Xinyu Zhu, B.S. (Auburn University)
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My project is focused on using synthetic genetic arrays to uncover the additional components of mitochondrial copper homeostasis. Using this approach we have identified a novel copper phenotype linked to aconitase 2 in yeast on fermentable carbon sources. I am using traditional genetic screens and biochemical assessment of the enzymatic activities to determine how copper suppresses the growth defect.
Laura Oldfather, B.S. (Auburn University)
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My project is focused on understanding the mechanisms of mitochondrial copper transport. Using biochemical and genetic approaches, I am defining the residues important for transport of copper by the mitochondrial carrier family protein Pic2. Insights gained from studying the yeast protein will be applied to the mammalian variant SLC25A3.
Huachen Gan, B.S., Ph.D. (Fudan University)
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My project is focused on the temporal physiological changes in cells lacking SLC25A3. All the preliminary data suggests that the severe pleiotropic effects observed in these cells follow a hierarchy of inactivation. To understand the various cell changes that occur I am using siRNA knockdowns to compare and contrast with knockout mutations to parse the timing of each change. Insights gained from these studies are important for understanding the cardiac hypertrophy observed in cardiac specific SLC25A3knockout mouse.
Devadatta Gosavi, B.Pharm. (Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University)
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My project is focused on handling copper in the mitochondrial matrix. The matrix copper pool is important for assembly of cytochrome c oxidase but also numerous examples have emerged of major physiological changes linked to available matrix copper, including both cancer and immune responses. Most experiments to date have used extreme conditions and ionophores. I am using molecular biology, analytical chemistry and cell biology to investigating more the changes in the endogenous pools to understand the role of matrix copper under normal conditions.
Cobine Lab Alumni
Katherine Vest, PhD
My research focused on the transport of copper into the mitochondrial matrix. I identified Pic2 a member of the mitochondrial carrier family as a transporter capable of importing copper across the inner membrane.
Yunfeng Zhao, PhD
My research focused on the role of Coa1 in mitochondria. I discovered a defect in mitochondria biogenesis in this background that can be reversed by an ATP synthase subunit.
Hayaa Hashemi, PhD
My research focused on the role of the ubiquinone synthesis complex in the assembly of bc1 complex.
Jing Wang, PhD
My research focused on the transport of iron in mitochondria. I characterized the role of a ferric reductase in utilization of iron in mitochondria using genetic and biochemical approaches.
Micah Gammon, MS
My research focused on the sco-like protein of Xylella fastidiosa and its potential roles in microaerophilic metabolism or copper accumulation in biofilm.
Alex Borre, MS
My research focused on the copper and the E3-ubiquitin ligase Grr1. I worked to identify how copper was affecting a negative regulatory loop controlled by Grr1 on certain non-fermentable media.
Catrice Hixon, PhD
My project focused a role for copper in the neurological disorder Leigh Syndrome. I determined that SURF1 patients cell lines have compromised cellular and mitochondrial copper. I showed that a copper-ionophore complex can reverse the cytochrome c oxidase defect in these cells.
Bre'Ida Riddick,MS
My research was on the toxicity of copper in cell culture. I focused on a potential role of role of heme synthesis in modulating copper toxicity. I was also interested in how redox stress was contributing to toxicity.
Bethany Beck, MS
My research focused on using yeast genetics to determine the auxiliary transporters of copper in mitochondria.
Alex Matthews, MS
My research focused on in vitro characterization of Pic2 from yeast. Using heterologous expression system in E. coli I produced and purified Pic2 in inclusion bodies before refolding into liposomes and was able to establish the copper transport parameters.
Shelbie Cole, MS
My research focused on ionophore induced copper toxicity and the affects on mitochondrial morphology.