Plasticity of the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing complex (A10*)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry ; Cell Biology
• Term: from 2020 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 269925409

Mitochondrial morphology varies markedly among different tissues, but the functional ramifications of this structural plasticity remain unclear. Cristae, invaginations of the inner mitochondrial membrane, are among the most flexible structures and the mitochondrial contact site and cristae orga¬nizing (MICOS) complex acts as a key player in controlling their shape. We will study the precise composition and structure of the MICOS complex in different tissues and the functional consequence of its plasticity, to shed light on the mechanisms linking cristae structure to physiological adaptations of mitochondria.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1218: Mitochondrial regulation of cellular function
• International Connection: Netherlands
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Co-Applicant Institution: Radbout University
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Ulrich Brandt