Principal Investigator
Head of Research Area 1
Mitochondria not only are hosts for numerous essential metabolic pathways, like energy production, they have also been a central signaling hub which regulates processes crucial in determining cell fate particularly under stressful conditions.
The primary focus of our research is to unravel the precise signaling cascade of pathogenic mechanisms leading to mitochondrial diseases and aging. Our ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic targets and strategies to address these conditions.
When mitochondria experience stress or dysfunction, they communicate by sending signals to the cell nucleus, triggering various adaptive responses. Activated transcription factors stimulate the expression of specific gene sets, facilitating the cell's adaptation to these changes. Recent scientific breakthroughs highlight that mitochondria not only serve as a signaling platform but also act as active producers of potent damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), controlling the activation of innate immunity and inflammatory responses. Our research aims to delve deeper into these largely unknown mechanisms, crucial in determining the extent of tissue-specific defects arising from respiratory deficiency, systemic metabolic alterations, and inflammatory changes.
Our group has successfully advanced research approaches focusing on the intricate communication between mitochondria and other cellular components. We have challenged the current understanding by demonstrating that mitochondrial dysfunction can be sensed independently of respiratory chain deficiency, questioning established views on the molecular mechanisms contributing to mitochondrial disease development. Moreover, we have reported variations in the induction of mitochondrial stress response pathways between C. elegans and mice. Our quest extends to identifying novel pathways involved in cellular and organismic adaptation to mitochondrial dysfunction, with potential implications for lifespan prolongation and the discovery of new homeostatic pathways.
Our research primarily centers on unraveling the intricate signaling cascade underlying pathogenic mechanisms that contribute to mitochondrial diseases and aging. The ultimate objective is to pinpoint novel therapeutic targets and devise potential treatment strategies.
Principal Investigator
Head of Research Area 1