Forschung Gottfried Schatz Forschungszentrum

Research focus Signaling

PI: Corina Madreiter-Sokolowski

Focus: Corina Madreiter-Sokolowski investigates with her research team mitochondrial (dys)function during aging and in age-related diseases. Thereby, they focus on subcellular mechanisms and signaling cascades that regulate mitochondrial metabolism and the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS). For this purpose, cutting-edge technologies in fluorescence microscopy are applied in cellular aging models, nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans), and various cancer cells. This translational research aims to identify new targets and compounds to counteract age-related cellular deterioration and maintain fitness during aging. Besides, targeted modulation of mitochondrial metabolism is investigated to specifically kill cancer and senescent cells.

Networking: Corina Madreiter-Sokolowski's research team closely cooperates with internationally renowned aging experts and clinic colleagues to study mitochondrial metabolic function. Interdisciplinary research is highly appreciated to gain new input and to bundle know-how and expertise.

Projects

FWF: T3-induced rewiring of mitochondrial Ca2+ in cancer cells

  • Thyroid hormones are the master regulators of cellular metabolism and consequently also crucial for cancer cells, which require energy for their invasive growth. The current project will investigate how thyroid hormones modulate mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and, thereby, mitochondrial function and energy supply in different cancer cells.  
  • Duration: 2023 – 2026
  • Funded by: FWF

FWF: Promotion of lifespan by mitochondrial Ca2+-induced ROS

  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential molecules in signal transduction but damage their cellular environment if they occur in excess. In this project, nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) and cellular aging models are used to investigate how mitochondrial calcium regulation can specifically modulate ROS levels to extend lifespan and improve fitness in old age.
  • Duration: 2022 – 2026
  • Funded by: FWF

FWF: The role of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis in the aging process

  • In this Erwin Schrödinger project, the impact of mitochondrial calcium and ROS homeostasis on aging was investigated in nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) and mice. Following the stay abroad, a Caenorhabditis elegans research unit was set up at the Gottfried Schatz Research Center to investigate age-related subcellular changes in signal transduction by fluorescence microscopy.
  • Funded by: FWF
  • Project partners: Wolfgang Graier, Michael Ristow

FWF: Research group SENIOPROM - Inter-organelle communication in cellular senescence

  • The FWF research group SENIOPROM aims to unveil the underlying mechanisms of cellular senescence. These include the function of mitochondria, the interaction of mitochondria with other organelles, metabolic regulation, and the maintenance of functioning proteins. Ultimately, these processes should serve as a starting point for developing new therapeutic strategies to specifically kill senescent cells and thus contribute to improved health in old age.
  • Duration: 2023 – 2027
  • Funded by: FWF

Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

Assoc.Prof. Priv.Doz. Mag.pharm.
Corina Madreiter-Sokolowski,  PhD
T: +43 316 385 71948

Gesundes Altern

Video aus der Reihe "Wissenswert"