Mitochondria are far more than the cell’s “powerhouses” — they act as central hubs of metabolism and redox regulation, dynamically responding to changing cellular states. Their structure and function are tightly linked to both normal physiology and disease. This seminar will present our investigations on selected aspects of mitochondrial function, particularly (i) the dynamics of mitochondrial cristae morphology in response to metabolic states, and (ii) the role of mitochondrial metabolism and redox signalling in insulin secretion. We will highlight the surprising role of specific ATP synthase subunits in controlling cristae inflation and discuss how mitochondria contribute to insulin secretion not only by generating ATP but also through redox signalling mediated by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Together, our findings reveal how mitochondrial metabolism connects nutrient sensing with β-cell function, providing new insights into the mechanisms that regulate insulin secretion and maintain metabolic balance.

Contact at IPHYS: RNDr. Petr Ježek, DrSc.; Laboratory of Mitochondrial Physiology, petr.jezek@fgu.cas.cz