Inter-cellular transfer of mitochondria in the brain

Objectives

The main objective of this project is to determine (1) whether the transfer of mitochondria occur between cells in the brain in both physiological and pathological conditions, (2) which cells are involved, (3) if it can help in the context of a gene therapy strategy.

Abstract

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of cells and they are essential for the function and survival of energy-demanding cells for instance in the brain. Inter-cellular transfer of mitochondria is a poorly-studied mechanism that has been mostly documented in in vitro using co-culture systems. However, it remains unknown if this process also occurs in vivo, which cells exchange mitochondria, in which direction, is it modified in pathological conditions and can it help in the context of therapeutic strategies.
To address these questions, we recently generated a novel genetic construct that allows us to easily monitor inter-cellular transfer of mitochondria in cell culture and animals. After validating this tool, we will use it in cell cultures and in wild-type type as well as in a model of neurodegenerative disease.

Methods

The student will use/explore complementary techniques: cell cultures, high-resolution and live microscopy, viral vector delivery, mouse handling, flow cytometry.

References

• Reynaud-Dulaurier et al. (2020) Brain.
• Reynaud-Dulaurier et al. (2020) Frontiers in Bioengineering and biotechnology.

Requested domains of expertise

Cell biology, mitochondria, neurodegenerative diseases, therapy.

Contacts

M.Decressac, CRCN Inserm
Email : michael.decressacinserm.fr
Phone : 04.56.52.06.75