Organismal Dynamics
Neuron-glia mitochondrial stress communication in ageing and neurodegeneration
Dr. Jesus Fernandez Abascal
Researcher
Summary
Our group investigates how mitochondrial stress is communicated between neurons and glial cells, and how this communication influences ageing, proteostasis and neurodegeneration. Our goal is to understand how the nervous system senses and transmits signals associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, and how these signals coordinate adaptive responses at the cellular, tissue and organismal levels.
We use Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system to study the mechanisms linking neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction with glial and systemic responses. This model allows us to combine genetics, cell biology, in vivo imaging and functional assays to examine how different cell types exchange information during stress. Through these approaches, we aim to define how neurons and glia cooperate to regulate mitochondrial homeostasis, integrated stress responses and longevity.
A central interest of the lab is to determine the role of glia as a regulatory hub for mitochondrial stress communication. While neurons have traditionally been viewed as key coordinators of systemic responses, we propose that glial cells act as essential interpreters and modulators of stress signals originating in the nervous system. Understanding this neuron-glia communication may reveal new principles explaining how organisms maintain homeostasis during ageing.
Our work also explores how mitochondrial stress responses can have beneficial or detrimental consequences depending on cellular, temporal and physiological context. In particular, we investigate how these signals affect proteostasis, neuronal function, inter-tissue communication and susceptibility to neurodegenerative processes. By identifying the molecular and cellular mechanisms connecting mitochondrial stress, glia and ageing, we seek to uncover conserved strategies that promote resilience against age-associated decline.
Overall, the lab aims to define how neuron-glia mitochondrial stress communication shapes organismal physiology and the ageing process, with a particular focus on its impact on neurodegeneration.