Team:
Elisa Fagnani, Mario Milani, Eloise Mastrangelo, Francesco Bonì
Collaborators:
IBF-CNR Genova, Università degli Studi di Milano
Apoptosis Inducing Factor (AIF) is a highly conserved mitochondrial flavoprotein involved in NADH-dependent redox processes and widely recognized for its role in caspase-independent apoptosis. Beyond apoptosis, AIF plays a critical role in maintaining mitochondrial energy homeostasis by supporting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) process, through its interaction with CHCHD4, a key regulator of protein import and oxidative folding within the mitochondrial intermembrane space. Pathogenic mutations in the AIFM1 gene are associated with severe neurodegenerative mitochondriopathies, although the molecular basis of these disorders remains largely unresolved.
Funding:
FONDAZIONE CARIPLO
