Project 09:
MFN2 role, origin and evolution in protein aggregation and mitochondrial import capacity
Mafalda Escobar-Henriques
E-Mail: mafalda.escobar@uni-koeln.de
Phone: +49 221-47089053
Institute for Genetics, CECAD, CMMC
University of Cologne
Kay Hofmann
E-Mail: kay.hofmann@uni-koeln.de
Phone: +49 221-4701701
Institute for Genetics
University of Cologne
Abstract
Mitochondria are dynamic cellular compartments that can remodel their own shape and activity. They sense and convert cellular signals into informative triggers, allowing the cell to adapt to its ever-changing needs. Mitofusins, the mitochondrial fusion factors, are proteins located at the mitochondrial surface that can sense and transmit cellular inputs. In this project, we will investigate the role of mitofusin 2 in protein aggregation and mitochondrial import capacity.
Project-relevant publications
Anton V, Buntenbroich I, Simões T, Joaquim M, Müller L, Buettner R, Odenthal M, Hoppe T, Escobar-Henriques M (2023) E4 ubiquitin ligase promotes mitofusin turnover and mitochondrial stress response. Mol Cell. 83(16):2976-2990.e9.
Boll V, Hermanns T, Uthoff M, Erven I, Hörner EM, Kozjak-Pavlovic V, Baumann U, Hofmann K (2023) Functional and structural diversity in deubiquitinases of the Chlamydia-like bacterium Simkania negevensis. Nat Commun. 14(1):7335.
Buntenbroich I, Anton V, Perez-Hernandez D, Simões T, Gaedke F, Schauss A, Dittmar G, Riemer J, Escobar-Henriques M (2023) Docking and stability defects in mitofusin highlight the proteasome as a potential therapeutic target. iScience. 26(7):107014.
Hermanns T, Hofmann K (2023) Bioinformatical approaches to the discovery and classification of novel deubiquitinases. Methods Mol Biol. 2591:135-149.
Körner M, Meyer SR, Marincola G, Kern MJ, Grimm C, Schuelein-Voelk C, Fischer U, Hofmann K, Buchberger A (2023) The FAM104 proteins VCF1/2 promote the nuclear localization of p97/VCP. Elife. 12:e92409.
Erven I, Abraham E, Hermanns T, Baumann U, Hofmann K (2022) A widely distributed family of eukaryotic and bacterial deubiquitinases related to herpesviral large tegument proteins. Nat Commun. 13(1):7643.
Hermanns T, Pichlo C, Baumann U, Hofmann K (2022) A structural basis for the diverse linkage specificities within the ZUFSP deubiquitinase family. Nat Commun. 13(1):401.
Escobar-Henriques M, Altin S, Brave FD (2020) Interplay between the ubiquitin proteasome system and mitochondria for protein homeostasis. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 35:35-58.
Joaquim M, Escobar-Henriques M (2020) Role of mitofusins and mitophagy in life or death decisions. Front Cell Dev Biol. 8:572182.
Escobar-Henriques M, Joaquim M (2019) Mitofusins: Disease gatekeepers and hubs in mitochondrial quality control by E3 ligases. Front Physiol. 10:517.
Read more
All Projects
Find out more about the other tandem/tridem projects that are conducted as part of the SPP2453.
Scientific Background
See what is already known in the mitostasis research area and get to know the central questions of the SPP2453.
Structure
See how the Priority Program SPP2453 is organized and whom to contact if you have questions.