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[PHASE I]

Discover Small Molecules
Regulating Organelle Interactions

phase 1.tiff

[METHOD]

Organelle Proximity
Physiochemical Assessment System

Organelle Proximity Physiochemical Assessment System (OPPAS) is a useful tool for discovering orgnalle interaction regulators. Using OPPAS, the proximity of 6 pairs between organelles can be detected. During PHASE I, we optimized this system using organelle-specific antibodies and successfully discovered several bioactive organelle interaction regulators.

OPPAS.tiff

Mitochondria
- Endoplasmic Reticulum

Mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum form a platform called the mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM), that facilitates communication between the two organelles. The MAM regulates several physiological processes, including calcium transport, lipid synthesis, autophagy, and ER stress.

Mitochondria
- Lysosome

Mitochondria and lysosomes which are central organelles of cellular metabolism interact each other to coordinate bidirectional organelle dynamics. In particular, lysosomes directly regulate mitochondrial fission through contact sites. Mitochondria-Lysosome contacts also mediate transport of metabolites, lipids, calcium and iron.  

Mitochondria
- Peroxisome

Membrane contact sites of mitochondria and peroxisomes contribute to β-oxidation of FAs and has the ability to convey information to each other through the release of biological messengers such as ROS, lipids, or other metabolites. In addition, these organelles undergo intimate crosstalk during cellular redox metabolism. 

Endoplasmic Reticulum
- Plasma membrane

The endoplasmic reticulum directly contacts the plasma membrane, play a significant role in regulating Ca2+ signaling and maintaining homeostasis. When Ca2+ levels decrease, the STIM protein interacts with ORAI, initiating Store-Operated Calcium Entry (SOCE). Tethering between the ER and plasma membrane also regulates ion and lipid transport, signal transduction, ER morphology and remodeling.

Endoplasmic Reticulum
- Lysosome

The direct membrane contact site between the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and Lysosome facilitates transport of ions, cholesterol, lipids. It also influences lysosomal positioning, fission, and the dephosphorylation of lysosome membrane receptors by ER-based phosphatases.

Endoplasmic Reticulum
- Golgi Apparatus

The endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi interact and play roles in ceramide transport, subcellular localization, activation of lipid reverse exchange, and regulation of protein trafficking. However, many unknowns remain regarding their regulation and role in controlling key functions such as sorting and trafficking and their relevance in physiological and pathological conditions.

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