The dynamic network of mitochondria, the cell’s powerplants, is constantly reshaped through fission and fusion, processes essential for cellular function. During apoptosis, or programmed cell death, mitochondrial fission intensifies, leading to extensive fragmentation. Simultaneously, apoptosis effector proteins permeabilize mitochondria to activate the cell death machinery. However, the composition of the protein complexes driving mitochondrial fragmentation, their interactions with the apoptotic machinery, and how they are targeted to specific mitochondrial fragmentation sites remain unclear.
Sarah’s project ‘SuperCut’ will explore the interplay between the mitochondrial fission protein DRP1 and key cell death regulators BAX and BAK during apoptosis, revealing their ultrastructure and dynamics at the nanoscale. Using cutting-edge super-resolution techniques, such as single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) and MINFLUX, ‘SuperCut’ will map the molecular architecture of DRP1 fission sites, their spatial relationship to the apoptotic pore, and track the motion patterns of the proteins along the mitochondrial outer membrane on the temporal and spatial nanoscale. “I feel incredibly honored to have been awarded this fellowship, which allows me to combine my two passions: solving biologically relevant questions with advanced microscopy techniques”, Sarah says. “My background in apoptosis research and super-resolution imaging, the collaboration with the Max Planck Institute in Frankfurt, and the expertise of the Ries lab create the perfect foundation for groundbreaking discoveries.” By mapping the mitochondrial fission machinery during cell death, ‘SuperCut’ aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which it is regulated, explore how its dysregulation contributes to disease, and identify potential therapeutic strategies.
Sarah studied molecular biology at the University of Vienna, developing an early passion for microscopy. After completing her Master’s thesis at Yale University, she gained industry experience at Boehringer Ingelheim in the cancer immunology department. She then pursued her PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences in Göttingen, Germany, where she used STED microscopy to investigate the apoptotic pore. Following her PhD, she worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the Fraunhofer Institute Göttingen, contributing to the establishment of the Department for Automated High-Resolution Microscopy. In summer 2025, she will join the Perutz as an MSCA fellow.
About Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions are among Europe's most competitive and prestigious research and innovation fellowships. They aim to foster career development and training of researchers at all career stages, including and perhaps most prominently postdoctoral researchers. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions seek to promote interdisciplinary research and international collaborations.