Coupling of mitochondrial energy metabolism with microtubule-dependent mRNA logistics (A03)

• Subject Area: Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 458090666

One of the main functions of mitochondria is the generation of ATP. To this end, protein complexes of the respiration chain, e.g. ATP synthase, must be inserted into the mitochondrial membrane. Most mitochondrial proteins are translated in the host cytoplasm from nuclear encoded mRNAs and delivered to mitochondria by targeting sequences. This project addresses how mitochondrial energy metabolism is linked to intracellular logistics and other intracellular entities such as endosomes in U. maydis. In particular, we will combine optogenetics, biosensors, microfluidics and modelling to uncover how endosomal transport of mRNAs encoding mitochondrial proteins orchestrates subcellular mitochondrial metabolism. Thereby, we will deepen our understanding how an organelle of endosymbiontic origin is integrated in the intracellular networking.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1535: Microbial networking – from organelles to cross-kingdom communities
• Major Instrumentation: Life Cell imaging-based Microfluidics system
• Instrumentation Group: 5040 Spezielle Mikroskope (außer 500-503)
• Applicant Institution: Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Michael Feldbrügge; Professor Dr. Matias Daniel Zurbriggen