The overall goal of our research is to understand the molecular mechanism of mitochondrial dynamics (fission, fusion, and motility).  Why is this important?  Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. They convert biomolecules into energy sources that cells can use to power cellular and organismal function.  To do this, mitochondria must have a specific structure; alteration of this structure changes the ability of the mitochondria to function. The processes of fission (division of the mitochondria), fusion (joining of two mitochondria), and movement within the cell work together to mediate the mitochondrial structure.  When these processes are disrupted mitochondrial structure is altered and significant functional defects arise.  To understand these processes and their role in human disease we have a variety of projects centered on the Mitochondrial Dynamics Model that was established in Dictyostelium discoideum (Schimmel et al., 2012).