MOMbrane: The multifaceted functions and dynamics of the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM)

01/04/2018 to 30/09/2022

The mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) mediates numerous interactions between mitochondria and the rest of the cell. It plays a central role in: mitophagy, apoptosis, motility and morphology of the organelle, transfer of proteins and lipids to and from other compartments, immune response, and exchange of metabolites with the cytosol. Despite its obvious importance, the MOM is currently understudied, making our initiative highly relevant and unique. All the included projects are tightly interconnected and deal with various aspects of the same biological question: How are mitochondrial diversity, dynamics and functions coordinated and regulated at the level of the MOM? To this aim, we employ an interdisciplinary strategy combining the expertise of the various partners in biochemistry, cell biology, biophysics, structural biology, biotechnology and quantitative proteomics. Only the joint initiative of various groups will allow us to embark on this challenging new endeavour.
All fellows participating in this RTG will benefit from an intense program of training measures. Our aim is to provide a cohort of young researchers the appropriate multidisciplinary background and knowhow in mitochondrial biology and to train them in techniques needed to study it. In addition, we will include in our RTG a wide spectrum of career promoting, non-scientific activities. A special aspect of the training program will be a tight cooperation with the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS), Israel. A selected group of scientists from WIS, who share our research interests and perfectly complement our expertise, will participate in the training and instructing program. Each fellow in our RTG will have a dual mentoring team including a co-supervisor from the WIS. In addition, each fellow will spend an internship in the partner group at the WIS and, within each funding period, we plan two common workshops – one in Tübingen and one at the WIS.
Collectively, MOM proteins are playing a central role in a wide variety of cellular processes and their malfunction can cause human diseases. By joining forces and employing a unique training program, we aim to train a group of young researchers who will help us to gain a comprehensive understanding of this fascinating biological system.