Obtaining mechanistic insights into the mitochondrial stress response using cryo-electron microscopy

Mitochondria are hubs of bioenergetic processes whose home-ostasis must be tightly regulated for cellular function and longevity. In response to physiological and pathological insults, mitochondria use molecular signals to initiate nuclear transcription of stress-response genes as a means of restoring cellular homeostasis. Rapid and efficient transduction of mitochondrial stress to the integrated stress response is an essential component of cellular homeostasis maintenance, and dysregulation of this pathway has been observed in a wide range of human diseases, such as cancers, heart diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this webinar, Dr. Jie Yang, from Scripp Research Institute will share how his team is applying cryo-electron microscopy to obtain a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind the mitochondrial stress response. Dr. Jie Yang will discuss the molecular description of DELE1, a key signaling factor linking mitochondrial dysfunction to the integrated stress response. DELE1 is a potential novel avenue for therapeutic interventions to counter human mitochondrial pathologies.