Lena F. Pernas

Pathogen-induced formation of a nascent organelle derived from mitochondria

This study shows that Toxoplasma gondii induces the formation of acidified mitochondrial-derived compartments called SPOTs to support parasite growth.

Social sensing of infection reprograms peripheral immunity in healthy mice

Immune responses in healthy mammals are shaped by exposure to infected conspecifics.

Metabolic immunity to infection is driven by mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism

The paper shows ATF4 rewires mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism during infection to restrict Toxoplasma growth via folate competition.

Mitofusin 1 is required for the oocyte-granulosa cell communication that regulates oogenesis

This study shows that Mfn1 is essential for oocyte-granulosa cell communication, which regulates oogenesis, while Mfn2 has a lesser role.