Research OverviewMitochondrial Function Mitochondria are the powerhouses of most eukaryotic cells (nucleated cells) ----the membrane-contained structures (organelles) in that produce energy for cells----in the form of ATP. This is accomplished by oxidizing the major products of glycolysis, in which energy is extracted from sugars. Mitochondria contain their own DNA and resemble bacterial cells in their structure, and probably arose by means of early cells engulfing bacteria-like ancestors. In addition to energy production... Complete Information... | Research DescriptionResearch Specialties: mitochondrial function, protein cycling Mitochondria are intracellular organelles key to the physiology of eukaryotes. They provide energy to cells through the conversion of carbon sources into ATP, function in iron and calcium homeostasis, and play a central regulatory role in programmed cell death. Depending on the cell type and metabolic requirements of the cell, mitochondria exist in different shapes and numbers. The two most common shapes of mitochondria are long, filamentous networks and short, grain-like mitochondria (Figure 1). These forms occur in a dynamic equilibrium within a single cell. This equilibrium exists as mitochondria are continuously undergoing the opposing processes of fusion and fission, and the relative contribution of each process determines the overall degree of continuity of the network, as well as the average... Complete Information... |
Representative PublicationsKarbowski M, Neutzner A, Youle RJ. The mitochondrial E3 ubiquitin ligase MARCH5 is required for Drp1 dependent mitochondrial division. J Cell Biol. 2007, 178(1):71-84. Karbowski M, Norris K, Cleland M, Jeong SY, Youle RJ. Role of Bax and Bak in mitochondrial morphogenesis. Nature. 2006 443(7112):658-62 Youle RJ, Karbowski M. Mitochondrial morphogenesis and apoptosis. Nature Rev. Mol. Cell Biol. 2005, 6: 657-663 Complete Listing... |
