Mitochondria function and turnover in synapses (A06/A10)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry ; Cell Biology
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 317475864

Although mitochondria are an integral part of synaptic boutons, little is known on their protein biogenesis, turnover and compositional dynamics in the synapse. During the first funding period, we found that synaptic mitochondria undergo protein biogenesis, and that this is required to maintain synaptic activity, independent of the mitochondrial ATP output. Based on our findings, we will now ask how mitochondria metabolism and turnover affects synapses, and how mitochondria are influenced by synaptic function.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1286: Quantitative Synaptology
• Applicant Institution: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Peter Rehling; Professor Dr. Henning Urlaub