Molecular principles guiding lipid structure and function of autophagosomes (F02 (D02))

• Subject Area: Biochemistry ; Biophysics ; Structural Biology ; Cell Biology
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 259130777

This project combines advanced imaging, proteomics, lipidomics with computer modeling of dynamic membranes to gain new insight into how autophagosome membrane composition influences their architecture and function. We will focus on understanding the impact of distinct phospholipids (e.g., sphingomyelins) and lipid profiles on the emergent properties of the autophagosomal membrane. This project also aims to resolve the specific role of ATG9A vesicles and their associated scramblase activity in active modulation of the lipid composition to regulate autophagosome structure and function.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1177: Molecular and Functional Characterization of Selective Autophagy
• Applicant Institution: Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
• Project Heads: Ramachandra M. Bhaskara, Ph.D., since 1/2024; Dr. Andreas Kern; Dr. Christian Pohl, until 11/2019