Redox Processes in Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Proteostasis
Mitochondria are essential organelles involved in a plethora of processes including ATP synthesis, initiation of apoptosis, iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis and biosynthesis of metabolites. Mitochondria are integrated tightly into cellular networks and thus essentially all cellular processes have a mitochondrial component or are influenced by mitochondrial activities.
Most mitochondrial proteins are synthesized outside the organelle and are imported by a variety of different import pathways. We characterize some of these import pathways especially those that guide proteins into the mitochondrial intermembrane space (IMS). We are thereby interested in the fundamental mechanisms that drive import but also the physiological consequences of malfunctions and ways to regulate these processes in cells and organisms.