The UPRmt coordinates mitochondrial network expansion and peroxisome biogenesis in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans

You are cordially invited to a special seminar of the

Department of Human molecular Genetics and Biochemistry

Department of Cell & Developmental Biology

Department of Pathology   

By:

Tomer Shpilka, Ph.D

University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

Genetics, Developmental Biology

USA

Title:

“The UPR^mt coordinates mitochondrial network expansion and peroxisome biogenesis in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans”

Abstract: As organisms develop, individual cells generate mitochondria and peroxisomes to fulfill their physiological requirements. A decline, or dysfunction in these organelles is associated with ageing and a vast array of clinical manifestations including metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite this, it is unknown how mitochondrial network expansion and peroxisome biogenesis is scaled to cell growth, and what compensatory pathways cells employ to maintain the organelles’ function. The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR^mt) is a signaling pathway mediated by the transcription factor ATFS-1. Using genetic and biochemical approaches in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans we demonstrate that ATFS-1 mediates an adaptable mitochondrial network expansion and peroxisome biogenesis program that is active throughout normal development. We characterized the molecular mechanism and signaling events that regulate the UPR^mt and uncovered a peroxisomal retrograde response that is required for peroxisome biogenesis. These findings as well as the therapeutic potential and future directions of my studies will be presented.

The Seminar will take place on

Monday, January 16th, 2023 at 14:15

At the Sackler Faculty of Medicine Building, Meerbaum Hall