Dr. Tslil Ast

Biomolecular Sciences

Field

The interface of mitochondria, iron and human health

Research Focus

We study the mitochondria, and are especially passionate about their most ancient and conserved pathway- iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis

Mitochondria are essential for the function of the eukaryotic cell- why?

Over the past two decades it has become apparent that a core and ubiquitous function of mitochondria is iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster biosynthesis. These ancient co-factors, which are produced in the mitochondria, are vital for proteins that take part in DNA replication, translation, metabolism and cellular respiration. In light of these essential tasks, it's not surprising that problems in Fe-S cluster synthesis are linked to human diseases, including the most common mitochondrial disease- Friedreich's ataxia. Yet surprisingly little is known about this pathway, and how it is regulated by the cell is even more mysterious.

Our lab couples cutting edge genetic and high content tools with cell biology and biochemistry approaches to shed new light on this essential pathway and how it's wired into the human cell.

To learn more, visit: https://www.astlabweizmann.com/

To hear Tslil talking about our science, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4u6p8WmzvE&t=17s

Field

The interface of mitochondria, iron and human health

Research Focus

We study the mitochondria, and are especially passionate about their most ancient and conserved pathway- iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis

Model Organism

Major Methods