Mitochondrial Behavior

Abstract

Mitochondria are double membrane-bounded organelles that perform a myriad of diverse and essential functions in cells. These functions are dependent on the collective intracellular behavior of the organelle. We have characterized key features of mitochondrial behaviors. Our work has addressed the physiological functions and mechanisms of mitochondrial division and fusion, which are important determinants of overall mitochondrial shape and distribution. We have characterized contact sites that intimately link mitochondria with the ER and determined their roles in mitochondrial positioning and dynamics. We have also addressed the fundamental question of how mitochondrial membranes are sub-compartmentalized to reveal how the complex internal architecture of the organelle is generated. Our current challenge is to determine how mitochondrial behaviors are integrated with one another and physiologically regulated within cells and organisms.