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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Prof. Shana Kelley, University of Toronto
Accessing the Powerhouse of the Mammalian Cell with Mitochondria-Penetrating Peptides
School of Chemistry & Biochemistry Special Seminar
The mitochondria of human cells play a central role in the life and death of the cell due to the diverse processes and proteins, such as energy production and cell death regulators, that it houses. The role of mitochondria in cancer progression and tumorigenesis has been widely acknowledged. A major challenge to the study of mitochondrial processes and the development of mito-targeted therapies is presented by the impermeability of the innermost mitochondrial membrane and its highly negative membrane potential, which exclude most exogenous molecules from the organelle. We have developed a new class of peptide-based mitochondria-targeting vectors that can deliver various cargos to this previously impenetrable organelle. We have used these vectors to understand the chemical requirements for mitochondrial entry, to study oxidative stress in the organelle, and to deliver several different therapeutics. Insights into the unique features of this organelle gained from the use of these peptides will be presented.
For more information contact Prof. Christoph Fahrni (404-385-4432).
