Mitochondrial defense against an intracellular parasite (B09*)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology ; Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Term: from 2020 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 269925409

Mitochondria regulate a myriad of cellular functions, but in the context of infection these dynamic organelles are considered exploitable targets for microbes. However, the fact that pathogens have developed strategies to perturb mitochondrial function supports the existence of mitochondrial counterstrategies to defend against pathogens. Our overarching goal is to deepen our understanding of how mitochondria regulate cellular defense against microbes. In this project, we will explore two novel mechanisms of mitochondrial defense during infection with human parasite Toxoplasma.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1218: Mitochondrial regulation of cellular function
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Co-Applicant Institution: Max-Planck-Institut für Biologie des Alterns
• Project Head: Professorin Lena Pernas, Ph.D.