Role of MICOS-dependent cristae membrane dynamics within mitochondria (B12)

嵴膜的超微结构是高度可变的，在许多人类疾病中发生了强烈的改变。这种膜的重构已经有50多年的历史了（浓缩状态和正统状态），并且在细胞凋亡过程中也会发生。MICOS（“线粒体接触位点和嵴组织系统”）复合体是一个大的膜蛋白复合体，确保适当的嵴膜结构。通过使用活细胞刺激发射损耗（STED）纳米显微镜，我们可以证明嵴膜是高度动态的，并且以micos依赖的方式在几秒钟的时间尺度上重组自己。在本项目中，我们旨在从分子层面了解哺乳动物细胞嵴膜动力学的机制和生理功能。为了实现这些目标，我们将结合生物化学和遗传方法，将纳米技术应用于活的哺乳动物细胞。

The ultrastructure of the cristae membrane is highly variable and strongly altered in numerous human dis-orders. Remodelling of this membrane is known for more than 50 years (condensed vs. orthodox state) and was shown to occur also during apoptosis. The MICOS ('Mitochondrial Contact Site and Cristae Organizing System') complex is a large membrane protein complex ensuring proper cristae membrane architecture. By using live-cell stimulated emission depletion (STED) nanoscopy we could show that cristae membranes are highly dynamic and are reorganising themselves at a time scale of seconds in a MICOS-dependent manner. In this project, we aim to get a molecular understanding of the mechanisms and the physiological function of cristae membrane dynamics in mammalian cells. To achieve these aims we will apply nanoscopic techniques in living mammalian cells in combination with biochemical and genetic methods.