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Pernas lab - MPI for Biology of Ageing

REGULATION OF CHOLESTEROL METABOLISM BY INTERORGANELLAR PROTEIN RELOCALIZATION

The cell is an interconnected entity, yet the mechanisms that synchronize organellar function are little understood. Here, we explore the concept that specific proteins relocalize between organelles and regulate cellular processes through coordination of organellar function. Specifically, we will address the role of proteins that relocalize between mitochondria and the lysosome or ER to regulate cholesterol metabolism through unbiased and multiplexed proteomic strategies.

Philipp Melchinger

PhD student since June 2020

EMail: pmelchinger[at]age.mpg.de

"I studied Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Freiburg, where I specialized in proteomics of post-translational modifications. Early during my studies I visited Australian National University, exploring biochemistry of plant secondary metabolites. In my PhD project I am able to continue to pursue my interest in how proteomic regulation affects metabolic functions."

Bruna Martins Garcia

Graduated in October 2023

Former Gender & Diversity Board Member

EMail: Bruna.Garcia@age.mpg.de

"I am a biotech engineer and in my first year at the university, I realized that I was much more passionate about molecular biology than engineering. Because of it, I decided to work in life science research and I have been working in the lab for more than 10 years. Currently, I am studying cellular metabolism and trying to figure out new ways of regulating the production of certain metabolites inside the cells."

Selected Publications Pernas lab

  • Pernas L, Bean C, Boothroyd JC, and Scorrano L. (2018) Mitochondria restrict growth of the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma by limiting its uptake of fatty acids. Cell Metabolism, 27(4):886-897.

  • Blank ML, Parke ML, Ramaswamy R, Powell CJ, English ED, Adomako-Ankomah Y, Pernas L, Workman, SD, Boothroyd JC, Boulanger MJ, and Boyle JP. (2018) A Toxoplasma gondii locus required for the direct manipulation of host mitochondria has maintained multiple ancestral functions. Molecular Microbiology, 108(5):519-535.

  • Pernas L and Scorrano L. (2016) Mito-morphosis: cristae remodeling, mitochondrial fusion and fission as mediators of cellular function. Annu. Rev. Physiol., 78, 505-31.