Marisa Brini

This study identifies VDAC1 as a regulator of DJ-1's mitochondrial matrix localization, showing its role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and neuronal survival under stress.

The paper shows that an optimal ER-mitochondria distance of ~20 nm is critical for efficient Ca2+ transfer and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, with reduced distances observed in Parkinson's disease astrocytes.

This study shows that in Alzheimer's disease astrocytes, protein synthesis is impaired through PERK-independent p-eIF2 activation, linked to altered ER-mitochondria interactions, affecting homeostatic functions.