Understanding mitochondrial protein import and membrane insertion

Mitochondria require the import of proteins produced by the host genome in order to carry out their biological function of adenosine triphosphate generation and the exertion and regulation of metabolism. This import is achieved by a collection of complexes located in the mitochondrial membranes, such as the translocon of the outer membrane (TOM) and translocon of the inner membrane (TIM). Professor Collinson aims to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the TOM and TIM complexes in order to determine their 3D structures using cryo-electron microscopy. He is also planning to develop a range of in vitro biochemical and biophysical assays that will enable him to dissect the molecular details of the mitochondrial import process.