Regulation of mitochondrial fission, fusion and distribution [ 2007 - 2009 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Michael Ryan (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Ann Frazier

Brief description Mitochondria are subcellular compartments that produce most of the energy for our bodies, in the form of ATP. They were once thought of as small bean-shaped organelles floating around in our cells, but it is now known that mitochondria instead form networks of tubules that undergo changes in their shape through both fission and fusion events. Mitochondria are transported along microtubules that act as highways in the cell so that they can be distributed to areas that require ATP or other specialist functions such as uptake and release of calcium. In specialist cells, mitochondria are organised even further. Sperm cells contain mitochondria packed around the mid-piece of the flagellum so that ATP can be utilised directly for swimming. Proper mitochondrial distribution also appears to be required for nerve cell development and function while in pancreatic cells they sit at the cell's edge and help regulate the secretion of insulin into the bloodstream. While we now realise the great importance of mitochondria to the cell, we are only beginning to work out how these organelles undergo the drastic morphological changes which are essential for cellular function. Of the few known components involved in shaping mitochondria, some have been found to be essential to life and their gene mutations are linked to neurological disorders, while others appear to be recruited in the activation of cell death pathways. In this application, we plan to identify and characterise the proteins involved in movement and shaping of these organelles. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of mitochondrial dynamics will provide valuable insights into mitochondrial segregation and specialisation in cells and their defects that lead to disease.

Funding Amount $AUD 480,128.39

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant