Dynamic respiratory regulation in plant mitochondria

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In plants mitochondrial respiration is critical for cellular ATP provision, synthesis of metabolites and efficient photosynthesis. The ability to flexibly adjust respiratory metabolism is particularly important in plants to maintain growth and development in a changeable environment. The way in which such dynamic regulation of mitochondrial respiration is achieved is poorly understood. In the proposed research the regulation of respiration in response to changes in mitochondrial thiol redox status and calcium levels will be investigated. Novel genetically-encoded fluorescent sensors will be exploited to assess mitochondrial function with high resolution by quantitative live imaging techniques. In vivo microscopy of the model plant Arabidopsis will be combined with biochemical studies in vitro and in organello to monitor changes in mitochondrial redox, calcium and energy status, to identify regulators that link thiol redox regulation and calcium dynamics with respiration and to dissect control mechanisms using mutant lines. From the available data a model of respiratory dynamics in single mitochondria will be generated, to predict as yet unknown regulatory properties. The results will provide novel insights into organellar bioenergetic control in vivo and open the door to an in depth understanding of mitochondrial regulation in plants.