Project Details
Projekt
Coordination Funds
Applicant
Professor Dr. Stefan Jakobs
Subject Area
Cell Biology
Term
since 2019
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 401510699
Mitochondria display a unique morphology, which is characterized by a smooth outer membrane and a highly convoluted inner membrane. While the organization of the inner membrane into inner boundary and crista membrane is primarily topological, it is becoming increasingly clear that this organization also reflects a functional compartmentation. Hence, membrane composition, morphology, and function appear to be tightly linked with each other. The prevailing view in the field is that the inner membrane organization defines specialized protein and lipid environments, which allow the cell to spatially organize protein functions. Yet, there are immense gaps in our knowledge as to how the shape of the inner membrane is established and maintained, how proteins are sequestered in the inner membrane, and how protein composition and shape can be regulated by the cell to match metabolic demands. To this end, experimental approaches that provide temporal and spatial information of inner membrane shape and protein localisations are essential to assess and eventually understand how membrane architecture and functional organization are brought about. In this research initiative, we take a decisive step to tackle fundamental questions on mitochondrial ultrastructure and bring together researchers with unique and complementary expertise in mitochondrial imaging technologies with scientists addressing central biological questions on mitochondrial functions.
DFG Programme
Research Units
