Mitochondrial RNA granule associated proteins: investigating the role of FASTK family members in mitochondrial RNA processing

Research

Mitochondria in cell homeostasis

Mitochondria play a role in energy production and in a number of other essential cellular processes, including lipid and amino acid metabolism, the urea cycle, iron sulfur cluster assembly, iron homeostasis and cell death. Mitochondria dysfunctions have been implicated in ageing and in several human pathologies, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and diabetes.

The group is interested in the mechanisms by which mitochondria participate in cell homeostasis. In particular our lab focuses on the activity of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier during proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells and in the regulation of synaptic transmission in the brain. Moreover, we are studying novel proteins, present in RNA granules, which play a role in mitochondrial mRNA stability.

Latest Publications

Compan V, Pierredon S, Vanderperre B, Krznar P, Marchiq I, Zamboni N, Pouyssegur J, Martinou JC. (2015) Monitoring mitochondrial pyruvate carrier activity in real time using a BRET-based biosensor: investigation of the Warburg effect. Mol Cell,  59:491-501 

Jourdain AA, Koppen M, Wydro M, Rodley CD, Lightowlers RN, Chrzanowska-Lightowlers ZM, Martinou JC. (2013) GRSF1 regulates RNA processing in mitochondrial RNA granules. Cell Metabolism, 17:399-410. 

Herzig S, Raemy E, Montessuit S, Veuthey JL, Zamboni N, Westermann B, Kunji ER, Martinou JC. (2012) Identification and functional expression of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier, Science, 337: 93-96.