Thesis supervisor: Ferenc Gallyas
Location of studies (in Hungarian): PTE ÁOK Abbreviation of location of studies: ÁOK
Description of the research topic:
Mitochondria can be present as individual organelles or they can form large mitochondrial networks. Physiologically, these two forms of mitochondria are in balance with each other, characterized by continuous fragmentation and fusion. The fusion allows the mixing of membrane and matrix components, ensuring the stability of mitochondrial DNA and the elimination of mutations. During fragmentation, damaged mitochondria can be removed by mitophagy. However, under pathological conditions (e.g. during hyperglycemia or oxidative stress), mitochondrial dynamics shift toward fragmentation, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various degenerative diseases with mitochondrial involvement (e.g. neurodegenerative diseases, muscular dystrophies, diabetes). Our research aims are to influence mitochondrial dynamics with various drug candidates and to investige their potential mechanism of action.