Fusion and fission: the orchestra of mitochondrial dynamics
The aim of this project is the identification and functional characterization of novel mitochondrial dynamics proteins.
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles crucial for cellular energy production. Their dynamic nature enables them to adapt their morphology to the physiological needs of the cell, through the process of fusion and fission, collectively referred to as mitochondrial dynamics. Although several mitochondrial dynamics proteins have been identified, not all involved proteins and mechanisms are known, restricting our understanding of disorders originating from a defect in mitochondrial dynamics. The aim of our research is to identify and functionally characterize novel mitochondrial dynamics proteins.
Through computational approaches based on protein-protein interactions, we identified several novel mitochondrial dynamics candidate proteins. In order to elucidate their exact role in mitochondrial dynamics, we perform functional experiments including gene-specific knockdown, assessment of mitochondrial morphology through fluorescent and electron microscopy, subcellular localization studies, assessment of mitochondrial activity, and many others. Moreover, we generated RNAseq data from cells in which established mitochondria dynamics proteins and novel candidate proteins were knocked down. This data will be used for regulatory network analysis and metabolic modeling to unravel the mechanisms and pathways involved, leading to a better understanding of mitochondrial dynamics in health and disease.