Niemi lab freezers, now featuring magnetic science poetry

Happy Halloween from the Niemi lab, dressed as the scariest lab technique, western blots. 😂

Finally, we find that presequence strength influences yeast metabolism in a model of COX4 deletion. When fused to a leaderless COX4, only presequences that promote “strong” import behavior restore respiratory growth to wild-type levels. 8/n

We wondered if differences in presequence strength manifested in basal (i.e., untreated) conditions. We find that 7 presequences predicted to be “strong” promote highly variable import behavior, and do so in a nuanced and unique manner. 7/n

We generate a new assay, "PotLuc,” that simultaneously measures protein import and mitochondrial membrane potential. We find variable strength across presequences during uncoupling, with multiple presequences allowing import in conditions of partial to robust uncoupling. 6/n

We find that the presequences of effectors of the mitochondrial unfolded response (UPRmt) impart predicted “weak” and “strong” import behaviors to a generic cargo protein, but differences emerge only during uncoupling. These data suggest that context matters when describing presequence strength. 5/n

Using the high-throughput MitoLuc import assay, we identify multiple parameters that can be used to define presequence strength, including total amount of protein imported, maximal protein import rate, and sensitivity to uncoupling. 4/n

Can we get some biochemists into NYT games

Niemi lab and @washubbsb.bsky.social graduate student Youmian Yan gave a fantastic presentation on her work at the @asbmb.bsky.social meeting in Chicago! #ProudPI (photo credit to @kerikozul.bsky.social)

The lab knows me well - mitochondria and wordle - two of my favorite things! #newofficeart

Apparently my indirects do not support heat for my office 🥶

🙃🤔

WE FINALLY WON THE DOOR DECORATING CONTEST 🥳🥳🥳

Happy holidays from the Niemi lab!! 🎄🎄🎄

Are you going to #ASCB2024 @ascbiology.bsky.social? Excited to be co-chairing a session on Organelle Biogenesis, Turnover, & Quality Control with @labfriedman.bsky.social on Monday, 12/16. We have a fantastic line up of speakers - see you there!

Post a picture you took (no description) to bring some zen to the timeline

Barbie shirts for our Biochemistry, Biophysics, & Structural Biology program retreat this year! 🤩