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The molecular architecture of mitochondria
We explore the biology and evolution of mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouses, in photosynthetic organisms, in particular micro-algae.
Almost every eukaryote – from humans to plants – possess mitochondria, a sub-cellular compartment (named organelle) commonly known as cellular powerhouses. In the cells, these organelles carry-out multiple functions, but the main one is to produce energy.
Visualizing mitochondrial architecture and remodeling
We focus on studying the architecture of mitochondria in photosynthetic organisms, that play a crucial role in Earth’s ecology. In these organisms, chloroplasts – the sites of photosynthesis – and mitochondria functions are tightly linked to coordinate both energy production and carbon fixation.
Using cutting-edge technologies, such as cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography we can study mitochondria architecture on scales ranging from organelle to atoms. We aim to gain fundamental insights into how these vital organelles adapt and remodel to efficiently produce energy under changing environmental conditions.
Evolution of mitochondria across eukaryotes
Even if the core functions of mitochondria are conversed, their architecture and the structure diverged during evolution and are now widely different across eukaryotes. Notably, in photosynthetic organisms, we would like to understand the effects of chloroplast acquisition on the biology of mitochondria. Our research will enhance the understanding of mitochondrial evolution and, more broadly, the evolution of photosynthetic organisms.
Interplay between mitochondria and chloroplasts
In photosynthetic organisms, mitochondria work together with chloroplasts to ensure efficient energy production and carbon fixation. In our project, we investigate how mitochondria and chloroplasts interact at the molecular level and how they reorganize their architecture in response to environmental changes.
