Washington University in St. Louis (WU)
The Niemi lab studies how mitochondria are made and coordinated across physiological contexts. Projects in the lab include understanding the mechanisms and regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, determining how select mitochondrial proteins are targeted for degradation, and characterizing how post-translational modifications influence mitochondrial form and function. We blend classic, hypothesis-driven biochemistry, discovery-based systems approaches, and mammalian physiology to understand mitochondria at the enzymatic, organellar, and whole-organism level. Our long-term goal is to translate our discoveries into new therapeutics options that restore mitochondrial function in human disease.