MITO-MAP
Mitochondria
Mapping Altitude Physiology
MITO-MAP
Mitochondria
Mapping Altitude Physiology
MITO-MAP is an international research initiative headquartered in La Paz, Bolivia, and closely connected to Université Laval in Québec, Canada.
Bringing together scientists in mitochondrial biology, neuroscience, cardiorespiratory physiology, and evolutionary biology, MITO-MAP investigates how living organisms adapt, survive, and thrive under chronic oxygen limitation.
The high-altitude environments of the Andes provide an exceptional natural laboratory for understanding the molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms underlying hypoxia resilience.
By integrating mitochondrial functional analysis, multi-omics technologies, comparative physiology, and translational research, MITO-MAP aims to translate the biological principles of high-altitude adaptation into new strategies for human health, disease prevention, and resilience in extreme environments, including space exploration.
Our mission is to uncover the mitochondrial, molecular, and physiological mechanisms that enable life to adapt and thrive under chronic oxygen limitation. Through research in the high-altitude environments of the Andes, MITO-MAP integrates evolutionary biology, mitochondrial physiology, neuroscience, and multi-omics approaches to pursue three interconnected scientific objectives.
Identify the mitochondrial and molecular mechanisms underlying evolutionary and physiological resilience to chronic hypoxia
Translate naturally evolved mechanisms of hypoxia tolerance into new strategies for neuroprotection, cardiorespiratory health, and precision medicine.
Investigate how biological adaptations to extreme terrestrial environments can inform strategies for maintaining mitochondrial function and human resilience during space exploration.
