Integrating Mitochondrial Network Topology, Dynamics, and Function

线粒体是产生能量的细胞器，在细胞内形成相互连接的膜结合管状网络。这些线粒体网络经历了裂变和融合动力学，因此在细胞中可能存在许多单个线粒体或单个大网络。网络动力学被认为有助于通过分离出网络中受损的子区域进行周转来维持线粒体功能。创新的图像分析方法将用于准确量化酵母细胞整个线粒体网络的三维拓扑结构和动力学。这些数据将结合计算建模、遗传操作和功能分析的迭代过程，以推进对线粒体网络拓扑结构、动力学和功能如何被细胞整合的基本理解。更广泛的影响：培养STEM教师的本科生将被纳入该项目，并将学习如何为K12学生制定和实施基于研究的课程计划。该项目将为本科生、研究生和博士后提供计算和生物学方面的跨学科培训机会。该奖项由分子和细胞生物科学部的细胞动力学和功能集群以及数学科学部的数学生物学项目共同资助。

Mitochondria, the energy-generating organelles, form interconnected membrane-bound tubular networks within the cell. These mitochondrial networks undergo both fission and fusion dynamics as a result of which there may be many individual mitochondria or a single large network in the cell. The network dynamics are believed to contribute to maintaining mitochondrial function by segregating out damaged sub-regions of the network for turnover. Innovative image analysis methods will be used to accurately quantify the 3 dimensional topology and dynamics of the entire mitochondrial network of yeast cells. These data will be combined in an iterative process with computational modeling, genetic manipulations, and functional assays to advance fundamental understanding of how mitochondrial network topology, dynamics, and function are integrated by the cell. Broader Impacts: Undergraduate students training to be STEM teachers will be integrated into the project and will learn how to develop and implement research-based lesson plans for K12 students. Opportunities for cross-disciplinary training in computation and biology will be provided by this project at undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels.This award is funded jointly by the Cellular Dynamics and Function Cluster of the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Division and by the Mathematical Biology Program of the Division of Mathematical Sciences.