Optogenetic membrane manipulation of protein targeting to mitochondria and plastids (A13)

• Subject Area: Plant Biochemistry and Biophysics
• Term: from 2020 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 267205415

Our data demonstrate that some proteins targeted to the plastid under aerobic conditions in Chlamydo-monas reinhardtii, are dual-targeted to mitochondrion and plastid under anaerobic conditions (and loss of mitochondrial delta psi). We plan to generate optogenetically controllable organelles, both in terms of membrane-integrated opsins to manipulate delta psi, as well as modulating membrane-bound receptor platforms and phosphatases through optogenetic switches. Our work will (i) shed new light on the interplay of targeting sequences and delta psi - and receptor-mediated membrane identity that secures correct targeting, and (ii) implement new optogenetic tools for understanding and controlling cellular processes in C. reinhardtii.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1208: Identity and Dynamics of Membrane Systems - from Molecules to Cellular Functions
• Applicant Institution: Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Sven B. Gould; Professor Dr. Matias Daniel Zurbriggen