Elucidate the regulatory cascade controlling mitochondrial fission in mitosis (A13*)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 269925409

Mitochondrial dynamics play a crucial role in numerous cellular functions and defects are associated with multiple disorders. Project A13 seeks to elucidate the signalling cascade initiating mitochondrial fragmentation and segregation during cell division, a fundamental yet almost unexplored cellular process. The project aims to shed light on the molecular mechanisms regulating mitochondrial fission in mitosis using a combination of biochemical and cellular assays, in particular focusing on protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications regulating the activity of Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1). This research will uncover possible consequences of defective mitochondrial dynamics on proper chromosome segregation and cell cycle progression.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1218: Mitochondrial regulation of cellular function
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Head: Dr. Valentina Piano, Ph.D.