Gyorgy Hajnoczky

Mitochondrial Calcium Signalling

December 8th, 1pm

UCL, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Anatomy Building, Gavin De Beer LT

Host: Gyorgy Szabadkai

Gyorgy had a pioneering role in identifying the role of MICU1 in regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, see:

MICU1 regulation of mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake dictates survival and tissue regeneration.

MICU1 controls both the threshold and cooperative activation of the mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporter.

His previous ‘Greatest Hits’ listed in the Scientist

• Visualized mitochondrial energy production and ion metabolism in single live cells.
• Characterized the behavior of IP3 receptors in cells and described how they produce calcium spikes.
• Demonstrated that calcium spikes stimulate ATP production in mitochondria, and identified the molecular mechanism by which this occurs.
• Discovered a physical tether between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum and described its role in signaling.
• Determined how mitochondrial movements are controlled inside a cell.
• Used real-time, live-cell imaging to observe transient mitochondrial fusion events—aka “kiss and run.”