MITO-MORPH · Role of Mgm1 isoforms in mitochondrial fusion and inheritance of mitochondrial DNA

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Project objective

Mitochondria are organized as a tubular network depending on a balance of fission and fusion events. In S. cerevisiae the latter depends on Mgm1, a dynamin-related GTPase. This protein is present in two isoforms in the mitochondrial inter-membrane space both necessary for maintaining mitochondrial DNA and normal mitochondrial morphology. The two isoforms are generated following a model of alternative topogenesis depending on sufficient levels of ATP in the matrix.The major questions addressed here are why and how both isoforms of Mgm1 are needed for function. To this end I plan to investigate in detail both in isolated mitochondria and in vivo the specific role of each isoform, the interactions between short and large isoforms and the interactions of each is oform with Mgm1 partner proteins. I will use both biochemical and genetic approaches in order to modify and study separately each isoform. This will allow us to better understand the process of mitochondrial fusion.Furthermore, alternative topogenesis was proposed to be a sensory mechanism for the bioenergetic state of mitochondria. I will investigate the hypothesis whether this provides a mechanism to counter-select against bioenergetically damaged mitochondria. The present project combines approaches from well- established techniques in the host lab and my own expertise in bioenergetics and genetics to further study mitochondrial morphology in yeast. This will allow me to get the essential training in biochemistry and cellular biology to further develop my future scientific activity in studying molecular aspects of machineries devoted to mitochondrial biogenesis.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• ADOLF BUTENANDT INSTITUT F??R PHYSIOLOGISCHE CHEMIECoordinatorCity levelGermany

Links

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