Proteins are often called the workhorses of living cells — they tirelessly keep every biological process running. Think of them as tiny machines whose power lies in how they fold into precise three-dimensional structures. When that folding goes wrong, the results can be disastrous, sparking cancer, neurodegeneration, or rare genetic disorders.
Across the world, scientists are on a mission to uncover how cells prevent these molecular mishaps and ensure that every protein keeps its perfect shape as it travels through cellular organelles — those specialized compartments that handle the cell’s most vital functions.
Did you know that around 7,000 human proteins spend part of their life inside these organelles? Each one comes with its own quality-control system, a kind of internal workshop that helps proteins fold, assemble, and function correctly to keep the cell healthy and alive. Understanding these intricate processes does not just deepen our grasp of basic biology — it also reveals how tiny folding errors can lead to some of the world’s most serious diseases.
To discuss and explore the latest findings in this complex field, leading national and international experts have come together for a five-day EMBO India Lecture Course titled “Structure, Function and Quality Control of Proteins in Cell Organelles.” The event, held from November 10 to 14, 2025, brings together nearly 200 advanced biology students from across India for an immersive scientific experience. The programme includes lectures, interactive workshops, and meet-the-speaker sessions designed to bridge conceptual understanding with cutting-edge methodology.
“The EMBO India lecture course aims at introducing the latest conceptual frameworks and methodological advances related to the molecular assembly, function, and regulatory frameworks of biogenesis and quality control of organelle proteins in physiology and in pathological contexts. We will provide students a multidisciplinary technical background through the organization of methodological workshops and promote interactions through meet-the-speaker and informal roundtable discussions,” said Dr. Swasti Raychaudhuri, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and the lead organizer of the conference.
Hosted by CCMB, Hyderabad, this scientific gathering reflects the centre’s continued commitment to nurturing young researchers and advancing the country’s expertise in molecular and cellular biology — ensuring that the next generation of scientists continues to unfold the mysteries of life, one protein at a time.
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