The aim of this project is to elucidate the mechanisms how mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species contributes to cellular signal transduction. Based on the molecular mechanisms of superoxide production by the respiratory chain complexes I (NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase) and III (cytochrome bc1 complex) we plan to establish a reliable experimental model for the investigation of mitochondrial signaling ROS production in isolated heart mitochondria and in cardiomyocytes. Using this model we will analyze the role of ROS in protective adaptation during ischemic and pharmacological preconditioning. These studies will be complemented by a redox proteomic approach to identify oxidative modification of mitochondrial proteins and to evaluate their functional consequences.

Links:

Molecular Bioenergetics (http://www.zbc.kgu.de/Bioenergetik/)