The Becker group

Mitochondria fulfill essential functions like energy conversion for every eukaryotic cell. They have to import about 1000 proteins that are produced as precursors on cytosolic ribosomes. The two mitochondrial membranes are equipped with protein translocases that sort the precursors into both membranes, the intermembrane space and matrix. Our group is interested in the mechanisms and control of protein transport into mitochondria. We investigate quality control mechanisms that remove non-imported proteins and analyze the close to link between protein transport and metabolism in human cell lines and baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our goal is to understand how mitochondria are integrated into cellular environment.

The research of the AG Becker is funded by grants of the German Research Foundation (DFG). Thomas Becker is spokesperson of the DFG Priority Program SPP2453 “Integration of mitochondria into the cellular proteostasis network” and principal investigator in the SFB1218 “Mitochondrial regulation of cellular function”. 

We are always interested in applications from excellent postdocs and graduate students. Applications for practical courses, bachelor and master thesis and medical doctoral thesis are welcome. Please send your applications to thbecker@uni-bonn.de.