Mitochondria fulfil various essential functions for the survival of eukaryotic cells. Their biogenesis and functions depend on the import of more than 1000 different proteins that are produced as precursors on cytosolic ribosomes. Impaired mitochondrial targeting or defective import into mitochondria result in cytosolic accumulation of such proteins, causing proteotoxic stress. As a result, mitochondrial proteins aggregate in different cellular compartments, a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. Our biochemical and proteomic studies identified partner proteins of protein translocases acting in guiding proteins to mitochondria or their removal when import fails (Opalinski et al., 2018; Schulte et al., 2023 Nature; Mårtensson et al., 2019 Nature). We will study the molecular mechanisms of targeting and quality control of mitochondrial precursor proteins.

We use highly innovative techniques in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology. This includes robot based genetic screens combined with fluorescent imaging and protein-protein-interaction studies coupled with proteomic assays. We study the functionality and fate of proteins using protein stability, aggregation, disaggregation assays and analyse the state of post-translational modifications with ubiquitin-family proteins. Moreover, we reconstitute the import and assembly of mitochondrial proteins synthesized in cell-free systems into intact organelles in vitro. We offer a well-equipped workspace in an active international team. The University of Bonn provides an excellent scientific research environment.

The position starts as soon as possible and is for a period of three years, with the possibility of an extension.