From 6 to 10 October 2025, a summer school on cellular metabolism was held at the Technische Universität Braunschweig. The five-day program combined theoretical input with hands-on laboratory work and was designed for early-career researchers with a background in life sciences. Participants cultivated differentiated C2C12 myocytes and investigated metabolic responses to hypertrophic and atrophic stimuli. Key techniques included intracellular metabolite extraction for GC-MS analysis, extracellular flux measurements using a YSI Analyzer, and stable-isotope-assisted metabolic profiling to assess intracellular fluxes.
The schedule included lab introductions, RNA isolation, GC-MS analysis, and data interpretation. In addition to scientific sessions, the program included social activities such as a group exercise session and a barbecue, which fostered informal exchange among participants.
The course was organized by the Department of Biochemistry & Bioinformatics at TU Braunschweig. Many HyperMet researchers seized the opportunity to learn this advanced methods of metabolic research.
HyperMet research examines the impact of muscle growth (hypertrophy) and muscle loss (atrophy) on metabolism. Increased muscle mass reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, and potentially cancer. We are exploring the underlying metabolic processes to develop new strategies for prevention and everyday life.