Etienne Hébert Chatelain, PhD, Université de Moncton

Mitochondrial signaling in pathophysiological conditions

From 12 pm to 1 pm on Friday June 30th, 2017

At the Amphithéâtre de l’Auberge MGR-HENRI-CORMIER Lodge

Summary : Mitochondrial signaling in pathophysiological conditions

Mitochondria are crucial organelles for the proper functioning of cells. They are the ones that transform the energy contained in the nutrients, into a molecule usable by our cells, ATP. They are also important in the regulation of intracellular calcium levels, the production of free radicals, cell death and the generation of certain neurotransmitters. Their activity is so important that several diseases can be caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. Our laboratory studies some mechanisms that allow to modulate the mitochondrial activity according to the needs of the cell, and that are involved in the development of different diseases. We work in particular on kinases present inside the mitochondria which target several proteins and thus modify the metabolism of the mitochondria. During this presentation, I will present some of our work on the impact of cannabinoids on the functioning of the brain. These molecules are well known for their effects on the brain and behavior. Our work has shown that cannabinoids activate receptors located in the mitochondria of brain cells. Activation of these receptors results in a signaling cascade involving a particular intra-mitochondrial kinase, PKA. By developing several genetic tools allowing us to specifically block the effects of these mitochondrial receptors, we have discovered that cannabinoids alter memory performance because they decrease mitochondrial activity in certain brain cells. This work demonstrates the importance of mitochondrial kinases not only in the adjustment of mitochondrial activity, but also in cellular physiology and behavior.