On September 20, the Joint Laboratory of Mitochondrial Medicine and Skin Health, jointly established by Proya Cosmetics and the Institute of Genetics at Zhejiang University, was officially inaugurated at the Mitochondrion Hangzhou Forum. The forum was hosted by Mitochondrial Communications, an authoritative global journal in mitochondrial research, and organized by Proya Cosmetics.
The joint laboratory will conduct basic mechanism research, scientific validation, and technological implementation in the fields of mitochondrial medicine and skin health. It will establish a seamless innovation pathway from basic research to ingredient development and product application, while serving as a global research platform for collaborative innovation among industry, academia, research, and medicine.
To strengthen its research foundation and remain at the forefront of international developments, the joint laboratory has appointed two leading experts in mitochondrial research. Professor Douglas C. Wallace, known as the "Father of Mitochondrial Medicine" and a member of all three U.S. national academies (i.e. the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine) will serve as Chief Scientific Advisor. Professor Guan Minxin, Chief Scientist of China's National 973 Program and Director of the Institute of Genetics at Zhejiang University, will serve as Director of the joint laboratory. Together with 20 experts and scholars from China and abroad in related fields, they will form the Mitochondrial Advisory Committee.
The joint laboratory has systematically mapped out four parallel research tracks, establishing an integrated research framework covering efficacy, mechanisms, ingredients, and targets. First, the efficacy track focuses on how active ingredients regulate mitochondrial function, addressing the fundamental scientific question of how ingredients exert their effects. Second, the mechanism track explores new mechanisms underlying mitochondrial anti-aging effects and clarifies the intrinsic relationship between energy metabolism and skin phenotypes. Third, the ingredient track focuses on developing ingredients that support mitochondrial regeneration and creating China-originated ingredients for mitochondrial skincare. Fourth, the target track explores novel targets involving small non-coding RNAs, opening up new avenues for future development.
In addition to addressing these cutting-edge research topics, Proya Cosmetics will provide sustained investment to support open innovation and the development of young scientific talent. Through these efforts, the joint laboratory will serve as a source of scientific discoveries, an incubator for innovative technologies, and a fertile ground for the growth of young researchers.
Language
