Targeting ER-mitochondrial calcium signaling to promote healthier aging

项目总结/摘要 在我们对驱动线粒体衰退的细胞生物学机制的理解中， 以及与年龄相关的疾病。细胞器如线粒体和内质网（ER） 物理上和功能上连接，部分通过膜接触的位点。这些沟通渠道 线粒体和其他细胞器代表了一种研究不足的途径， 线粒体功能我们的长期目标是了解细胞器间的生理作用， 在衰老和与年龄有关的疾病中的沟通。为了实现这一目标，我们在本申请中的目标是 以确定ER如何通过其作为钙平台的作用在衰老过程中调节线粒体健康 发信号。我们已经利用了C的简单解剖结构。在遗传学上的实验优势， 显微镜，奠定了基础，在这个模型的ER-线粒体相互作用的研究。与哺乳动物相似， 蠕虫ER钙流出通道，三磷酸肌醇受体（InsP 3R），对 我们将InsP 3R的作用扩展到线粒体基因的调控， 表达和动力学。此外，InsP 3R调节C. elegans通过 依赖于线粒体功能的机制。在这里，我们将测试这一假设，ER重塑， 衰老的动物通过促进异常的亚细胞分化， 钙信号和动力学。为了验证这一假设，我们将首先确定InsP 3R是否是一个细胞， 线粒体功能和寿命的自主调节器。其次，我们将识别分子 将InsP 3R活性与线粒体行为中观察到的各种变化联系起来的机制。最后我们将 确定细胞器重塑的钙通量机制如何启动年龄发作的线粒体 功能障碍通过揭示ER信号在生物体中控制线粒体健康的机制， 这些结果将为治疗线粒体病变开辟新的治疗途径。

Project Summary/Abstract Fundamental gaps remain in our understanding of the cell biological mechanisms that drive mitochondrial decline and associated age-related diseases. Organelles like the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are physically and functionally linked, in part via sites of membrane contact. These lines of communication between mitochondria and other organelles represent an understudied avenue by which to therapeutically target mitochondrial function. Our long-term goal is to understand the physiological roles of inter-organelle communication during aging and age-related disease. In pursuit of that goal, our objective in this application is to determine how the ER regulates mitochondrial health during aging through its role as a platform for calcium signaling. We have exploited the simple anatomy of C. elegans and experimental advantages in genetics and microscopy to lay a foundation in this model for the study of ER-mitochondrial interactions. Similar to mammals, the worm ER calcium efflux channel, inositol triphosphate receptor (InsP3R), exerts potent control over mitochondrial bioenergetics, and we have extended the roles of InsP3R to regulation of mitochondrial gene expression and dynamics in the worm as well. Furthermore, the InsP3R regulates lifespan in C. elegans through mechanisms that depend upon mitochondrial function. Here we will test the hypothesis that ER remodeling in aging animals acts to trigger mitochondrial dysfunction and organismal decline by promoting aberrant subcellular calcium signaling and dynamics. To test this hypothesis, we will first determine whether the InsP3R is a cell autonomous regulator of mitochondrial function and lifespan. Secondly, we will identify the molecular mechanisms linking InsP3R activity to the diverse changes observed in mitochondrial behavior. Finally, we will determine how organellar remodeling of the calcium flux machineries initiates age-onset mitochondrial dysfunction. By revealing the mechanisms by which ER signaling governs mitochondrial health at the organismal level, these results will open new therapeutic avenues in treating mitochondrial pathologies.