Limna - Lausanne Integrative Metabolism Nutrition Alliance

Professor
Jean-Claude Martinou

Department of Cell Biology - University of Geneva

Mitochondria are semi-autonomous, sub-cellular organelles essential for living cells. They are separated from the surrounding cytosol by a specialized double membrane and contain their own genome present in multiple copies and organized into structures termed 'nucleoids' which are associated with the inner mitochondrial membrane.

The mitochondrial genome encodes 13 highly hydrophobic proteins which contribute to the membrane-bound electron transport chain, as well as 2 rRNAs and 22 tRNAs essential for their translation by the mitoribosomes. All other proteins of the mitochondrial proteome, which is currently estimated to contain more than 1000 proteins, are encoded in the nucleus and are imported into mitochondria through specialized membrane transporters.

Mitochondria perform multiple functions in mammalian cells, including the production of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation, regulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis, control of apoptosis, and biosynthesis of key macromolecules essential for cell proliferation and differentiation. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with a wide range of human diseases.

Research in our lab is currently focused in three main areas

  • Understanding the control of mitochondrial gene expression
  • Investigating the pivotal role of pyruvate metabolism in maintaining metabolite homeostasis and neurotransmitter balance, and the control of cell fate
  • Exploring the role of nutrients in epigenetic control of gene expression

Contact

Prof. Jean-Claude Martinou

Department of Cell Biology

University of Geneva

 

Sciences III
Quai Ernest Ansermet 30
1205 Geneva
Switzerland

Tel. +41 22 379 6670
Fax. +41 22 379 6442

E-mail

Lab website

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9847-2051