Forschungsgruppen

Forschung

Mitochondrial Membrane Biology
 
How do cells shape their powerhouses? We study the proteins and lipids that sculpt mitochondrial membranes, drive lipid transport, and organize membrane contact sites. By revealing the molecular machinery behind mitochondrial architecture, we aim to understand how structure enables energy production and cellular life.
 
1. Intra-mitochondrial Lipid Transfer
Lipids are essential building blocks of mitochondrial membranes, yet how they are transported within mitochondria remains poorly understood. We investigate the molecular mechanisms of lipid transfer, focusing on how specialized protein complexes recognize membranes and move lipids to support membrane growth, remodeling, and function.
 
2. Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Architecture and Membrane Contact Sites
The mitochondrial inner membrane forms a highly organized network of folds and junctions that is critical for energy production. We study how the MICOS complex and its interaction partners shape membrane architecture and establish contact sites between mitochondrial membranes, providing insight into the fundamental principles that organize cellular compartments.