Investigating mtDNA as a danger signal across the tree of life. Mitochondria (the powerhouse of cells) originated from ancient bacteria. Many mitochondrial components (eg mitochondrial DNA; mtDNA) ret

Description

Investigating mtDNA as a danger signal across the tree of life. Mitochondria (the powerhouse of cells) originated from ancient bacteria. Many mitochondrial components (eg mitochondrial DNA; mtDNA) retain bacterial-like features, and must be separated from the rest of the cell, to prevent inflammation. Host cell recognition of mtDNA as a potent immune trigger has been widely studied in mice and humans, but nothing is known of other eukaryotes. In a world-first, this project asks if mtDNA is a danger signal across kingdoms – both plant and animal. It builds on discoveries made by a team with renowned expertise in mitochondrial biology and microscopy – combining innovative, cutting-edge techniques to investigate a fundamental evolutionary question with wide-reaching benefits to many agricultural industries. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Lead: Dr Kate McArthur