At the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bonn Medical School, Germany is available a part-time position (25,025 h/week):

PhD student (m/f/d) The role of lysosomal protein degradation in mitochondrial membrane stress responses

Mitochondria play critical roles in cellular metabolism and bioenergetics, serve as main suppliers of ATP, and host diverse anabolic and catabolic pathways. To date, little is known how they integrate into global cellular stress responses and how mitochondrial quality control systems cooperate with other subcellular compartments to sustain cellular homeostasis. Mitochondrial dysfunction can result in apoptosis, if major malfunctions are not corrected, e.g. by selective removal of mitochondrial network portions through autophagy. In contrast to previous assumptions, mitochondrial membrane systems are also connected to the endo-lysosomal system through formation of hitherto ill-defined vesicular structures, termed mitochondria-derived vesicles (MDVs). It is currently completely unknown what defines their content, how MDVs contribute to the mitochondrial stress response, and if lysosomal degradation is indeed their ultimate fate. In this project, a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach will be utilized to address these important questions. Genome-edited mammalian cell lines will be used to study the consequences of mitochondrial stress, like membrane deformation or altered protein assembly on MDV formation and their protein content. These conditions will be complemented by the use of chemical inhibitors of lysosomal or mitochondrial function to discern the effect of distinct pathways on MDV biogenesis and fate. We will use a combination of mass spectrometry-based proteomics, bioinformatics, high-resolution imaging, biochemical protein complex analysis, and metabolic measurements to unravel the contribution of MDVs to mitochondrial homeostasis and global cellular stress response programs. 

The position starts from the 01.09.2024 or as soon as possible in the course of the recently funded DFG priority program SPP2453 and is for a period of three years until 31.08.2027 (current funding period of the project), with the possibility of an extension.