Identifying the molecules needed to make new mitochondria

Regulation of the rate-limiting enzyme, CDP-diacylglycerol synthase (CDS) in mitochondrial biogenesis in cardiomyocytes (Mr Nicholas Blunsom)  

Supervised by Professor Shamshad Cockroft, a PhD student is investigating how we keep the mitochondria inside heart cells working properly, so they can provide the energy the heart needs to beat. A molecule called cardiolipin is essential for mitochondria to work correctly. It is crucial to the formation of new mitochondrial proteins and in maintaining their function to keep the heart beating healthily. The amount of cardiolipin made is controlled by an enzyme called CDS1. Professor Cockcroft believes that CDS1 is present in a special compartment of the cell, known as the endoplasmic reticulum, which connects to the mitochondria and leads to intake of cardiolipin. In this project, the student will confirm where in the cell CDS1 is located and what other proteins are bound to it. Importantly, they will investigate how CDS1 and its neighbouring proteins promote mitochondrial health through proper generation of cardiolipin. This study will give us valuable insights into how cardiolipin is important in keeping mitochondria working properly and, in turn, our hearts beating healthily.