Department Langer

Mitochondria are dynamic metabolic organelles that participate in cellular signaling and adapt to varying physiological demands. The activity of mitochondria declines with age and a dysfunction of these organelles is associated with numerous age-associated diseases, raising the question: how do mitochondria influence cell fitness and ageing? In order to understand the role of mitochondria in ageing and age-associated disease, the department seeks to define molecular mechanisms that preserve mitochondrial function with age and allow the dynamic adaptation of the mitochondrial proteome in a cell- and tissue-specific manner. Projects focus on the function of mitochondrial proteases that are emerging as central regulators and orchestrate complex interactions of mitochondria with their cellular environment. [more]