Forschung Gottfried Schatz Forschungszentrum

Research Focus: Signaling

PI: Roland Malli

Focus: Our lab focuses on better understanding the complex mutual interrelations between (ion) signaling and the metabolic activity of cells to unravel molecular mechanisms of dysfunctions in diseases. For this research, we develop and apply genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors, which allow us to visualize cell signaling and metabolism with high spatial and temporal resolution. We developed and optimized fluorescent biosensors for ATP, Ca2+ nitric oxide, vesicular pH alterations, mitochondrial protein import, and subcellular K+ signals which all open doors for yet unfeasible high-content research.

Network: Med Uni Graz: Kathrin Eller (Nephrology), Wolfgang F. Graier, Klaus Groschner und Tobias Madl (Gottfried Schatz Research Center). International: Emrah Eroglu (Sabanci University, Turkey), Hiromi Imamura (Kyoto University, Japan), Jesse Hay (University of Montana, USA), Randal Kaufmann (Sanford Burnham Prebys, USA), Robert Lukowski (Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Deutschland), Nikolaus Plesnila (Klinikum der Universität München, Deutschland), Thomas Simmen (Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Kanada).

Projects

Development of genetically encoded potassium ion (K+) indicators

  • This research project aims to develop novel fluorescent K+ biosensors that can be targeted to cellular organelles and subdomains of cells. Accordingly, the novel fluorescent probes will enable real-time recordings of local subcellular K+ signals and, thus, will allow investigating intracellular K+ fluxes to gain our understanding of the signaling role of this fundamental ion in health and diseases.
  • Duration: 2018-2021
  • Funded by: FWF
  • Projects partners: Nikolaus Plesnila (Klinikum der Universität München, Deutschland); Robert Lukowski (Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Deutschland), Wolfgang F. Graier, Kathrin Eller, Klaus Groschner (Med Uni Graz).

Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

Assoz.-Prof. Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr.
Roland Malli  
T: +43 316 385 71956

Team

Members