Angelika Bettina Harbauer

PINK1 stabilizes RMDN3-VAPB interaction without altering the landscape of mito-ER contact sites

The paper investigates how PINK1 stabilizes the RMDN3-VAPB interaction at mitochondrial-ER contact sites during depolarization without changing the proteomic landscape.

A physiological Na+ signal activates mitochondrial PINK1 to couple synaptic depression to caspase-3-dependent spine pruning

This study identifies a Na+-PINK1 signaling pathway that links NMDA receptor activity to mitochondrial fission and caspase-3-dependent synapse elimination during long-term depression.

Mitochondrial hitch-hiking of Mapt mRNA maintains Tau levels in axons

The paper identifies mitochondrial transport of MAPT mRNA via SYNJ2a/SYNJ2BP complex and shows its role in maintaining Tau levels and axonal growth in glutamatergic neurons.

Neuronal compartmentalization results in impoverished axonal mitochondria

The paper uses proteomics to compare mitochondrial diversity in somatodendritic and axonal compartments across neurons, finding axonal mitochondria are 'impoverished' with reduced mtDNA expression and impaired oxidative phosphorylation.

Logic-gating the HaloTag system with Conditional-Halo-ligator 'CHalo' reagents

The paper introduces CHalo reagents that conditionally ligate to HaloTag proteins, enabling light- or enzyme-triggered labeling, protein recruitment control, and enzyme activity recording.

ER-associated biogenesis of PINK1 preprotein for neuronal mitophagy

The paper shows that PINK1 precursor translation in neurons requires ER and endolysosome interaction, with DNAJB6 facilitating its transport to mitochondria for mitophagy.

Imaging membrane damage in ferroptosis and necrosis by wash-free fluorogenic chemical probes

The paper develops fluorogenic chemical probes that detect membrane damage without washing steps, enabling in vivo imaging of cell death mechanisms like ferroptosis and necrosis.

Insulin signaling regulates Pink1 mRNA localization via modulation of AMPK activity to support PINK1 function in neurons

This study shows insulin signaling modulates AMPK activity to regulate Pink1 mRNA localization, affecting PINK1 function in neurons and linking insulin resistance to mitochondrial dysfunction.

Neuronal mitochondria transport Pink1 mRNA via Synaptojanin 2 to support local mitophagy

The paper shows that Pink1 mRNA is transported with mitochondria and tethered by SYNJ2BP and SYNJ2 to support local mitophagy in neurons.