Tullio Pozzan, M.D. - "Ca2+ and cAMP signalling within and around mitochondria"

Short CV

Abstract
A unique and critical feature of signal transduction controlled by soluble second messengers is the convergence of a very large variety of extracellular stimuli onto a very small number of intracellular molecules (Ca²⁺ and cAMP in particular). Maintenance of signal specificity requires an elaborate signalling code, relying not only on controlled changes in second messenger concentration, but also on their complex spatio-temporal variations. Evidence has accumulated indicating that mitochondria can be regarded as signalling hubs, involving localized changes in the concentration of Ca²⁺ and cAMP on their surface  and within their matrix. I will discuss the approaches we have employed to selectively monitor Ca²⁺ and cAMP dynamics in these subcompartments and I will discuss a few novel findings concerning the mechanisms of mitochondrial cAMP microdomain generation and the modulation of  mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake in pathophysiological models.