of Rarefest22 will remember the MRC MBU’s MitoTrumps cards—a fun, educational card game, designed by PhD student Alannah King, based on mitochondrial proteins! At this year’s booth, you’ll be able to try your hand at ‘Generating ATP Pinball’ and ‘Destroying Mutant Mitochondrial DNA,’ meet real scientists, and learn how they’re unlocking the secrets of the mitochondrion to develop new therapies for mitochondrial diseases.
RAREfest24 isn’t just for science enthusiasts; it’s for anyone curious about how science and innovation are making a difference in the world of rare diseases. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or just someone who loves a good game, MRC MBU’s exhibit will inspire and entertain you.
So, are you ready to power up and destroy some mutants? Join us at Rarefest24 and see how the cutting-edge research at the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit is making a world of difference. We can’t wait to see you there!