Investigation of the spatial distribution of OXPHOS complex assembly in mammalian cells

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Stefan Jakobs; Professor Dr. Peter Rehling
• Subject Area: Cell Biology ; Biochemistry
• Term: since 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 401510699

The mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) is critical for cellular ATP production. Four protein complexes of the electron transport chain generate the proton gradient across the inner membrane that drives the F1Fo-ATP Synthase. The OXPHOS complexes consist of nuclear- and mitochondrial-encoded subunits. Accordingly, it assembles from imported subunits and those that are translated in mitochondria. The biogenesis process is thought to progress through transient assembly intermediates. The imported subunits are inserted into the inner membrane at the inner boundary membrane by protein translocases. However, the topology of subsequent stages of the assembly process are unknown. In this project, we will define the spatial organization and topological heterogeneity of OXPHOS assembly in mammalian cells and investigate how it is linked to gene expression and quality control processes. Furthermore, we will define their mitochondrial localization with nanoscale resolution.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 2848: Nanoscale Architecture and Heterogeneity of the Mitochondrial Inner Membrane