A12 | Dynamic architecture of DRP1 macromolecular assemblies in mitochondrial fission
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Ana J. García Sáez
CECAD Research Center/Institute for Genetics
University of Cologne
Phone: +49 221 / 478 84263
E-mail: ana.garciauni-koeln.de
For more information and contact please visit the GARCIA LAB.
Running time within the CRC 1218: 07/2024 - 06/2028.
Abstract
This project aims to shed light on the molecular mechanism and dynamic behavior of DRP1 assemblies in mitochondrial fission. We will investigate the nanoscale organization of DRP1 complexes and their dynamics of interaction with mitochondria. Building on preliminary microscopy data, we will dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying mobility of DRP1 complexes and how DRP1 dynamics are functionally linked to mitochondrial fission. We will further characterize how DRP1 complexes are affected by mitochondrial adaptors and by mitochondrial stress.
Recent project-related publications
Froehlich T, Jenner A, Cavarischia-Rega C, Fagbadebo FO, Lurz Y, Frecot DI, Kaiser PD, Nueske S, Scholz AM, Schäffer E, Garcia-Saez AJ, Macek B, Rothbauer U (2024). Nanobodies as novel tools to monitor the mitochondrial fission factor Drp1. Life Sci Alliance 7(8):e202402608. DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202402608.
Cosentino K, Hertlein V, Jenner A, Dellmann T, Gojkovic M, Peña-Blanco A, Dadsena S, Wajngarten N, Danial JSH, Thevathasan JV, Mund M, Ries J, Garcia-Saez AJ (2022). The interplay between BAX and BAK tunes apoptotic pore growth to control mitochondrial-DNA-mediated inflammation. Mol Cell 82:933-949.e939. DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.01.008.
Jenner A, Peña-Blanco A, Salvador-Gallego R, Ugarte-Uribe B, Zollo C, Ganief T, Bierlmeier J, Mund M, Lee JE, Ries J, Schwarzer D, Macek B, Garcia-Saez AJ (2022). DRP1 interacts directly with BAX to induce its activation and apoptosis. EMBO J 41:e108587. DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108587.
Pena-Blanco A, Haschka MD, Jenner A, Zuleger T, Proikas-Cezanne T, Villunger A, Garcia-Saez AJ (2020). Drp1 modulates mitochondrial stress responses to mitotic arrest. Cell Death Differ 27:2620-2634. DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-0527-y.