On 1–2 September, the Nencki Institute hosted young researchers for a two-day course on cellular metabolism. 

The course was organised as part of COST PRESTO, an international research network bringing together 20 European countries, as well as Brazil and Tunisia. Researchers within this network investigate the role of extracellular ATP and P2X receptors in disease. 

Although best known as the primary energy source for cells, ATP can also function as a critical alarm signal when released into the extracellular environment following tissue injury, hypoxia, or infection. Upon binding to P2X receptors, ATP modulates cellular behavior, frequently inducing an inflammatory response. While this serves as a natural defense mechanism, an excessive or prolonged signal can become detrimental rather than protective. As part of the COST PRESTO initiative, researchers aim to identify pathologies where elevated extracellular ATP and P2X receptor activation play a pivotal role, and to explore whether these receptors could serve as targets for novel therapies.

During the course, attendees gained hands-on experience with techniques developed and routinely applied at the Nencki Institute. They were hosted at the Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology and Metabolism by Prof. Mariusz Więckowski. The practical part on metabolic profiling was led by Dr. Magdalena Lebiedzińska-Arciszewska, Barbara Pakuła and Agata Wydrych. Furthermore, training in cytometric applications for metabolic research was provided at the Laboratory of Cytometry by Prof. Katarzyna Piwocka, and practical workshops led by specialists Dr. Marta Małuszek and Julia Ostrowska, MA, gave an opportunity to explore the capabilities of this technology.

Thank you to the organizers and our guests!