Traditionally, our main focus is to elaborate key processes behind the versatility and specificity of Ca²⁺ as the cell's most powerful second messenger with special focus on mechanisms of spatiotemporal Ca²⁺ signaling as molecular basis of the regulation of Ca²⁺-dependent signal transduction and implication for endothelial cell functions under pathological conditions (e.g. lipotoxicity, diabetes mellitus). Recently, we focused on the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ signaling and their contribution to spatial Ca²⁺ signaling, regulation of mitochondria function and vascular aging. This work is associated with installations of numerous new methodical approaches in order to allow the identification of the actual proteins involved in mitochondrial Ca²⁺ sequestration (e.g. intermolecular FRET, visualization of processes of aging-associated modification of mitochondrial proteins) and the key processes regulating the proximity to the endoplasmic reticulum.

In course of our work, we sought to overcome existing technical boundaries by the design of special instrumental devices and the development of new fluorescent sensors for life-time visualization of signal transduction processes, like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca²⁺ content and Ca²⁺-dependent protein folding, the mitochondrial Ca²⁺ content and organelle ATP levels and AMPK activity.

Accordingly, we will further investigate the mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake machinery and the molecular mechanisms of metabolic flexibility. In course of the DK-MCD we intend to teach and practically instruct students in the development of new fluorescent sensors for signal transduction, their utilization and new approaches for exploring mitochondrial ion homeostasis and energy metabolism. Moreover, the technical understanding of the scholars on microscopy techniques and assessments of energy metabolism and its flexibility will be strengthened.

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