We want to understand how proteins are specifically targeted to each compartment, or organelle, and how new organelles are built from these protein components. We have been working in particular on the targeting of newly-made proteins to the mitochondria, in comparison to the targeting of proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum. Some of these tail-anchored proteins are targeted exclusively to the mitochondria, some exclusively to the endoplasmic reticulum, and some to both membranes. We want to understand how and why. Expression of a GFP fusion protein wih a mitochondrial targeting sequence.
Confocal microscopy reveals the distinct cortical profile of yeast mitochondria.
The MSF-mediated targeting of proteins to mitochondria is especially interesting. The baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used as a model by geneticists and cell biologists for many years, and the complete sequence of the yeast genome together with what is known about the proteins encoded can be found at the Stanford University Saccharomyces Genome Database . Students trained in this area of research have the opportunity to acquire a broad range of skills, from molecular biology and genetic analysis, to protein purification and sequencing, computer-based sequence analysis and antibody technology. These skills are directly applicable in any aspect of cell biology. Acidic receptor domains on both sides of the outer membrane mediate translocation of precursor proteins into yeast mitochondria.