Role of multifunctional proteins in biogenesis, metabolism and regulation of the mitochondrial outer membrane

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Nikolaus Pfanner
• Subject Area: Biochemistry
• Term: from 2018 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 394024777

The mitochondrial outer membrane links mitochondria to other cellular compartments and performs crucial functions in metabolism, protein and lipid biogenesis, membrane dynamics, signaling and quality control. The outer membrane contains about 80 different proteins, raising the question how the numerous tasks can be performed and coordinated by this limited set of proteins. By analyzingthe network of outer membrane preprotein translocases, we observed an unexpectedly high number of proteins that perform more than one function. To test our hypothesis that multifunctional proteins play a central role, we will define a comprehensive protein interaction network of the mitochondrial outer membrane in the model organism baker’s yeast. Proteins interacting with atleast two different partners will be subjected to a molecular dissection to define distinct functions and to identify mechanisms for switching between functional states. We expect dual functional assignments at least in the following categories: protein translocation & assembly, metabolite transfer, lipid metabolism, membrane architecture, and regulatory processes. Our goal is tounderstand the molecular mechanisms and functional organization of the mitochondrial outer membrane protein network, thus establishing a paradigm for defining the importance of multifunctional proteins in an entire membrane system.

• DFG Programme: Reinhart Koselleck Projects