Mitochondria- and metabolism-derived signaling are equally important for the dynamic responsiveness of neuronal networks, synaptic plasticity and single-cell function. Disturbed signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction are considered as the underlying causes of a variety of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.
We analyze such mitochondria- and metabolism derived signaling in functionally intact hippocampal/ medullary preparations of rats and mice by combining classic electrophysiological approaches with high-resolution and multiphoton microscopy and the use of advanced optical sensors. In the center of our research interest are the following topics:
- Intracellular strategic positioning and functional heterogeneity of mitochondria
- Modulation of organelle interactions via mitochondria-derived signaling (ROS, NOS, Ca2+, ATP)
- Intracellular signaling function of ROS and redox changes in complex neuronal networks
- Defined redox modulation of cellular proteins (ion channels, receptors, regulatory and structural proteins) by changes in mitochondrial metabolism
- Mitochondrial dysfunction and redox imbalance in Rett syndrome
- Responses of complex neuronal networks to metabolic compromise
Group Members:
Prof. Dr. Michael Müller, Group Leader
M.Sc. Gocha Golubiani, PhD Student
M.Sc. Laura van Agen, PhD Student
Moritz Kirschner, MD Student
Belinda Kempkes, Technical Assistant