Project description
Watching mitochondrial membrane formation in action for the first time
All the cells of the body require energy to do their jobs. Mitochondria, organelles found abundantly in every cell, are the so-called powerhouses. They produce a molecule that releases the energy required to support cellular functions. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with many varied diseases and conditions. MitoCRISTAE is applying new high-tech methods to study the development of convoluted membranes in mitochondria, whose dynamically changing structure has recently been linked to the functioning of the energy production pathway. In studies only recently possible, the team plans the pioneering investigation of membrane development over time to understand mitochondrial structure and function in health and disease.
Objective
Mitochondrial cristae biogenesis is an enigma ever since the first imaging of mitochondria, the ‘powerhouses’ of eukaryotic cells, by electron microscopy in the 1950s. The mitochondrial cristae, dynamic and structurally conserved invaginations of the mitochondrial inner membrane, are essential for respiratory ATP generation. Thereby, the form and function of the mitochondrial inner membrane are deeply intertwined. Indeed, irregular or disturbed cristae morphologies are believed to cause numerous human diseases, including neurodegeneration, cardiomyopathies, metabolic disorders and cancer.
Previous approaches to study cristae biogenesis have relied primarily on the use of 2D electron microscopy and biochemistry to analyse mutant cells defective in cristae formation. Based on striking pilot experiments, we propose to study cristae biogenesis by a radically different approach. We will induce synchronous cristae development in gene-edited cell lines initially defective in cristae formation. We will then follow de novo cristae biogenesis over time by combining a series of enabling approaches, including live cell and MINFLUX super-resolution microscopy, 3D (cryo) electron microscopy, label-free (SWATH) mass spectrometry, and single molecule counting. These technologies have just emerged in the last few years, and thus this proposal would not have been possible a few years ago. The primary aim of this proposal is to establish a deep, comprehensive and quantitative understanding of cristae biogenesis in human cells. Using theses insights, we will also investigate the effects of mutations in mitochondrial proteins associated with human diseases on cristae biogenesis.
Altogether, if successful, the outcome will represent a paradigm shift in our knowledge of how mitochondrial ultrastructure in healthy and diseased cells is generated and maintained. Our findings might spark innovative and novel strategies for the treatment of devastating human mitopathies.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy super resolution microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2018-ADG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
37075 Goettingen
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.